‘Jolly LLB 3,’ directed by Subhash Kapoor, was released in theatres on 19th September and stars Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, Gajraj Rao, Ram Kapoor and Seema Biswas.
‘Jolly LLB 3’ takes on a subject that is both urgent and sensitive—the struggles of farmers in India. Drawing inspiration from the Bhatta-Parsaul incident of 2011, when farmers resisted forced land acquisition by the UP government, the film turns a real issue into a courtroom battle that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A courtroom drama with a strong message
Director Subhash Kapoor once again shows his grip over storytelling, balancing humour with drama, and delivering a film that keeps audiences engaged. The big highlight here is the return of Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar, both of whom had separately played Jolly in the earlier installments. Their coming together adds charm and energy, with the duo bouncing off each other through their banter, buffoonery, and simple-minded antics. The chemistry works, and it gives the film a lighter edge even when the subject matter is grim.
Focussing on farmers' plight
The story begins with a tragic incident—a farmer in Bikaner dies after his land is grabbed by Imperial Industry, which is hand in glove with corrupt officials. With the company manipulating the system so all legal matters fall under Delhi’s jurisdiction, a group of farmers from Bikaner, too poor to afford transport, are left with no choice but to walk all the way to the capital to seek justice. Hari Bhai Khaitan (Gajraj Rao), the powerful owner of the industry, tries to settle matters by offering compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to the farmer’s widow, Janki Solanki (Seema Biswas). She refuses, and Khaitan vows to take over the land of the entire village. At first, Jagdishwar Mishra (Akshay Kumar) defends Khaitan without knowing the full story. Once he realizes the company’s true intentions, he backs out. Meanwhile, Jagdish Tyagi (Arshad Warsi), at his wife’s insistence, takes up Janki’s case. Eventually, Mishra joins hands with him, and the two Jollys find themselves united in the pursuit of justice.
Strong beginning, uneven follow-through
With a runtime of about 160 minutes, ‘Jolly LLB 3’ starts on a promising note. The courtroom shifts to Delhi this time, moving away from the Uttar Pradesh setting of the earlier films. The first half is light, peppered with jokes and banter, while the second half becomes serious and focuses on the heart of the matter. Kapoor cleverly drops in references to real events, including a cheeky nod to Vijay Mallya, to make the story more contemporary. That said, the film isn’t without flaws. Seema Biswas, despite being a central character, is underutilized. Her role mostly stays in the background until a moving final scene in court where her breakdown is genuinely affecting. The story also misses the chance to dig deeper into the lives of the farmers. While the opening builds their struggle well, the film doesn’t follow through with the same depth. For a subject so relevant, the treatment sometimes feels superficial.
Saurabh Shukla steals the limelight
The film’s real strength lies in its performances. Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi share equal space and play off each other beautifully. Their comic timing, combined with moments of genuine emotion, makes their bond convincing. Gajraj Rao is excellent as Khaitan, bringing quiet menace to the role of a businessman who values profit above all else. Ram Kapoor also makes a mark as the suave lawyer, adding weight to the opposition.
But once again, it is Saurabh Shukla who quietly walks away with the film. As Judge Tripathi, he is both humorous and heartfelt, his presence grounding the film with warmth and sincerity. The little touches in his characterization—including a Valentine’s Day celebration—make him the soul of the courtroom scenes.
Missed opportunities, yet an engaging ride
While the film entertains, there are missed chances to add more punch. The restaurant sequence with Saurabh Shukla, Akshay, Arshad, Huma, and Amrita doesn’t land any laughs. Similarly, the meeting between the two Jollys over alcohol bottles could have been developed. Yet, the final 30 minutes in the courtroom redeem these lapses. The exchanges are sharp, the tension is real, and the arguments force the audience to reflect on issues that go beyond the screen. ‘Jolly LLB 3’ may not explore its subject with the depth it deserves, but it still leaves a mark with its blend of humour, drama, and moral conflict. Flaws aside, it remains a courtroom drama worth watching—carried by strong performances, a relevant message, and moments that stay with you.
Rating: 3.5/5
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
