The Trial REVIEW: Kajol makes a smashing OTT debut but the story lacks impact

Series: The Trial

Director: Suparn S Varma

Star cast: Kajol, Alyy Khan, Jisshu Sengupta, Manasvi Mamgai, Sheeba Chaddha, Gaurav Pandey, Kubbra Sait

Bollywood Bubble ratings: 2.5/5 stars (based on two episodes)

Kajol starrer The Trial REVIEW:

Note: Kajol starrer The Trial review is based on two episodes, not the entire series.

Kajol starrer The Trial is an adaptation of the American series, The Good Wife. Given the fact, I have not seen the original series fully, the Indian version looks a bit desultory. Nevertheless, the good part of the series is that the makers have kept it quite desi, keeping the Indian context. It is easy for people to understand the context better I feel. I have seen just 2 episodes and whatever I have seen, it looks quite intense with several flaws.

After her husband Rajiv Sengupta gets arrested for a sex scandal, Noyonika Sengupta takes charge to manage her family singlehandedly. After taking a sabbatical, she once again gains her strength and sets foot outside the house. She once again dons the black coat for her family despite being ridiculed for her husband’s infamous sex scandal. Kajol tries to strike a balance between personal and professional life. Even though it takes a toll on either one of them, she breakdowns juggling between the two.

Story:

A housewife is forced to take full responsibility for her family after her husband is imprisoned over a corruption and sex scandal.

Highlights of The Trial:

Suparn S Varma raised some key points in the series and it might look small and petty but it is important. For instance, when Kajol tells her husband to at least maintain the marriage, you may think she is talking like a 1950s wife but it is still relevant. Her behaviour towards her husband is so apt in today’s generation especially when marriages nowadays come with an expiry date.

Suparn also points out the problems that a family goes after a member is accused of an infamous act. He showed how kids are getting affected and bullied whenever their parents come under the radar.

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There’s a scene in the series where a woman is being accused of abutment to suicide after her famous boyfriend kills himself. I liked how Suparn tried to showcase that a woman is not always the reason for a man to commit suicide. I have rarely rather not seen a girl’s side of the story in such a situation and Suparn tried to the sensitive side of it. That was quite refreshing to watch. In the third episode, I’m going to see how Noyonika helps the girl from getting defamed by the media trial. I liked how Varma is highlighting such points in the series.

Drawbacks of The Trial:

Considering that I have seen two episodes, I felt the cases that Noyonika is picking are being concluded too easily. Before my interest builds up in the case, they are concluded and then I don’t feel anything for the case. I don’t feel connected to the cases or the scenarios. New episode, new case and Noyonika’s struggle in real life continue running in the background. Varma kept the intensity of a courtroom intact but the intensity of the case looks sleazy.

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The transition between the past and present looks abrupt. In the second episode, we are taken back to Noyonika’s happy days with her husband but when it comes to the present, I don’t see any connection. The edit looks a bit flimsy which could have been a little crisp.

Star performance:

Kajol makes a smashing debut in the OTT space with The Trial. She plays the role of an ace lawyer who is not only fighting in her personal life but also trying to prove herself in her professional life. Kajol looks powerful yet vulnerable. She makes it look strong and impactful. Kajol delivers a strong performance and demands all the right attention.

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Alyy Khan plays Kajol’s co-worker and he makes his performance looks easy-breezy whereas Sheeba Chaddha looks powerful as Kajol’s boss and makes quite an impact. On the other hand, Kubbra Sait plays the consultant lawyer and she plays a decent job.

Conclusion:

Concluding my review of The Trial, Kajol shines brilliantly in the series as she tries hard to sail the ship with her performance. It is not impactful but is worth watching for sure.

Watch The Trial trailer after the review

Also read: Neeyat REVIEW: Vidya Balan starrer has an intriguing plot but is marred by average performances