Introduction

Released on 19 September 2025 in Hindi, Jolly LLB 3 is a legal comedy‑drama written and directed by Subhash Kapoor with a runtime of 2 hours and 37 minutes. The film has been certified U/A (advisory 16+) and reunites audiences with their favourite courtroom universe. The most awaited aspect was the return of both Jollys in one film — Akshay Kumar reprising Jagdishwar “Jolly” Mishra and Arshad Warsi returning as Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi — while Saurabh Shukla steps back into the robe of Judge Sunder Lal Tripathi. The film instantly became the talk of the town because of its double‑Jolly premise, the chemistry of the cast, and the promise of satire with social bite. With two lawyers battling for truth and victory under the watchful eyes of an iconic judge, the hype was inevitable and expectations sky‑high.

Storyline

The story revolves around a high‑stakes legal battle that touches on land rights, corporate influence, and the struggles of marginalized communities. Both Jolly Mishra and Jolly Tyagi find themselves locked in a fierce courtroom face‑off that quickly evolves from playful banter to a profound examination of morality. While the humour remains intact, the film does not shy away from exposing the cracks in the justice system and highlighting how the law can be manipulated. What makes the story unique is its balance of laughter and seriousness: the narrative delivers satirical punches even while driving home a powerful reminder that justice is not just about winning cases but about safeguarding truth.

Cast & Performances

Akshay Kumar portrays Jagdishwar “Jolly” Mishra with his trademark blend of charm and comic flair, particularly convincing when his character is forced to confront uncomfortable truths. Arshad Warsi slips back into the shoes of Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi with effortless ease, his wit and empathy shining through and creating a crackling dynamic whenever he shares screen space with Akshay. The banter and sparring between the two form the heart of the film. Saurabh Shukla once again proves why he is indispensable to the franchise as Judge Sunder Lal Tripathi, balancing humour, humanity, and sternness in equal measure. Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao provide emotional grounding to the proceedings, while Gajraj Rao and Ram Kapoor bring gravitas as opposing forces in the case. Seema Biswas leaves a lasting impression with her restrained yet moving portrayal of a woman caught in the storm of the legal battle. Together, the ensemble ensures the film never loses its emotional weight while maintaining its comic undertones.

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Direction & Screenplay

Subhash Kapoor directs with a keen eye for satire, ensuring that comedy becomes the gateway to social critique. His screenplay is filled with sharp objections, smartly written cross‑examinations, and dialogues that are both quotable and thought‑provoking. The humour disarms before the weight of the story lands, and this balance has always been Kapoor’s strength. While the pacing wavers slightly in the middle with a few stretches that could have been trimmed, the final act regains control with intercut revelations that build intensity and deliver a rousing climax. The director’s vision keeps the film both entertaining and reflective, reminding audiences that a courtroom is not just a stage for theatrics but a place where lives are transformed.

Cinematography & Technical Aspects

The cinematography by Rangarajan Ramabadran is functional yet effective, capturing the dusty landscapes and crowded courtrooms with authenticity. The framing in the courtroom scenes highlights the tension, while the outdoor shots bring out the reality of rural settings without romanticizing them. Chandrashekhar Prajapati’s editing keeps the narrative largely smooth, though the length does test patience in parts, but the climactic intercutting provides the necessary punch. Production design deserves a mention for creating spaces that feel lived‑in, from stacked files to cramped chambers, maintaining realism throughout. Mangesh Dhakde’s background score works as a heartbeat, never intrusive but always present, accentuating both urgency and emotion with subtle sound design that adds texture to each scene.

Music & Songs

The film’s music, composed by Aman Pant, Anurag Saikia, and Vikram Montrose, is minimal and designed to support rather than overshadow the narrative. Unlike typical Bollywood outings, there are no unnecessary song sequences interrupting the story, making the few songs that appear feel organic. The background score is the true strength of the soundtrack, heightening the impact of courtroom clashes and emotional beats. By keeping the music understated, the film stays tonally consistent and focused on its core themes.

Audience Reaction & Box Office Buzz

Audiences have responded positively to the film, particularly highlighting the chemistry between Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, along with the sheer brilliance of Saurabh Shukla’s performance. Social media has been buzzing with praise for the humour, the dialogues, and the socially relevant themes. BookMyShow users have rated the film around 8.8/10 with thousands of votes, while IMDb shows an impressive early rating of 8.5/10. On the box office front, Jolly LLB 3 opened strongly with a net collection of approximately ₹12.5 crore in India on its first day, placing it among Akshay Kumar’s most successful post‑pandemic starts and within the top ten openers of 2025. With strong word of mouth and family‑friendly appeal, trade experts predict steady collections in the coming weeks despite piracy concerns making headlines on release day.

Critics’ Reviews

Major critics have shared mixed to positive reviews. Times of India awarded it 3.5 stars out of 5, appreciating the engaging blend of courtroom drama and comedy. NDTV rated it 3 out of 5, calling it a win overall and particularly praising the supporting performances, especially that of Saurabh Shukla. India Today’s review was positive, underlining the charm of the lead actors and remarking that Shukla once again “owns the courtroom.” On the other hand, Indian Express offered a mixed to negative take, labelling it the weakest entry in the franchise due to its length and occasional narrative predictability. Bollywood Hungama leaned positive at 3.5 stars, noting that the humour, emotional undertones, and sharp dialogues made the film engaging for a wide audience. The consensus among critics is that while the screenplay could have been tighter, the performances and message are powerful enough to make the film memorable.

Ratings Summary (Comparison Table)

Updated: 20 Sept 2025 (IST). Scores may change as more reviews arrive.

Final Words

Overall, Jolly LLB 3 carries forward the legacy of the franchise by combining sharp satire, crowd‑pleasing humour, and moral reflection in a courtroom drama that feels both entertaining and timely. The energetic face‑off between Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi provides fireworks, while Saurabh Shukla’s turn as the judge anchors the film with gravitas and comedy. Despite the slightly stretched runtime, the film is winning over audiences and securing healthy numbers at the box office, positioning itself as one of the brighter spots in Bollywood’s 2025 line‑up. With word of mouth strong and the OTT release expected to draw further viewership, it is clear that the Jolly‑verse still resonates and will continue to be a talking point for fans and industry watchers alike.

Reference:

• Times of India
• NDTV
• Indian Express
• India Today