wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)
A topic that should be part of every living room conversation plays out as a predictable yet meaningful courtroom drama. The strongest film in the series so far, but still weighed down by unnecessary, slapstick flab.
(Streaming Partner: Netflix)
Read moreJolly LLB must be one of those rare series that is getting better with every episode. Not by a lot, though. And considering the first one was barely memorable, that is not saying much now, is it? Yet, this one will stick mainly because of the premise of the plot and the arguments on both sides. But it won't stick a lot better in memory because it is padded up with way too many side-tracks.
Saurabh Shukla does what he is told to do so well. But, should he really be made to say or do all that inanity on screen?
Jolly LLB 3 is, certainly helped by the topic—development, farmer suicides, inequality, and how the rich and powerful manipulate to marginalise the already marginalised. It is a burning current issue that is talked about way too flippantly in middle- and upper-class societies. Jolly LLB does well by giving the generic "farmer" a face and a story, even if it is as predictable as any such courtroom drama.
It is not just that you know what the general outcome of the case and the film will be. You even know which defence arguments are going to be picked up by the plaintiff's lawyer—line-for-line. And that would still be okay. It is an important enough conversation that I was willing to sacrifice my need to be surprised or blown away.
The fluff around this solid storyline is problematic, though. Of course, there is the passing derogatory language-tone combination used about gender and skin tone. But there is also the trans person prelude, the lawyers' personal life, and most of all, the judge's personal life—all extraneous, doing little to add context, and adding unnecessary minutes to the runtime.
Unnecessary because the film has so much going for it. There are lovely background-music-free conversations that allow you to soak in the vibe. The one stand-off between Khaitan (Gajraj Rao) and Janki (Seema Biswas) leaves a much more powerful impact compared to all the arguments in the courtroom.
It does help that a couple of the actors do justice to their characters. For instance, you do feel like slapping Ram Kapoor's Advocate Vikram for thinking poor people ought to feel obligated to his client for buying their land. And you feel infuriated on behalf of the villagers led by Seema Biswas. Shilpa Shukla's role might be the most inconsequential one, but she takes it on earnestly. She blushes so well!
The other actors such as Arshad Warsi, Akshay Kumar, and Gajraj Rao might not inspire any strong feelings, but they don't turn you off either. Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao, though, are mere props. And, of course, there is Saurabh Shukla, who does what he is told to do so well. But, should he really be made to say or do all the inanities his role demands? Shouldn't he be treated better?
There are lovely background-music-free conversations that allow you to soak in the vibe.
Despite all of that, I did walk out of the theatre feeling grateful to all these people for taking on this all-important and controversial social commentary. Maybe one day, real life will match reel life.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Amit Bhatia, abplive : ...राइटिंग और डायरेक्शन- सुभाष कपूर की राइटिंग और डायरेक्शन असली जॉली है. उन्होंने दिखा दिया है एक सीरीयस मुद्दे पर एंटरटेनिंग फिल्म कैसे बनाते हैं. उन्होंने हर किरदार का इस्तेमाल किया है. सिर्फ सुपरस्टार अक्षय पर फोकस नहीं रखा और इसलिए ये फिल्म भी कमाल की बनी और अक्षय भी निखर कर आए. कोर्टरूम के सीन हों या इमोशनल सीन, सबका बैलेंस कमाल का है.... full review
Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...In all finally , Bollywood finds the courage to make a potent, anti-establishment film about the farmers plight, as witnessed in south cinema. So, filmgoer's complaint that Hindi cinema is not courageous enough to show the real problems of our country gets strongly gets strongly addressed here.... full review
Thumbs up, DNA : ...जॉली नंबर 1 के किरदार में अरशद वारसी अपनी अदाकारी से ज़बरदस्त जान डालते हैं, लेकिन इस बात से इनकार नहीं किया जा सकता कि फिल्म में उनका स्क्रीन टाइम अक्षय से कम है. 'जॉली एलएलबी 3' में सबसे ज़्यादा ध्यान खींचने वाले एक्टर सौरभ शुक्ला हैं. उन्होंने फिल्म में ज़बरदस्त काम किया है. इस फिल्म के ज़रिए अमृता राव भी लंबे समय बाद पर्दे पर नज़र आई हैं, लेकिन फिल्म में उनके और हुमा कुरैशी के लिए कुछ ख़ास नहीं है. गजराज राव और राम कपूर अपने-अपने किरदारों में जंचते हैं और सीमा बिस्वास ने अपनी अदाकारी से फिल्म के इमोशनल सीन्स को खूबसूरती से पेश किया है. इसलिए हम इस फिल्म को 5 में से 3 रेटिंग देंगे.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Jolly LLB has its flaws but it makes up with its honesty and of course, the superb performances from the cast.... full review
Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...Watch the film for its powerful message. As said earlier, in today's times, when filmmakers are turning to propaganda, it's nice to see a director making films on real issues. Kudos to Subhash Kapoor for his courageous brand of filmmaking.... full review
