Neru - Before watching the Mohanlal starrer, stream these 5 Malayalam courtroom dramas

Mohanlal starrer Neru is gearing up for its theatrical release on December 21. The movie, helmed by Jeethu Joseph, is a compelling legal drama that unfolds with the tale of Sara, played by Anaswara Rajan, a visually impaired sculptor who seeks justice after a traumatic incident. Also starring Priyamani, the movie is an intense courtroom drama that sees Mohanlal adorning the role of an advocate after 13 years. The trailer was well-received by viewers, who praised the Drishyam star’s performance and are eagerly waiting for the film’s big screen release.

Before Neru, Malayalam cinema offered many courtroom dramas, both in crime and comedy genres. Here are five such films streaming on OTT:

1. Jana Gana Mana

Streaming on: Netflix

This 2022 blockbuster courtroom drama, headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran and Suraj Venjaramoodu, unravels a highly dramatic but socially relevant narrative. When a professor’s death causes uproar across the nation, a policeman meticulously probes the case. However, it soon puts the officer in trouble. The story then follows advocate/DCP Aravind Swaminathan’s (Prithviraj) efforts to seek justice. Jana Gana Mana, directed by Dijo Jose Antony, also features Pasupathi Raj, GM Sundar, Mamta Mohandas and Sri Divya in pivotal roles. 

2. Mukundan Unni Associates

Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

One of the best dark comedies from the recent past, Vineeth Sreenivasan starrer Mukundan Unni Associates revolves around advocate Mukundan Unni (Vineeth), who wants to be successful and leaves no stone unturned to achieve growth, prosperity, and respect. But his evil ways to strengthen his career are aided by greed, which comes with a cost. The Abhinav Sunder Nayak directorial was well-received for its portrayal of grey characters and for its well-written screenplay. Suraj Venjaramoodu and Aarsha Chandini Baiju also play lead roles in the film.

Neru trailer review – Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph promise a solid, intriguing courtroom drama 

3. Nna Thaan Case Kodu

Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

One of the very few films known for the realistic portrayal of a typical Indian courtroom scenario, Kunchacko Boban starrer Nna Thaan Case Kodu is a comedy drama that revolves around Kozhummal Rajeevan, a former thief who is falsely accused of theft. As the story moves forward, Rajeevan has to collect all evidence to prove his innocence at the court. How far he succeeds forms the crux of the story. Directed by Ratheesh Balakrishna Poduval, the movie opened to positive reviews and also received various accolades, including the ‘Special Jury Award for Acting’ conferred on Kunchacko at the 53rd Kerala State Film Awards. 

4. Saudi Vellakka

Streaming on: SonyLIV

This Tharun Moorthy-directed emotional drama, starring Operation Java fame Lukman Avaran, revolves around Abhilash Sasidharan (Lukman), who is summoned to appear in the court for a case from his childhood. The case, which was filed by his parents when he was hit by a woman as a kid, is now revised in court and the rest of the film revolves around the difficulties faced by the accused in handling the case, making it an emotional watch. The film was well-received for its unique storyline. The cast also includes Devi Varma, Binu Pappu, Sujith Shankar, Dhanya Ananya and Gokulan.

5. Melvilasom

Streaming on: YouTube

We cannot miss the Suresh Gopi and Parthiban starrer court martial drama Melvilsom, helmed by Madhav Ramadasan. The movie revolves around the progress of a court martial of a Dalit soldier, Sawar Ramachandran (Parthiban), who has been accused of killing Captain Verma and attempting to kill Captain Kapoor (Krishna Kumar), while on guard duty. When Captain Vikas (Suresh Gopi) tries to unravel the truth behind Sawar’s motive, several details shock the court. Melvilasom was a good attempt in revealing hidden caste discrimination faced by soldiers. It also features Ashokan, Thalaivasal Vijay, Nizhalgal Ravi and Sanjay in pivotal roles.

Watch Koose Munisamy Veerappan, Kadak Singh, Scam 2003, Chaaver and more on OTTplay, by subscribing to the Jhakaas monthly pack which provides access to 19 OTTs at just ₹49 for the first month.