Intro

Good day! In this presentation, we will be discussing the thesis statement: Chaitanya Tamhane's
feature film "Court" sheds light on the ingrained socio-political biases and class divides within
the system through its immersive portrayal of the Indian judicial system. It also highlights the
struggles and tenacity of marginalised people in their pursuit of justice.

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Released in 2014, "Court" is a critically acclaimed film that offers a deep and realistic portrayal
of the Indian judicial system. The film follows the trial of Narayan Kamble, a folk singer and
activist who is accused of inciting a sewage worker to commit suicide through his songs.
Through the lens of Narayan Kamble's trial, "Court" showcases the inherent socio-political
biases and class divides within the Indian judicial system. The film depicts how the system tends
to favour the wealthy and powerful, with the prosecutor in Kamble's case using his
socio-political status as a means to paint him as a terrorist. This is indicative of how the Indian
judicial system is often used as a tool of oppression by the ruling classes to stifle dissent and
control marginalized groups.

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Furthermore, the film also highlights the struggles of marginalized individuals in their pursuit of
justice. Kamble is from a lower-caste background, and his trial exposes the discrimination that
exists within the system. His lawyer, while well-intentioned, is also shown to be somewhat out of
touch with the realities of Kamble's situation, leading to a disconnect between them. This
emphasizes the difficulties that marginalized individuals face in accessing justice, as they often
lack the resources and support needed to navigate the complex legal system.

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In addition to highlighting the biases and struggles within the Indian judicial system, "Court"
also showcases the perseverance and resilience of marginalized individuals. Despite facing
overwhelming odds, Kamble and his supporters continue to fight for justice, using their voices
and art to raise awareness about the injustices they face. This is seen in the film's closing scenes,
where Kamble performs a powerful song that highlights the hypocrisy and corruption of those in
power.

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One of the key themes in the film is the issue of language barriers. Kamble speaks in Marathi, a
regional language, while the trial is conducted in English. This creates a significant disadvantage
for Kamble and his legal team, as they struggle to fully comprehend the proceedings and to
convey their arguments effectively. This is a common issue in India, where there are over 1,600
different languages spoken, making it difficult for many people to access legal services.

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Another aspect of the judicial system that the film highlights is the bureaucracy and delay in the
court process. Kamble's trial stretches on for years, with multiple delays and postponements.
This is indicative of the wider issue of a backlog of cases in India, which often results in
individuals being stuck in the legal system for years, if not decades. This can lead to immense
frustration and financial strain for those involved, as well as a lack of closure and justice.

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The film also touches on the issue of police brutality and corruption. Kamble is arrested and held
in police custody for an extended period of time, during which he is subjected to physical and
psychological torture. This is a common issue in India, where police brutality is widespread and
often goes unpunished. The film also suggests that the police may be motivated by corruption,
with Kamble's arrest possibly being influenced by bribes or political pressure.

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One of the strengths of "Court" is its portrayal of multiple perspectives and voices. The film
presents not only the perspectives of Kamble and his legal team but also those of the prosecutor
and the judge. This helps to create a more nuanced and balanced view of the judicial system,
highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

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In terms of its cinematic style, "Court" is notable for its use of long takes and static shots, which
emphasize the mundane and bureaucratic nature of the legal system. This approach helps to
create a sense of realism and immersion, allowing the viewer to feel as if they are witnessing the
trial first-hand.

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In conclusion, "Court" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a deep and nuanced
look at the Indian judicial system. Through its immersive portrayal, the film sheds light on the
inherent socio-political biases and class divides within the system, while also highlighting the
struggles and perseverance of marginalized individuals in their pursuit of justice.