Jolly LLB 3 Review: Courtroom Humor, Justice & Drama

Release and Introduction

Friday, 19th September 2025 marked the release of Jolly LLB-3 across popular cinema halls such as INOX, Cinepolis, Miraj Cinemas, Carnival Cinemas, Mukta A2 Cinemas, Wave Cinemas, SRS Cinemas, SPI Cinemas, MovieTime Cinemas, and Asian Cinemas. Belonging to Bollywood’s courtroom drama-comedy genre, the film continues the legacy of the Jolly LLB franchise, known for its witty satire, courtroom drama, and moral debates. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film has been awaited eagerly as it brings together two popular Jollys—Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi—in a face-off that has intrigued audiences since its announcement.

Genre and Background

Jolly LLB-3 is a courtroom drama infused with humor, satire, and emotional depth. The franchise began in 2013 with Jolly LLB, which featured Arshad Warsi, followed by Jolly LLB 2 in 2017 with Akshay Kumar in the lead. Both films won critical acclaim for blending humor with pressing social issues. This third installment attempts to fuse both worlds by presenting the two Jollys together, combining nostalgia with fresh courtroom energy.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around two lawyers—Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi—both nicknamed Jolly. Their rivalry dominates both the courtroom and their personal lives, each accusing the other of stealing clients and undermining their credibility. This comedic conflict runs parallel to a serious case involving Khaitan (Gajraj Rao), a powerful businessman accused of grabbing land from villagers. Janaki (Seema Biswas), a widow of a farmer who took his own life, refuses to give up her land and drags Khaitan to court. The case unfolds before Judge Sunderlal Tripathi (Saurabh Shukla), with Khaitan’s legal defense handled by Vikram (Ram Kapoor).

The film juxtaposes humor with tragedy, presenting moments of laughter, satire, and deep emotion. From courtroom exchanges to personal enmities and alliances, the film keeps audiences engaged while addressing themes of corruption, resilience, and justice.

Performances

Akshay Kumar portrays his version of Jolly with remarkable poise, mixing restrained humor with intensity in emotional scenes. His arguments in court are delivered with energy that often provokes applause. Arshad Warsi, reprising his original role, complements Akshay with his natural comic timing and subtle expressiveness. Their on-screen chemistry drives much of the film’s entertainment.

Saurabh Shukla once again steals the spotlight as Judge Tripathi. His witty dialogues, comic expressions, and commanding presence keep the courtroom sequences lively. Gajraj Rao as Khaitan delivers a polished performance, embodying a manipulative businessman with authenticity. Seema Biswas shines as Janaki, her portrayal carrying both pain and dignity, leaving a memorable impact.

Ram Kapoor as advocate Vikram is equally strong, using his body language and expressions to heighten courtroom intensity. Supporting roles, including Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao as the wives of the two Jollys, are brief but impactful, offering stability to the protagonists’ personal arcs.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Subhash Kapoor crafts the narrative with maturity, balancing humor with a serious exploration of social justice. The first half is lighter in tone, though it doesn’t match the sharp humor of the earlier installments. However, the second half is gripping, emotional, and filled with applause-worthy moments. The screenplay, jointly penned by Kapoor and Nandan Singh, ensures that the courtroom exchanges remain the film’s strongest element. Dialogues in particular stand out—several of them sharp enough to evoke claps and cheers inside cinema halls.

Technical Aspects

Cinematography by Rangarajan Ramabadran captures the essence of the courtroom with dynamic angles, enhancing tension and drama. Editing by Chandrashekhar Prajapati is crisp in the second half, preventing the narrative from losing pace. Production design by Mansi Dhruv Mehta is authentic, reflecting both the grandeur of courtrooms and the rural landscape of the land dispute.

Action choreography by Parvez Shaikh is minimal but functional, complementing the narrative rather than overshadowing it.

Music and Background Score

The soundtrack features work from Aman Pant, Anurag Saikia, and Vikram Montrose. While the number of songs is limited, the ones included—such as the lawyer-themed track—add lightness to the film’s otherwise heavy courtroom sequences. Choreographers Ganesh Acharya and Piyush-Shazia keep the musical moments entertaining but subtle.

The background score by Mangesh Dhakde and Shrinath Mhatre deserves particular praise. It enhances emotional resonance and amplifies courtroom tension, ensuring that critical moments leave a lasting impact.

Public and Critical Reception

Audience reactions suggest that while the first half feels weaker compared to previous films, the second half redeems the film with powerful courtroom drama and emotional storytelling. Critics have highlighted Saurabh Shukla’s performance as a standout, while also appreciating Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, and Seema Biswas for their compelling portrayals. Social media discussions indicate that fans enjoyed the nostalgic pairing of the two Jollys and the intensity of their courtroom arguments.

Box Office Performance

Jolly LLB-3 opened on a strong note, earning around ₹12–14 crore on its first day. Word-of-mouth reviews are expected to boost weekend collections, with multiplexes and family audiences showing particular interest. Trade analysts believe the second-half strength and engaging performances will secure steady business in the coming weeks.

Overall Verdict

Jolly LLB-3 offers a courtroom drama that successfully combines humor, satire, and emotional impact. While the first half may feel uneven, the second half delivers on the promise of the franchise with sharp dialogues, applause-worthy moments, and heartfelt performances. The film appeals not only to fans of the series but also to viewers who enjoy socially relevant cinema presented with wit and entertainment.

Disclaimer

This Jolly LLB-3 review is not intended to defame, criticise, or undermine any artist, technician, or individual associated with the film. It is based on public opinion, research, and insights from various film critics and box office reports.