You’ve probably seen the posters or caught a snippet of the trailer. It looks like your typical legal thriller, right? But Court: State vs A Nobody (often searched as Court State vs Nobody) is doing something a bit different. Released in March 2025, this Telugu-language film—backed by the actor Nani—has sparked a massive conversation about how the law can be weaponized.
Honestly, the "Nobody" in the title is the most important part. It refers to Mettu Chandrasekhar, played by Harsh Roshan, a kid from a working-class background who gets caught in a legal nightmare simply for falling in love. It’s a classic David vs. Goliath setup, but the cast is what makes it feel grounded and, frankly, terrifyingly real.
The Court State vs Nobody Cast: Who is Who?
The strength of this movie isn't just in the script. It’s in the faces. Director Ram Jagadeesh didn't just go for big names; he went for actors who could disappear into the grime and the polished wood of a courtroom.
- Priyadarshi Pulikonda (Surya Teja): He’s the heart of the movie. Most of us know Priyadarshi for his comedic timing, but here, he’s a junior lawyer trying to find his footing. He plays Surya Teja with a mix of desperation and raw integrity.
- Sivaji (Mangapathi): If you want to see a performance that will make your skin crawl, this is it. Sivaji plays the antagonist, an influential man who uses his status like a sledgehammer. He doesn't play a cartoon villain; he plays a man who genuinely believes his social standing gives him the right to destroy a "nobody."
- Harsh Roshan (Chandu): As the titular "Nobody," Harsh brings a vulnerability that makes the stakes feel personal. He’s the 19-year-old boy falsely accused under the POCSO Act.
- Sridevi Apalla (Jabilli): She plays the girl at the center of the storm. Her chemistry with Harsh is innocent, which makes the subsequent legal battle feel even more cruel.
- Sai Kumar (Mohan Rao): A veteran presence. He plays Surya Teja’s senior, providing that gravitas only a seasoned actor can bring.
The Supporting Players
You can't have a courtroom drama without a solid ensemble. Rohini plays Seetha Ratnam (Jabilli’s mother), and her performance adds a layer of maternal conflict that’s often missing from these types of films. Harsha Vardhan shows up as the opposing counsel, Damodhar, and he is excellent at being the guy you love to hate in the courtroom.
Other notable cast members include:
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- Subhalekha Sudhakar as the paternal grandfather.
- Surabhi Prabhavathi as Chandu’s mother.
- Rajasekhar Aningi as Chandu’s father.
Why the Casting of Sivaji Changed Everything
There’s been a lot of chatter online about Sivaji’s role. For years, he was the "boy next door" or the hero. Seeing him transition into a "rigid supremacist" like Mangapathi was a shock to the system for many Telugu cinema fans.
But that's why it works.
His character, Mangapathi, is Jabilli’s uncle. He views Chandu and Jabilli's relationship as a stain on his family’s "honor." Instead of just a shouting match, he uses his money and political ties to frame Chandu. It’s a chilling reminder of how easily the POCSO Act—a law designed to protect children—can be manipulated by those with power to settle personal scores. Sivaji doesn't overact. He just sits there with a cold, calculated authority that is far more intimidating than any physical threat.
The Realism Behind the Roles
Director Ram Jagadeesh has been open about the fact that while the story is fictional, it’s inspired by hundreds of real case files from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This weight is felt in the performances.
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The Court State vs Nobody cast had to handle sensitive material. The movie deals with the misuse of the POCSO Act, which is a controversial and delicate topic. Priyadarshi, in particular, had to balance the technicalities of legal jargon with the emotional burden of representing a boy whose life is being systematically dismantled.
Interestingly, the film was produced by Prashanti Tipirneni and presented by Nani under the Wall Poster Cinema banner. They have a reputation for picking "content-heavy" scripts, and this cast was clearly handpicked to deliver a message rather than just a box-office hit.
How the Film Ranks in 2025
Since its digital release on Netflix, the movie has found a second life. People are dissecting the courtroom scenes, specifically the cross-examinations between Priyadarshi and Harsha Vardhan.
It’s not just a "lawyer movie." It’s a study of class disparity.
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The contrast between the "Somebody" (the elite, the connected) and the "Nobody" (the watchman's son) is the engine that drives the plot. When you watch the Court State vs Nobody cast in action, you aren't just watching a trial. You're watching a social critique.
Actionable Insights for Viewers
If you haven't watched it yet, keep an eye on the non-linear storytelling. The way the flashback of Chandu and Jabilli’s relationship is interwoven with the grim reality of the trial is masterful. It forces the audience to hold onto the "innocence" of the characters even as the system tries to paint them as criminals.
- Look for the nuances: Pay attention to Sai Kumar's scenes with Priyadarshi. They offer some of the most "human" moments in an otherwise tense film.
- Check the legal context: The film has sparked discussions about the need for better safeguards within the POCSO Act to prevent its misuse in "honor" related cases.
- Watch the background: The cinematography by Dinesh Purushothaman uses Visakhapatnam not just as a backdrop, but as a character that highlights the gap between the wealthy villas and the humble homes.
The movie ends on a note that feels earned. It doesn't offer a "happily ever after" in the traditional sense, but it provides a sense of justice that feels like a hard-won victory for the "nobodies" of the world. If you're looking for a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, this is the one to put on your list.