Jolly LLB 3 Movie Review: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi Face Off in Court

After years of anticipation, the courtroom drama we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. In this Jolly LLB 3 Movie Review, we look at how Subhash Kapoor brings back the franchise’s two beloved lawyers, Jagdishwar Mishra (Akshay Kumar) and Jagdish Tyagi (Arshad Warsi), for a legal showdown filled with wit, chaos, and sharp social commentary. The film feels like both a reunion and a clash, a reminder of why audiences connected with the series in the first place. The big question, however, is whether this much-hyped collaboration lives up to its lofty legacy and the weight of its predecessors. Thankfully, the answer leans strongly toward yes- though not without a few small bumps along the way.

The Plot: A Return to the Roots of Social Justice

The film’s narrative is rooted in a familiar yet powerful theme. Subhash Kapoor once again highlights the struggle of the common man against corporate greed and systemic injustice. The story begins in a fictional village in Rajasthan. Here, a marginal farmer and poet, Rajaram Solanki, loses his land to a ruthless industrialist, played with menacing subtlety by Gajraj Rao. Driven to despair, Rajaram ends his life, leaving behind his widow, Janaki (Seema Biswas). Her pursuit of justice sets the stage for the film’s central conflict. Both Jollys soon find themselves in the same courtroom, with the magnificent Justice Tripathi (Saurabh Shukla) presiding over their fiery duel.

The plot cleverly uses the rivalry between the two Jollys to highlight different approaches to law and justice. What makes it stand out, however, is the sharp social commentary. The film addresses the painful and often-ignored issue of farmer suicides. It also exposes the predatory nature of land acquisition by powerful corporations.

Despite the heavy themes, the narrative blends satirical humor with poignant drama. The jokes never overshadow the story’s serious core. A standout moment comes in the climax, when Akshay Kumar’s Jolly delivers a thought-provoking monologue. He argues for the inclusion of agriculture in school textbooks. His plea urges future generations to value farmers and understand where their food comes from. This powerful scene drew applause in theatres. It shows how a potent message can be delivered through a gloriously entertaining package.

Kapoor’s Direction: A Master of the Courtroom Satire

Director Subhash Kapoor returns to the helm with a narrative that firmly sticks to the successful franchise template. Kapoor began his career as a political journalist. This background gives him a sharp eye for socio-political issues. He has consistently translated these themes into cinema with remarkable ease. From the sleeper hit Phas Gaye Re Obama to the acclaimed web series Maharani, his work stands out. Each project reflects a witty and satirical take on serious subjects. In Jolly LLB 3, he once again proves this skill. The film is both a laugh riot and a powerful social commentary.

However, the director also has the challenge of balancing the distinct styles of his two protagonists. The first half focuses heavily on the friction between the two lawyers. Their rivalry is entertaining, but at times it feels repetitive and slow to start. There are also moments of digression, such as Justice Tripathi’s comical pursuit of a new acquaintance. These scenes add humor but do little to move the central plot forward.

Despite these minor pacing issues, Kapoor’s direction shines in the second half. He escalates the courtroom drama and ties all subplots into a powerful conclusion. The balance between the two Jollys is handled with care. Akshay’s loud, physical comedy blends well with Arshad’s subtle, natural wit. Neither overshadows the other, and their showdown delivers a satisfying climax.

A Battle of Titans: The Performances

The true star of the film, and the undisputed heart of the franchise, is Saurabh Shukla. As the hilariously endearing Justice Sunder Lal Tripathi, he effortlessly steals every scene he’s in. His witty one-liners, subtle expressions of exasperation, and genuine gravitas have made him an iconic character in Hindi cinema, and in this film, he adds a few more delightful nuances to his already perfect portrayal.

The chemistry between Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi is everything fans hoped for. Their back-and-forth is sharp, their comic timing is impeccable, and they play off each other’s distinct styles beautifully. Akshay brings his star power and dramatic flair to the role, with a more theatrical and physical comedic style, particularly in the film’s chase sequence. His performance, especially in the emotional monologues, is a reminder of his versatility. Arshad Warsi, meanwhile, reminds us why he was the original Jolly. His effortless charm and natural wit, which relies on quiet understatement, make him a joy to watch. While some have noted that Akshay has a slightly larger role, Arshad holds his own with a powerful courtroom sequence and a satisfying final word in the case.

Newcomers to the franchise, Gajraj Rao and Seema Biswas, deliver formidable performances. Gajraj Rao is outstanding as the vile industrialist, Haribhai Khetan, often conveying more through his subtle expressions than his dialogues. He embodies the villain with a clinical, almost unnerving, sense of entitlement. Seema Biswas, in particular, delivers a searing and poignant portrayal of the suffering widow, her dignified silence and haunting eyes speaking volumes. Her single howl of despair is a powerful moment that will undoubtedly stay with the audience. Ram Kapoor makes a solid impact in a brief but significant role as a London-based lawyer, delivering a hard-hitting monologue. However, the female leads, Amrita Rao and Huma Qureshi, who reprise their roles, have limited screen time. While they make the most of their few moments, their characters feel criminally underused, serving more as background presence than active participants in the drama.

Music and Production: A Mixed Bag

The film’s music is composed by Aman Pant, Anurag Saikia, and Vikram Montrose, with a score by Mangesh Dhakde. While the background score effectively builds tension in the courtroom scenes and adds to the film’s emotional weight, the songs feel somewhat out of place. A sentimental track, in particular, is noted by some critics as unnecessary and weighing the narrative down. The cinematography by Rangarajan Ramabadran is solid, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the Rajasthan village and the grandiosity of the Delhi courtroom. The production design is also noteworthy, creating a realistic and detailed world for the story to unfold.

Box Office Collection

According to trade analysts, Jolly LLB 3 has a budget of around ₹80 crore. The film has had a strong opening, earning approximately ₹12.50 crore net on its first day in India, surpassing Aamir Khan‘s Sitaare Zameen Par. The film also saw a significant jump in its day 2 advance bookings, suggesting that strong word of mouth is driving its performance.

OTT Release Date & Platform

The film is set to have its digital premiere on JioHotstar and Netflix, with an expected release date of November 14, 2025, following the standard 60-day window after its theatrical release.

The Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the Franchise

With a stellar jolly llb 3 imdb rating of 8.1/10 and overwhelmingly positive reviews, Jolly LLB 3 delivers on its promise of a compelling legal drama with a big heart. While some may find the initial rivalry between the two Jollys a bit repetitive and the pacing a little slow to start, the second half of the film is where it truly shines, culminating in an engaging and emotional courtroom finale. The film is a masterclass in blending sharp, satirical humor with poignant social commentary. It makes you laugh and think in equal measure, proving that a potent message can still be delivered through a gloriously entertaining package. For fans of the franchise, this is a definite must-watch that not only brings back the best elements of its predecessors but also pushes the envelope with a relevant and powerful message.

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