Release Date: September 19, 2025
Director: Subhash Kapoor
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, Huma Qureshi, Amrita Rao, Seema Biswas
Runtime: 2 hours 37 minutes
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Jolly LLB franchise has carved a niche in Bollywood for its sharp satire on the Indian legal system, blending humor with hard-hitting social commentary. Jolly LLB 3, released on September 19, 2025, raises the stakes by pitting the two Jollys—Advocate Jagdishwar “Jolly” Mishra (Akshay Kumar) and Advocate Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi (Arshad Warsi)—against each other in a courtroom showdown that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, this third installment delivers a rollercoaster of emotions, witty dialogues, and a poignant message, though it occasionally stumbles under its ambitious scope.
Plot: A Tale of Two Jollys
The story centers on Janki Rajaram Solanki (Seema Biswas), a widow seeking justice after her farmer husband’s suicide, triggered by the illegal seizure of their land by the powerful Imperial Group of Companies. The case lands in the court of the ever-quirky Judge Sunderlal Tripathi (Saurabh Shukla), who presides over a legal battle between the two Jollys. Jagdishwar Mishra, the flamboyant lawyer from Jolly LLB 2, represents the corporate giant, while Jagdish Tyagi, the earnest underdog from the first film, fights for Janki. What follows is a courtroom drama packed with clever one-liners, strategic maneuvering, and emotional depth, as the film explores themes of justice, corruption, and the plight of the common man.
Performances: A Stellar Face-Off
The biggest draw of Jolly LLB 3 is the electric chemistry between Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. Kumar’s Mishra is a slick, confident lawyer with a knack for theatrics, while Warsi’s Tyagi is relatable, scrappy, and driven by principle. Their contrasting styles—Kumar’s larger-than-life charisma versus Warsi’s understated charm—create a delightful tug-of-war that keeps the audience engaged. Saurabh Shukla, reprising his role as Judge Tripathi, steals scenes with his deadpan humor and impeccable timing, proving once again why he’s the soul of the franchise. Seema Biswas delivers a gut-wrenching performance as Janki, grounding the film’s lighter moments with raw emotion. Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao, as the respective wives of the Jollys, add warmth but are underutilized in supporting roles.
Direction and Writing: Sharp but Slightly Overstuffed
Subhash Kapoor’s direction shines in the courtroom sequences, where rapid-fire exchanges and clever plot twists keep the pace brisk. His writing balances humor and drama effectively, with dialogues like “Kanoon ke haath lambe hote hain, par corporate ke haath aur lambe hote hain” landing perfectly. However, the film’s ambition to tackle multiple issues—land disputes, farmer suicides, and corporate greed—leads to a slightly cluttered narrative in the second half. Some subplots, like the personal lives of the Jollys, feel rushed and could have been fleshed out better.
Technical Aspects: A Polished Affair
The film’s production values are top-notch, with cinematography capturing the dusty vibrancy of Rajasthan and the chaotic energy of the courtroom. The editing is crisp, though a few transitions feel abrupt. The soundtrack, featuring “Bhai Vakeel Hai” and “Glass Uchhi Rakhey,” is catchy and complements the film’s tone, while Mangesh Dhakde’s background score amplifies the emotional and comedic beats. The runtime of 2 hours 37 minutes feels justified, though tighter editing could have trimmed a few repetitive scenes.
Social Commentary: Hits the Mark
Like its predecessors, Jolly LLB 3 uses humor to spotlight systemic flaws, particularly the exploitation of farmers and the nexus between power and privilege. The film’s emotional core—Janki’s fight for justice—resonates deeply, making it more than just a comedy. However, it avoids preaching, letting the story and characters drive the message home.
Box Office and Reception
With advance bookings of ₹2.1 crore and an estimated opening day collection of ₹12.50 crore, Jolly LLB 3 has hit the ground running, despite clashing with Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi. The buzz around the Akshay-Arshad face-off and the franchise’s loyal fanbase has fueled strong initial response. Audience reactions on platforms like X praise the film’s “comedy, chaos, and kalesh,” though some note the second half drags slightly compared to the razor-sharp first act.
Verdict
Jolly LLB 3 is a worthy addition to the franchise, delivering laughs, drama, and a powerful message with a stellar cast. While it doesn’t surpass the original’s simplicity or the second film’s polish, it strikes a fine balance, making it a must-watch for fans of courtroom dramas and social satires. Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi’s spirited performances, coupled with Saurabh Shukla’s comic genius, ensure this legal carnival is worth the ticket price.
