Kooran is not your usual courtroom drama—it’s a film that takes an unexpected yet intriguing route. At its heart is a grieving mother dog seeking justice for her puppy, who was killed in a hit-and-run. And who does she turn to? A once-famous lawyer, Dharmaraj (SA Chandrasekaran), who still believes in justice, even when it comes to an animal’s pain.
The story unfolds in the picturesque town of Kodaikanal, where unusual things happen—a dog persistently waits outside the police station as if filing a complaint, a blind man sketches the exact faces of people he only speaks to, and Dharmaraj has a giant bell outside his house, much like King Manuneethi Cholan, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to justice. While the premise might sound bizarre, director Nithin Vemupati masterfully weaves it into a gripping narrative, making us root for the dog and Dharmaraj as they set out to find the culprit.
As the case unfolds, thought-provoking questions arise—how can a dog testify in court? How does a blind man play a crucial role in solving the mystery? Every time you question the logic, the film offers clever explanations that keep you hooked. There are moments where you wonder—how does the dog remember the exact date of the incident? And just when you’re about to dismiss it, the film delivers answers in ways that make it all the more engaging.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. While the premise is fresh and intriguing, the screenplay at times feels slow and stretched out, testing your patience. In a good courtroom thriller, uncovering clues and outsmarting opponents is what keeps the tension alive. But in Kooran, some of these moments feel too convenient—like when Dharmaraj prays in a church and steps out to find a key witness waiting outside, calling it an “act of God.” While this might be chalked up to cinematic liberties, such instances dilute the suspense.
There are also moments that feel exaggerated—like Dharmaraj, an elderly man, effortlessly chasing a car through the hills of Kodaikanal without breaking a sweat. These over-the-top sequences sometimes pull you out of an otherwise immersive story.
Despite these hiccups, the film shines in many ways. The performances by SA Chandrasekaran, YG Mahendran, Balaji Sakthivel, and George Mariyan are strong, bringing depth to their roles. But the real star of Kooran is the mother dog. She’s the driving force of the story, and the way the film portrays her emotions through music and cinematography is genuinely moving.
In the end, Kooran stands out because of its unique premise, emotional core, and thought-provoking moral. While the slow pacing and convenient plot points might hold it back, the film’s heart is in the right place, making it a one-of-a-kind thriller worth watching.