Tollywood’s groundbreaking interrogative film, “The Trial,” debuted on screens today in the Telugu states. Dive into our review to discover the film’s essence.
Plot Summary:
Roopa (Spandana Pilli), a Hyderabad policewoman, faces a tragic incident on her first wedding anniversary when her husband, Ajay (Yug Ram), accidentally falls to his death. Despite her attempts to move forward, Ajay’s family reopens the case, accusing Roopa of murder. Led by Rajeev (Vamsi Kotu), the investigation unravels surprising details about the couple’s life, revealing mysteries surrounding Ajay’s untimely demise. Is Roopa innocent or a murderer? The film navigates the complexities, shedding light on the ultimate truth.
Pros:
While interrogation scenes are not unfamiliar to audiences, “The Trial” stands out by placing this element at the forefront, making it the first interrogative film in Telugu cinema. Carefully crafted scenes captivate the audience’s attention.
Spandana Palli deserves praise for her compelling performance. Her acting and mannerisms keep viewers guessing about her character until the end, effortlessly embodying the role. Vamsi Kotu delivers a satisfactory performance, and Yug Ram, despite minimal screen time, adeptly fulfills his character’s requirements.
The cinematography and music enrich the film’s quality, and revelations in the second half promise engagement.
Cons:
Director Raam Ganni’s intentions are commendable, but the pacing in the first half could have been accelerated for better audience engagement. Dialogues between Roopa and Rajeev could have been more effectively written to infuse suspense into the narrative.
While Vamsi Kotu performs well, occasional unnecessary pauses in dialogue delivery create moments that feel like forgotten lines. The events post-interrogation in the first half become somewhat tedious, but the well-crafted screenplay rescues the second half.
A more strategic casting could have broadened the film’s appeal.
Technical Aspects:
As both writer and director, Raam Ganni does an acceptable job, allowing room for creative yet engaging conversations. The screenplay in the first half has potential for improvement.
Sai Kumar Dara’s cinematography and Saravana Vasudevan’s score significantly contribute to the film’s aesthetic. A more concise edit in the first half could have heightened the engagement factor.
Verdict:
“The Trial” is an acceptable crime thriller, propelled by Spandana Pilli’s noteworthy performance and strong technical elements. However, monotonous scenes, a slow-paced first half, and a lack of a robust conflict point are drawbacks. The film may find appreciation primarily among crime thriller enthusiasts.