Director Umesh Bist reveals his collaborative approach ahead of The Trial Season 2, starring Kajol and Jisshu Sengupta. Set to stream on JioHotstar from September 19, 2025, the series adapts The Good Wife for Indian audiences.
Director Umesh Bist, known for his nuanced approach to storytelling, is preparing to return with the much-anticipated second season of The Trial. The show, led by acclaimed actors Kajol and Jisshu Sengupta, is slated to premiere on JioHotstar on September 19, 2025. As excitement builds around the release, Bist shared valuable insights into his directorial style and the creative journey behind the new season.
In a candid conversation with IANS, Umesh Bist opened up about his process of working with actors and crafting compelling narratives. When asked about the common notion that directors often need to “rein in” their actors to extract great performances, Bist disagreed strongly.
“Never ever try to rein in your actors. That’s a bad call. You have to become a part of them. And then you have to join the gang,” Bist emphasized. His philosophy reflects a collaborative approach, one that relies on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the story being told.
A Strong Foundation in Source Material
The Trial is the Indian adaptation of the widely acclaimed American series The Good Wife. Bist revealed that his admiration for the original helped him understand the intricacies of the narrative. “I am a big fan of The Good Wife. So, our source material was very rich. And, there was a certain way I wanted to narrate the story. So, that clarity I had,” he said.
For Bist, the challenge was not just about staying true to the original but also about molding it for the Indian context. With a stellar cast led by Kajol, Jisshu Sengupta, and a dedicated crew, he found the right balance between adaptation and originality.
The Challenge of Season 2
The second season of The Trial comes with its own unique set of challenges. While The Good Wife’s second season featured more than 27 episodes, Bist and his team had just six episodes of 30 minutes each to capture the essence of the story.
“Season 2 of Good Wife, if you see, is more than 27 episodes. Here we had only 6 episodes of half an hour each. So, we had to consolidate everything and get the essence out of it. And then more importantly, adapt it to our Indian situation,” he explained.
Despite the shorter format, Bist expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deliver. “Of course, Jisshu, Kajol, they all chipped in. So, we had a very good base or the foundation to start with. Once we reached the set, I had very prepared and spontaneous actors,” he said.
Chemistry on Set
During the interaction, both Kajol and Jisshu frequently cracked up, offering glimpses of the camaraderie that clearly exists behind the camera. For Bist, this ease among actors is key to bringing authenticity to the screen. His refusal to restrain performers and instead become a part of their creative process fosters a more natural and engaging result.
This creative environment is evident in Kajol’s portrayal of her character, a role that requires strength, vulnerability, and resilience in equal measure. Jisshu Sengupta, too, brings depth and conviction to his part, building on the strong base established in the first season.
Anticipation for Release
With just weeks left until the release, audiences are eagerly waiting to see how The Trial unfolds in its sophomore season. The combination of a strong narrative foundation, seasoned actors, and Bist’s collaborative directorial vision positions the series to resonate with viewers.
By refusing to rein in his actors and instead empowering them, Bist has carved a space for performances that feel organic and layered. This philosophy, combined with a sharp narrative focus, makes The Trial Season 2 one of the most anticipated streaming releases of 2025.
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As the show gears up for its September 19 release, fans of courtroom dramas and character-driven storytelling have much to look forward to. With Bist at the helm, Kajol leading the charge, and a tightly crafted narrative adapted for Indian audiences, The Trial promises to be both engaging and impactful.
