Jana Gana Mana

“Jana Gana Mana" is a 2022 Malayalam-language legal thriller film directed by Dijo Jose Antony, featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Suraj Venjaramoodu. Directed by Prithviraj Productions and Magic Frames, the movie portrays justice, power, and politics in contemporary India.

The narrative starts with the mysterious death of Prof.Saba Mariyam (Mamta Mohandas), a socially aware college lecturer. Her demise triggered protests by student Gouri Lakshmi, demanding justice. The state police behave in a brutal manner, and public outrage erupts nationwide. The Karnataka government, under pressure, deputes ACP Sajjan Kumar (Suraj Venjaramoodu) to investigate the case.

Sajjan promptly arrests four suspects and subsequently murders them in an alleged encounter before presenting them in court. He is a public hero for his speedy justice. But the case takes a dramatic turn when human rights activists lodge a complaint against the encounter, and a high-profile trial is held in court.

Enter Adv. Aravind Swaminathan (Prithviraj Sukumaran), is an eager and determined lawyer who challenges the official version of events. At the court, he discloses that Saba's killing was not the handiwork of victims of the skirmish. It was a hit-and-run that was carried out by a coworker named Vydarshan, against whom she complained of caste abuse. Aravind discovers that the police and government under Sajjan's leadership had converted this case of personal persecution into a matter of national interest to win elections and elicit sympathy from the people.

Sajjan is arrested, but it later turns out that he assisted in revealing the truth due to guilt. Aravind's battle is also personal; he was a retired DCP who was betrayed by the same system.

The film concludes on a high note, finding a balance between drama, suspense, and social commentary. "Jana Gana Mana" is impressive with its bold narration, aggressive performances, and modern themes. Prithviraj and Suraj excel in their performances, making it a must-watch courtroom drama with modern relevance