Courtroom dramas have long held audiences’ attention with their high-stakes arguments, unexpected revelations and complex questions of justice. Whether it is a lawyer challenging the system, an investigator pursuing the truth or an ordinary individual taking on powerful institutions, these stories thrive on compelling characters and performances that keep viewers invested.
From Prakash Raj’s formidable courtroom presence in Drishyam:The Conclusion to Ravi Kishan’s understated brilliance in Maamla Legal Hai, Rajkummar Rao in Prahar, Arshad Warsi in Jolly LLB and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s compelling screen presence in Hunkaar, these actors have brought distinct dimensions to stories shaped by law, conflict and the pursuit of justice.
Prakash Raj in Drishyam 3:
Prakash Raj adds a compelling new dimension to the Drishyam franchise with his portrayal of Advocate Indrajith Shetty in Drishyam: The Conclusion. As a public prosecutor entering a story built around deception, evidence and the pursuit of truth, Prakash Raj brings his trademark intensity and commanding screen presence to the legal battle surrounding Vijay Salgaonkar and his family. His character introduces another formidable presence into the franchise’s intricate world, where every revelation can shift the balance and the line between suspicion and proof remains crucial.
Ravi Kishan in Maamla Legal Hai 1&2:
Ravi Kishan brings a distinctive blend of humour, eccentricity and authority to his portrayal of V.D. Tyagi, the ambitious lawyer navigating the chaotic corridors of Patparganj District Court in Maamla Legal Hai. Across its first and second seasons, his performance captures the absurdities of the legal system while revealing the ambitions, contradictions and vulnerabilities of those working within it. As a lawyer who dreams of becoming a judge, Tyagi constantly finds himself balancing professional aspirations with the unpredictable realities of everyday cases.
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in Hunkkaar:
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub takes centre stage as Advocate Bhalerao in the 2026 socio-legal thriller Hunkkaar portraying a morally upright lawyer who takes on a challenging pro-bono case against a powerful and influential spiritual establishment. When 17-year-old Meenu Rawat, played by Aneet Padda, accuses spiritual cult leader Baapji of sexual assault, Bhalerao steps forward to represent her, setting the stage for a battle that goes far beyond the courtroom. Juggling between personal crisis and an extremely challenging case, Zeeshan’s portrayal is not only winning hearts but also breaking the internet. Clips from the recently released series featuring Zeeshan wherein he says ‘Aurat ki izzat jism ke dhaai inch mein nahi hoti,’ is particularly going viral.
Rajkummar Rao in Prahar:
Rajkummar Rao in Prahar takes the legal battle into unconventional territory. Stepping into the shoes of Advocate Ujjwal Nikam who shouldered the responsibility of fighting against the lone terrorist of the heinous 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Rajkummar not only astonishes the audience with his detailed nuances but also gives one of his best performances in the recently released film. He balances humour with conviction, and gives a fierce portrayal of a dedicated lawyer fighting for the national cause.
Arshad Warsi in Jolly LLB 1&2:
Arshad Warsi brings an engaging mix of wit, determination and courtroom tenacity to his portrayal of Jagdish Tyagi, popularly known as Jolly, in Jolly LLB. Playing a small-time lawyer who takes on a high-profile case, Warsi captures the journey of an underdog navigating a legal system dominated by influence and privilege. His performance balances humour with conviction, making Jolly’s fight for justice both entertaining and relatable. In Jolly LLB 2, the franchise continues with Akshay Kumar stepping into the role of Jagdishwar Mishra, another lawyer confronting the system in his own distinctive way. Together, the films have built a compelling cinematic universe around flawed yet determined legal professionals, using courtroom confrontations to explore accountability, corruption and the pursuit of justice.
Together, these performances demonstrate how stories involving law, crime and justice can become powerful vehicles for examining society, human behaviour and the complexities of right and wrong.
