Jolly LLB 3 Movie Review
Director: Subhash Kapoor
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, Huma Qureshi, Seema Biswas, Amrita Rao, Gajraj Rao
Star Rating: ★★★.5
As I settled into my seat, I felt the weight of nostalgia wash over me, having revisited Jolly LLB 1 and 2 before diving into the third installment. This franchise has carved a niche in the courtroom drama genre, steering clear of typical Bollywood elements like exuberant song and dance numbers or superficial machismo. Instead, it prides itself on engaging narratives and stellar performances.
Plot Overview
Jolly LLB 3 is helmed once again by Subhash Kapoor, who returns as both writer and director, promising courtroom chaos that fans have come to love. The film deviates from the previous cases of hit-and-runs and fake encounters, plunging into a more socially relevant topic—the plight of farmers. The story kicks off with a farmer’s suicide in Rajasthan after losing his land, a scenario based on the 2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh. At the heart of this turmoil is Haribhai Khetan (Gajraj Rao), India’s most affluent businessman, who harbors grand aspirations of creating a “Bikaner to Boston” township on the seized lands.
Both Jollys—portrayed by Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi—find themselves embroiled in this contentious legal battle, setting the stage for an intense courtroom duel. While Kapoor doesn’t extensively deviate from the established formula, he does create a comfortable landscape for the audience, evoking the familiarity of the characters. The plot progresses smoothly yet takes a minor hit when a potentially impactful scene just before the interval fails to deliver the intended punch.
The Narrative Structure
The second half of the film is where the stakes heighten, as the pursuit of justice truly begins. However, the musical score falters. A sentimental track feels unnecessary and dulls the narrative’s momentum. Nevertheless, the writing contains witty moments, enhanced by pragmatic references, including a not-so-subtle nod to a businessman who mysteriously moved to London after defaulting on colossal loans.
Character Performances
The backbone of Jolly LLB 3 is undoubtedly its cast. Akshay Kumar shines as Jolly, infusing the character with his signature mischief and delivering rousing courtroom speeches with palpable conviction. Arshad Warsi remains the epitome of comedic ease, perfectly complementing Kumar, making their interactions a joy to behold.
The film’s Achilles’ heel lies with its antagonist. Gajraj Rao, despite his formidable talent, often gets bogged down by clichés that undermine his character’s depth. The issue here appears rooted in writing that fails to augment his role adequately. In stark contrast, Saurabh Shukla, reprising his role as the judge, showcases his remarkable prowess, reminding the audience of his integral contribution to the franchise. Seema Biswas as Janki Rajaram Solanki adds considerable weight to the narrative, while Ram Kapoor makes a compelling impression as a lawyer.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the portrayal of female characters falls short. Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao, who were significant figures in their respective previous films, find themselves relegated to background roles with scant moments of prominence, reducing their characters to mere accessories in this larger legal drama.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Jolly LLB 3 may not eclipse the brilliance of its predecessors, it sustains the essence of its courtroom drama roots, offering enough laughter and robust performances to merit a place in the series. The film captures the spirit of socio-political commentary intertwined with humor, ensuring that it does not shy away from pressing issues while still providing entertainment.
If you are a fan of engaging courtroom dramas that delve into social issues with a witty lens, Jolly LLB 3 might just fill that niche, making it a viewing experience worthwhile. The distinct charisma brought by its leading men, coupled with the standout performance of Saurabh Shukla, confirms the franchise’s legacy as a unique offering within the Bollywood landscape.
