‘The Trial’ S2, directed by Umesh Bisht, began streaming on JioHotstar from 19th September and stars Kajol Devgn, Jisshu Sengupta, Ally Khan, Sheeba Chaddha, Aseem Hattangady, and Kubbra Sait.
A mildly stronger second season
The second season of ‘The Trial’ shows clear growth from its predecessor. While the personal and professional lives of those at Khanna, Dubey, and Munjal Associates continue to form the backbone of the story, the six episodes are also interspersed with engaging legal cases that add freshness and variety.
The performances across the cast feel natural, making the viewing experience more immersive. Importantly, the show is not carried by Kajol alone; the ensemble cast contributes equally with sincere portrayals.
Adapted from the acclaimed ‘The Good Wife,’ the series maintains a brisk pace that keeps the flaws from lingering in your mind—it rarely gives you time to pause and nit-pick. This combination of brisk storytelling and committed performances ensures that the show feels far more assured this time around.
Plotlines and power struggles
This season begins with cracks deepening in Noyonika (Kajol) and Rajeev’s marriage. Rajeev (Jisshu Sengupta), fresh out of jail, is determined to contest state elections against Narayani Dhole (Sonali Kulkarni), the law minister.
Meanwhile, Param Munjal (Karanvir Sharma) arrives from Delhi as the new partner in the law firm, bringing along his team and a clear intent to shake things up. Noyonika continues to share an understated bond with Vishal Chaubey (Ally Khan), but it never crosses the threshold of friendship. Adding to the tension, Malini (Sheeba Chaddha) plans to start a new firm with Ketan Bhai and invites Noyonika to join as a partner.
As the political contest between Rajeev and Narayani intensifies, Noyonika finds herself reluctantly drawn into the game, torn between her personal loyalties and her professional duties. The intrigue around shifting alliances makes this season feel more layered and unpredictable than the first.
Cases that add depth
Beyond the office politics and personal drama, ‘The Trial’ dedicates equal attention to its courtroom stories. The firm handles cases ranging from a young girl’s sexual assault to a child’s death due to construction negligence, from a social media influencer’s hit-and-run scandal to the killing of a drug peddler by a couple in love.
Each case is given a well-defined arc, seamlessly stitched into the larger narrative. Their contemporary relevance adds weight to the series. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the storytelling is that Kajol, despite being the star, is not always at the center. By giving space to other characters, the show feels more grounded and believable.
These cases also serve as mirrors to the larger moral dilemmas faced by the characters, adding a subtle richness to the narrative.
Performances that elevate the drama
Kajol delivers a layered performance, portraying Noyonika with stoic grace. Her character endures betrayal yet holds steady for the sake of her children, showing both resilience and vulnerability. Aly Khan as Vishal Chaubey is measured and dignified, bringing warmth to his role.
Sheeba Chaddha, with her seasoned screen presence, steals scenes with ease. Jisshu Sengupta makes Rajeev’s conflicted persona believable, while Sonali Kulkarni impresses as a shrewd, calculating figure. Aiman Sheikh brings raw authenticity to her role as Twinkle, a victim of sexual assault, and Kubbra Sait adds credibility as a no-nonsense investigator. Together, the cast ensures that no single performance feels wasted.
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An engaging but flawed ride
Season two of ‘The Trial’ is sharper and more layered than the first. Its strength lies in balancing personal drama with socially relevant cases while giving ample space to an ensemble cast that thrives. The pacing works in its favor, masking narrative rough edges. Yet, its breakneck speed can also feel like a cover-up, leaving little room for emotional beats to fully land.
Despite occasional predictability in subplots, the series succeeds in keeping viewers invested. In the end, it’s an engaging watch that benefits from its cast’s sincerity and its mix of politics, law, and personal conflicts—flawed, yes, but engaging nonetheless. For viewers seeking a mix of courtroom drama and personal intrigue, this season offers a satisfying, if imperfect, ride.
Rating: 3/5
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