- By Sukanya Saha
- Fri, 14 Jul 2023 11:02 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kajol steps into the world of web series with Suparn Verma's 'The Trial - Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha,' an eight-episode series that serves as an adaptation of the popular CBS show 'The Good Wife.' The show reflects the shifting dynamics of our society. However, if you believe that 'The Trial' aims to promote positive and essential transformations in family traditions, society, and the legal system, you couldn't be more mistaken. Therefore, brace yourself for a narrative centred around betrayal and evil, permeating every aspect of the show, be it the drama, law and justice, profession, love, or promises.
Plot:
Rajeev Sengupta's (Jisshu Sengupta) scandalous video with a female 'escort goes viral, resulting in his suspension from his legal profession. His wife, Noyonika (Kajol), is deeply saddened by the situation but must take responsibility for their children and the family's well-being, prompting her to seek employment outside. Noyonika's former boyfriend, Vishal (Alyy Khan), offers her an opportunity to work as an intern at his law firm for a probationary period of six months. Noyonika finds herself in competition with another intern, Dheeraj (Gaurav Pandey), who is favoured by one of the bosses, Malini (Sheeba Chaddha).
(Screen grab from trailer)
The children, weighed down by their father's tarnished image, experience a sense of shame when it comes to attending school or being seen in public. However, Noyonika refuses to back down and decides to confront the challenges head-on instead of avoiding them. Amid handling new legal cases, navigating workplace pressures, dealing with her husband's legal troubles, and facing conspiracies, Noyonika endeavours to assert her identity as a resilient woman capable of conquering any obstacle.
Cast Performances:
Kajol delivers a nuanced and restrained performance that resonates with viewers in a profound manner. As Noyonika, she skilfully portrays the character's multifaceted struggles encompassing work, family, and societal challenges, including themes of sexism, friendships, and favours. Kajol's ability to captivate the audience remains consistent, even in scenes that may be considered less impactful.
When it comes to the ensemble cast, actors such as Sheeba Chadha, Aamir Ali, and Kiran Kumar delivered solid performances within the limitations of their relatively unimpressive character arcs. However, it is worth noting that Kubbra Sait, Alyy Khan, and Gaurav Pandey shine as standout performers, benefiting from more screen time and more comprehensive character developments.
(Screen grab from trailer)
Sait's portrayal is a breath of fresh air, as she brings depth and brilliance to her character. Khan's subtle performance and commanding baritone voice are remarkable. Finally, Pandey shines in his role as a young intern, infusing a youthful energy into his performance while also delivering effectively in the more intense scenes. Jisshu Sengupta also showcased his talent, effortlessly blending suavity with toughness, making him an equal match to his co-star.
What Works For The Series?
The most compelling aspect of the show is the intricate dynamic within the family, encompassing a determined mother, two teenage daughters, and the aftermath of their disgraced father. Director Suparn Verma skilfully crafts scenes involving the daughters, striking a delicate balance of empathy, practicality, and a touch of hope and curiosity that reflects the realities of their situation.
'The Trial' also ambitiously tackles various trending elements of today's world, and the makers put tremendous effort into addressing these themes. The influence of social media, news headlines, and reality shows is evident throughout the series.
What Doesn't Work For The Series?
The show might make you question the roles of other senior lawyers in the company, as Noyonika, a talented intern on a probation period of six months, effortlessly finds herself arguing high-profile court cases as if she had never been away for 13 years!
The series covers various themes and concepts, but unfortunately, it fails to fully explore any of them. While it aims to depict the fight for law and justice, the focus seems to be more on lawyers prioritising their clients' reputation and commercial interests. The series also touches on the theme of a woman betrayed by her husband, but it falls short by portraying her engaging in a similar mistake through an extramarital affair. Additionally, ‘The Trial’ attempts to shed light on the destructive power of media trials, but it resolves this aspect through a character's medical condition rather than through courtroom arguments.
(Screengrab from trailer)
'The Trial' also attempts to portray a love triangle, but it falls short in its execution. Both the themes of justice and love lack the necessary development and refinement. While some of the cases introduced initially show promise, they ultimately fail to leave a lasting impact and are rather average.
The exploration of a medical insurance fraud could have been enlightening to the audience, shedding light on loopholes and tricks, but the show concludes with political references, leaving the subject unexplained.
Conclusion:
'The Trial' falls short of being an extraordinary web series and instead proves to be a major disappointment. Despite its talented star cast, the series fails to live up to its potential and falls behind in raising the bar for legal dramas. It lacks the sharpness and compelling elements that could have made it a gripping production.