The rapid rise of OTT platforms in recent years has assured that even A-listers are tempted to join the party.
OTT is, of course, the new multiplex.
After making their mark on this perceptive media, actors such as Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, and Kajol have experienced a new level of stardom and fan base.
In June 2023, Kajol startled everyone when she tweeted the statement, ‘Facing one of the worst trials of my life’ with a message, ‘Taking a sabbatical from social media’. Later, it was discovered that the message was a pitch for her new show The Trial.
Suparn S Verma wrote and adapted the eight-episode series for India, which is based on the American drama series The Good Wife.
True to the title, Kajol plays Noyonika Sengupta, also known as ‘the good wife’ to husband Rajeev Sengupta, who is jailed on bribery accusations and faces a media trial.
Noyonika vows to lead from the front and keep the family together while the world and reality around them change.
After a few rejections, she gets a temporary job at a law company managed by her former buddy Vishal (Alyy Khan).
On her first day of employment, she accepts the challenge of representing a client accused of murder. It’s a pro gratis case, but Noyonika’s quick thinking and battle for justice elevates her to the status of a mini-hero, forcing her seniors and colleagues to get the most out of her.
Aside from professional problems, we observe how Noyonika handles emotional situations at home and in her relationships as their story is told in brief, vital flashbacks.
The tale is fascinating, and the lead cast, led by Kajol, Jisshu, Alyy, and Sheeba Chaddha, delivers captivating performances.
Kajol is fantastic as the warrior mother-wife-lawyer with a good heart. Her mere presence has the potential to overpower her co-stars, but we get to see her humble friendship light up the abilities of the magnificent supporting cast.
A special mention should be made of Alyy Khan’s singing prowess. His crisp baritone and knowledge of dialogues are commendable.
Gaurav Pandey, Kubbra Sait, and Aamir Alido bring some zing to the proceedings, but they needed more screen time to do them justice.
The dialogues are interesting. Philosophies and life gyaan are plentiful, and some of it is worth repeating.
The overall atmosphere and vibe of the series is usually always dismal, yet the tight cutting and writing ensure that we don’t get to enjoy much in each of the characters’ pleasantries. Perhaps the urgency to communicate the bigger tale is intentional.
Most court matters are resolved in an episode or two, practically presenting Noyonika and her team as a super-efficient dream team, which may not be how the country’s judiciaries work.
Blame it on my expectations, but we’ve seen far more fascinating and true-to-life courtroom dramas in recent years, like the slow burn Criminal Justice, the lively Guilty Minds, and, of course, one of my all-time favourites, Suits.
Given that The Trial is set in a society where defamation claims, murder charges, and bribery cases are represented for months until we try of them and move on, the series romanticises an unreal legal system, serving as a continual reminder that this is all a sham.
Aside from the creative liberties, The Trial is a well-written series that I would binge watch.
The final episode twist provides enough material to keep you hoping for a powerful Season 2, if one exists.