'Jolly LLB 3' Review: Saurabh Shukla Steals the Show in a Triumphant Franchise Return
The beloved "Jolly LLB" franchise has made a triumphant return with its third installment, a film that successfully unites its two charismatic leads, Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, for a witty and hard-hitting courtroom showdown. While the two stars deliver the charm and comedic timing fans have come to expect, the undeniable heart and soul of the movie is once again Saurabh Shukla, whose masterful performance as Judge Sundarlal Tripathi elevates the film from a simple comedy to a truly memorable cinematic experience. Director Subhash Kapoor has skillfully crafted a film that balances crowd-pleasing entertainment with a poignant social commentary, delivering what is sure to be another major hit for the series.
Battle of the Jollies
The film's central premise is a brilliant one, pitting the two Jollies from the previous films against each other in a high-stakes legal battle. Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi slip back into their roles with effortless ease, their on-screen chemistry creating a believable and highly entertaining rivalry. Akshay’s sharp one-liners land perfectly, while Arshad's more understated comedic skills have a lasting impact. The film provides a wonderful canvas for both actors to showcase their dramatic range as well, as they transition seamlessly from bumbling, middle-class advocates to men of conviction, wearing their emotions on their sleeves. Their combined antics ensure that the film is packed with laughs and moments of genuine camaraderie.
The Real Star of the Show
While the two leads are a delight, it is Saurabh Shukla who completely owns the courtroom. Every time he appears on screen as the wonderfully sarcastic and world-weary Judge Tripathi, it is impossible to look away. He rules over the proceedings with such ease and delight that he has become the indispensable anchor of the entire franchise. In this installment, writer-director Subhash Kapoor has wisely given the character more depth, exploring new layers of his personality, including a surprisingly fresh romantic arc. Shukla's performance is the winning ingredient, the masterful touch that transforms a good film into a great one.
Comedy with a Conscience
Following the template of its predecessors, "Jolly LLB 3" uses its comedic framework to tackle a serious and deeply relevant social issue. The central case revolves around a farmer's suicide and the subsequent legal battle against a powerful and well-respected businessman who is attempting to encroach upon agricultural land for an ambitious development project. Loosely inspired by real-world land acquisition protests, the story is both timely and emotionally resonant. Kapoor’s sharp and witty dialogue ensures that the film never feels preachy or monotonous. It skillfully uses humor to critique the system and satirise the eternal clash between wealth and morality, making its points with a sting that is felt long after the laughter has subsided. While a couple of minor scenes could have been trimmed, the film is a hearty and satisfying big-screen experience that will make you laugh, think, and cheer in equal measure.
