Jolly LLB 3, the latest installment in the popular franchise, brings together two fan-favorite protagonists, Jagdishwar Mishra (Akshay Kumar) and Jagdish Tyagi (Arshad Warsi), for a clash that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film continues the legacy of using courtroom drama with wit and heart to address pressing societal issues. The story, which starts with a farmer’s suicide, is a powerful commentary on corporate greed, land acquisition, and the plight of India’s farmers. Although the initial half hour might be a bit slow, the film quickly picks up momentum, becoming an engaging, sharper, and immersive cinematic experience.
Direction and Technical Side
Subhash Kapoor, a director known for his socialist leanings, fearlessly tackles a challenging subject. His direction is both a defiant and an engaging act of filmmaking. While some critics argue that the film’s serious tone bogs it down, especially compared to the satirical silliness of the previous films, Kapoor successfully ensures the narrative doesn’t become a monotonous melodrama. The film’s cinematography, handled by Rangarajan Ramabadran, is professionally executed, though it doesn’t take many creative risks. There are, however, a few standout moments, such as a “near-fantastical” interval sequence involving camel-drawn chariots on a modern racetrack and a television presenter reporting from a protest site while perched on a bulldozer’s blade. These surreal, winning details effectively sell the film’s arguments and give the audience something to think about.While not as humorous as the previous films, Jolly LLB 3 still retains the franchise’s unique blend of humor and intensity. The humor lands more often than it misses, with biting dialogues and courtroom banter. The film’s emotional monologues and questions about morality hit hard, making the audience laugh, think, and cheer at the same time
Acting
The film shines due to its strong performances, particularly the dynamic between the two leads and the supporting cast.Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar are a delight to watch as they reprise their roles. Their evolution from bickering, money-hungry lawyers to men driven by conscience feels authentic and unforced. While their chemistry is entertaining, the film wisely allows both actors to showcase their dramatic range. However, some have noted a slight disingenuousness in giving Akshay Kumar the more dramatic and weightier moments, despite both leads possessing comparable comic skill. Saurabh Shukla, as Judge Sundarlal Tripathi, is a true scene-stealer. He remains the “spine of the franchise,” and Kapoor gives his character new layers, from sharp sarcasm to a subtle romantic arc, which adds surprising depth. Seema Biswas delivers a powerful and haunting performance as Janaki, the farmer’s wife. Her ability to convey immense pain and sadness through a single, silent expression is a testament to her immense talent. Gajraj Rao is also brilliant in his role as the scowling billionaire and the film’s main antagonist. He is that man in the film whom you can’t stop hating, even though some felt his portrayal of the businessman lacked a bit of depth. Ram Kapoor also plays his part well as the wealthy advocate for the antagonist, but the roles of actresses like Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao are largely ornamental, which is a missed opportunity.
Music
While a few songs are featured, some viewers felt that a stretched intense song and a jarring action scene felt out of place.
Overall
On the whole, the film succeeds in recreating the charm and intensity that made the franchise iconic, even if the share of laughs is a little less.