Thumbs up, by Aakash Kumar, Filmi Beat : ...Jolly LLB 3 succeeds in delivering a courtroom drama that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Backed by strong performances, the film keeps the audience invested till the very end. It may not be flawless, but it stays true to the spirit of the franchise - mixing satire, social commentary, and courtroom fun.... full review
Thumbs up, by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost : ...On the whole, Jolly LLB 3 just like the previous two parts may not be as humorous, but recreates the charm and intensity that made the franchise iconic. Produced by Star Studio18 and directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film releases in theatres today. My only advice is when you watch the film please watch it with an open heart and don’t compare it with Part 1 and Part 2. But one thing I can assure you is that Jolly LLB 3 is as political and intense as the previous two. May be the share of laugh is a little less as compared to the previous two, but the messaging is absolutely relevant. And sorry for not mentioning this before, Gajraj Rao’s performance is absolutely brilliant too and he is that man in the film whom you can’t stop hating!... full review
Thumbs up, by Manmath Sahu, fullhyd.com : ...In the end, Jolly LLB 3 is a rollercoaster of wit and tension, culminating in a hilarious courtroom showdown. Catch it in a single-screen theatre for the ultimate fun and audience reactions.... full review
Thumbs up, by Nitin Jain, Glamsham.com : ...Ultimately, Jolly LLB 3 is entertaining in parts and socially relevant in essence. It may not carry the freshness of the first film or the sharper bite of the second, but it draws attention to the widening urban–rural divide, the anxieties of land acquisition, and the inequities between the affluent and the marginalized.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times : ...Overall, Jolly LLB 3 may not outshine the first two films, but it keeps the courtroom drama spirit alive with enough laughs and solid performances to make it a worthy addition to the series.... full review
Thumbs up, by Vineeta Kumar, india today : ...It may not be the most refined courtroom drama, but it proves why this franchise continues to matter. 'Jolly LLB 3' makes you laugh, think, and cheer, all at the same time.... full review
Thumbs up, by Jaya Dwivedie, India TV : ...If you like films that delve deeply into social issues and enjoy courtroom dramas, 'Jolly LLB 3' can be a good one-time watch for you. The film has everything from comedy, emotion, social messages and light entertainment. While the courtroom drama isn't as strong as the previous two instalments, the performances of Akshay, Arshad, and Saurabh manage to carry the film. In short, if you've followed the Jolly LLB series, don't miss this one. With humour, conflicts and social messages, 'Jolly LLB 3' deserves 3 out of 5 stars.... full review
Thumbs up, by Kunal Kothari, India-Forums : ...So what do we make of Jolly LLB 3? It is undeniably the weakest film in the trilogy. The satire is less biting.The villain is less threatening. The female characters are barely there. The writing sometimes wobbles between comedy and tragedy without landing gracefully.... full review
Thumbs up, by Trisha Gaur, koimoi : ...Does Jolly LLB 3 come without flaws? Absolutely no! Do I want to highlight those flaws? Again, a no! Ask why? Because when you sit in a theater that erupts in a round of thunderous applause after every 16 – 18 minutes, then you do not need any more evidence to say that this is what a film should be! Telling an important story without being preachy, making a strong comment on a societal issue without creating a mess out of the pathos, and most importantly, entertaining the audience without fail!... full review
Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...I’m getting these thoughts through most of this film’s second half — so much superior to its first half (an absolute rarity) — that, true to its genre, culminates with a final showdown in the courtroom, which is hard to match. Did I expect this? Nope. Did I eventually love the film more, as a result? Yup. I suspect, so would you.... full review
Thumbs up, by Radhika Sharma, NDTV : ...However, Jolly LLB 3 suffers from an uneven screenplay that breaks the spell of tense, sombre moments by inserting gags. It is beyond banal that the audience still laughs at jibes like "genda," "mota", and toilet humour.... full review
Thumbs up, by CHIRAG SEHGAL, News18.com : ...Jolly LLB 3 is a fine example of how cinema can tackle pressing social issues with humour, without ever diluting their seriousness. The film seamlessly balances comedy and gravity, making the narrative both thought-provoking and highly entertaining. With its sharp writing and powerful performances, the film delivers a complete cinematic experience. It is pure entertainment and a must watch... full review
