The Trial Season 2 Review: Kajol’s Legal Drama Settles More in Emotions Than Courtroom Battles.

The Trial Season 2 Review: Kajol’s Legal Drama Settles More in Emotions Than Courtroom Battles

The much-anticipated second season of The Trial, starring Kajol, made its debut on September 19, 2025, on JioHotstar. Following the footsteps of its Indian adaptation from the acclaimed American series The Good Wife, the first season had intrigued viewers with its mix of legal drama and personal turmoil. However, The Trial Season 2 ventures into a more emotionally charged and politically sensitive narrative, often at the cost of gripping courtroom action.

Plot Overview and Character Dynamics

Picking up where the first season left off, we find Noyonika Sengupta (Kajol) grappling with personal and professional chaos. Her strained marriage with Rajeev (Jisshu Sengupta) remains central, complicated further by their younger daughter's severe panic attack and the unresolved tension surrounding her colleague Vishal’s (Alyy Khan) love confession. The story progresses three months ahead, reuniting characters at a prominent lawyers' conclave where Rajeev’s political ambitions come into sharp focus—audibly disliked by Noyonika.

New characters bring fresh disruptions to the firm Khanna & Chaubey—Param Munjal (Karanvir Sharma), the ambitious new partner, and Narayani Bhole (Sonali Kulkarni), a sharp-tongued politician who openly disapproves of Rajeev and becomes a key political antagonist. Office politics intensify with Malini Khanna (Sheeba Chaddha) planning to start her own law firm and attempting to recruit Noyonika.

Cases and Legal Storytelling

The season weaves through several emotionally loaded cases, including:

• A sexual assault allegation against a high-profile social worker, which sees Noyonika initially sceptical but ultimately believing the accuser. However, the legal narrative never builds to a gripping crescendo, ending in a clean out-of-court settlement.

• A social media influencer, Shanaya Q, caught in a drink-driving case escalating to attempted murder charges, handled by Noyonika’s former colleague Dhiraj (Gaurav Pandey). Yet, just when the legal stakes seem high, the series pulls back.

• A poignant case involving a grieving family seeking justice after a child’s death due to unsafe construction near a dumping ground. Despite the emotional weight, the storytelling remains surface-level without deep courtroom drama.

The core critique lies in the show’s avoidance of the intense legal conflicts that define the genre. Instead, many cases resolve emotionally or out of court, with almost no sharp legal duels or fiery courtroom scenes, reducing tension that audiences might expect from a legal thriller.

Writing and Performances

Compared to the first season, the writing lacks the punch and edge that made earlier characters like Daksh Rathod, a morally ambiguous TV journalist played by Atul Kumar, memorable. His absence is notably felt, as his jibes added a much-needed critical perspective on media and societal norms.

However, performances remain a standout. Kajol’s portrayal of Noyonika’s resilience anchors the show, while Jisshu Sengupta convincingly portrays a husband torn between political ambitions and family duties. Sheeba Chaddha continues to impress as the strong and commanding Malini Khanna. The addition of Sonali Kulkarni as Narayani Bhole adds a strategic and biting edge, becoming a memorable antagonist.

Emotional Subplots and Political Conflicts

The series invests heavily in the personal lives and political friction surrounding the characters. Noyonika’s family struggles with one daughter’s anxiety and the other’s rebellion, mirroring the chaotic tone of her legal career. Rajeev’s political pursuits create new tensions, particularly with Narayani Bhole’s antagonism, including public controversies such as exposing Rajeev’s brother-in-law’s participation in a Pride Parade and organizing a raid at the Sengupta home.

While these subplots add depth, they also dilute the focus on what could have been riveting courtroom clashes, resulting in a season that prioritizes drama over legal intensity.

Conclusion

The Trial Season 2 offers a mix of emotional and political drama but largely sidesteps the courtroom battles that would make it a compelling legal drama. Sharper writing and bolder courtroom storytelling might have elevated it beyond a series focused on personal conflicts and office politics. Fans of the first season will appreciate Kajol’s continued journey and the strong performances, but those seeking a thrilling, fiery courtroom series may find this season underwhelming.