Thumbs up, by Khushboo Ratda, Pinkvilla : ...The first half could have been tighter, but its mix of biting humor, engaging courtroom battle, and the nostalgia of seeing the original cast back together makes Jolly LLB 3 an entertaining ride by the end. It’s a return of OG Akshay Kumar after a very long time. It may not break new ground, but makers succeed in keeping you invested, largely thanks to its cast. Akshay Kumar as 'Jolly No. 2' blends into the narrative rather than overshadowing it, while Arshad Warsi equally stands out— and that, surprisingly, is the film’s strength.... full review
Thumbs up, by Deepa Gahlot, Rediff : ...Jolly LLB 3 does not have the scope to actually delve deep into the economical fallout of unchecked development, question the inherent inequalities in the system, the endemic corruption or the lack of political will that allows the poorest of the poor to fall through the cracks. But it does shift gears from humour to violence to courtroom rhetoric, so the right questions are highlighted.... full review
Thumbs up, by Dhaval Roy, Times of India : ...Jolly LLB 3 remains an engaging ride that keeps you entertained with its mix of courtroom drama and comic splits.... full review
So-So, by Murtuza Iqbal, Free Press Journal : ...Jolly LLB 3 Review - Music The music of Jolly LLB 3 is decent. Most of the songs are used as background score, and they suit the film's theme. Jolly LLB 3 Review - FPJ Verdict Overall, Jolly LLB 3 is hilarious in bits and parts and has its moments. But it fails to take the franchise a notch higher. However, if you are an Akshay Kumar fan, this movie is a must-watch for you.... full review
So-So, by Manisha Lakhe, Live Mint : ...Watch it, but do have an anti-ageing regimen ready at home because, in reality, filmy justice also takes too long to be served.... full review
So-So, Movie Talkies : ...Director Subhash Kapoor once again brings his sharp storytelling style to the courtroom genre. While Jolly LLB 3 is not as tight or as impactful as the earlier films, it still manages to deliver an engaging, socially relevant entertainer. His strong focus on portraying farmers’ struggles and questioning blind industrialization gives the film its heart. Overall, Jolly LLB 3 is far from perfect—it is stretched, uneven, and at times illogical. But thanks to Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi’s chemistry, a powerful climax, and an important subject at its core, the film turns into a watchable courtroom drama.... full review
So-So, by Sakshi Salil Chavan, Outlook India : ...Jolly LLB 3 wobbles in places and becomes quite forgettable. Kapoor keeps the circus rolling, with a fixed script to a play, clowns and crusaders sparring in equal measure, reminding us that in this universe, justice is never delivered quietly—it arrives with a grin and a glare. And in this case, with two slogans in the closing scene : “Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan” and “If you ate today, thank a farmer”. This film is tailored for courtroom-drama loyalists and nostalgic fans awaiting Kumar and Warsi’s reunion. Its heart is in the right place, yet the delivery stumbles. The buildup strains without reward, the finale slips into sermon, and the audience exits restless, tugged about like mismatched puppet strings.... full review
So-So, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...While both actors make for credible adversaries, their friendship is even less plausible than the tactics they use to battle Haribhai’s influence. The Jolly Square gimmick soon runs its course, which is probably why Saurabh Shukla’s judge has a bigger role to play. Saurabh Shukla has a whale of a time reining in the Jollys and wooing a police officer (Shilpa Shukla) alongside keeping rapacious businessmen like Haribhai in check.... full review
So-So, by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu : ...Once again, Saurabh Shukla is the biggest star of the show as he keeps the franchise fresh. His Judge Tripathi has already become one of the iconic characters of Hindi cinema. In the third instalment, Shukla adds a few more nuances to his performance as Tripathi discovers a new meaning of date. Meanwhile, you keep a date with this hearing to understand the plight of the peasant.... full review
So-So, by HARIPRASAD SADANANDAN, The Week : ...On the whole, Jolly LLB 3 is a social drama that has its moments for sure but mostly ends up as a preachy lecture than an engaging film.... full review
So-So, by Tanmayi Savadi, Times Now : ...Jolly LLB 3 has the potential to be a clean and happy family entertainer. Slightly inclined towards preachy, it picks up soon and rectifies before ending up as a complete shipwreck... full review
Thumbs down, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...Jolly LLB 3 is not an all-out disengaging dissing zone. Nothing for which you might want to take the makers to court for psychological abuse. But the freshness, cheekiness, and satirical swipes of the first film have been progressively diluted.... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...I really enjoyed Jolly LLB part 2. But in this one, the story-telling is at its most basic, and it is far and away the weakest part of the franchise.... full review
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