In a landscape saturated with weekly film and web series releases, the task of evaluating them becomes critical. Certain films, however, merit more than a simple ‘watch’ recommendation. ‘Jolly LLB 3’ is one such film. It is not just a movie to be consumed with popcorn; it’s a film to be shared with close friends and family.
In ‘Jolly LLB 3,’ Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi reprise their roles as ‘Jolly,’ but the circumstances this time are different. The narrative delves into serious issues such as farmer suicides and land acquisition by corporations. While one might anticipate a predominantly serious tone, director Subhash Kapoor skillfully weaves in comedy and emotion, ensuring both laughter and moments of reflection. The central question remains: which Jolly will be victorious in the courtroom? The full review will provide the answer.
The story takes viewers to the small village of Parsaul in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan in 2011, where a powerful businessman, Haribhai Khetan (Gajraj Rao), aspires to launch his ambitious ‘Bikaner to Boston’ project. The narrative takes a turn when the project requires the land of the village’s farmers. Some farmers are unwilling to relinquish their ancestral lands, thus igniting the central conflict.
Haribhai Khetan, leveraging his influence, manipulates farmers with the assistance of local leaders and officials, illegally acquiring their land. The story takes a turn when a farmer commits suicide, prompting the entry of the farmer’s widow, Janaki, who resolves to fight the powerful businessman for justice. To uncover which Jolly will champion Janaki and which will oppose her, the audience must experience ‘Jolly LLB 3′ in theaters.
This film transcends mere entertainment, offering a poignant commentary on our nation, often overlooked in the clamor of urban life. While we may discuss development in air-conditioned settings, industries are purchasing farmers’ land at low prices under the guise of development. Numerous villages are being dismantled by the schemes of influential individuals. ‘Jolly LLB 3’ presents this harsh reality while maintaining audience engagement. It is among the few films that successfully blend entertainment with a compelling message.
Subhash Kapoor’s dialogue is a highlight. Subhash Kapoor, the mastermind behind the ‘Jolly LLB’ franchise, once again shines with his writing and direction. His ability to tackle serious social issues effectively without boring the audience is remarkable. He gives every character due importance. The film does not solely revolve around Akshay Kumar but provides ample opportunity for Arshad Warsi and the rest of the cast to excel. Consequently, every scene, whether in the courtroom or an emotional moment, is executed with excellence.
Although Subhash Kapoor has created a limited number of films since 2007, he consistently demonstrates his skill as a director. The unique aspect of his films is that he brings his own stories to life on screen. He has also written and directed compelling narratives like the web series ‘Maharani,’ but nothing compares to the popularity of ‘Jolly LLB.’ The third installment maintains this legacy, proving that only a select few possess the ability to connect with audiences through their stories.
The film’s strength is in its impressive cast. Akshay Kumar, with his signature charm, brings laughter to the courtroom while emphasizing the seriousness of the case. Arshad Warsi’s natural performance, combined with his satirical remarks and memorable one-liners, makes him a delight to watch and listen to. The chemistry between Akshay and Arshad creates a unique magic on screen.
Seema Biswas, though not heavily featured, communicates volumes through her silence. Her eyes convey the pain, courage, and resilience of the widowed farmer. The climax includes a scene where she simply weeps, eliciting goosebumps. Gajraj Rao’s negative role comes as a surprise.
Gajraj Rao, known for his understated roles, has successfully embodied the villain this time. Ram Kapoor is well-suited for the lawyer role. Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao, despite their limited screen time, deliver their performances with complete sincerity.
Saurabh Shukla, alongside Akshay and Arshad, steals the show. His character, Justice Tripathi, is the heart of the franchise. He captivates in every scene with his wit and impeccable timing. Even his smallest dialogues evoke laughter.
We frequently express disappointment with the state of Bollywood, the lack of quality films, and the absence of original stories. However, when films like ‘Lapatta Ladies’ or ‘Sitare Zameen Par’ are released, we often fail to appreciate them adequately. ‘Jolly LLB 3’ is a film that is both original and remarkable. While there are a few areas where improvements could be made, such as more courtroom drama or increased screen time for the female characters, these minor issues can be overlooked. This type of cinema is essential, or as an audience, we will fail ourselves.
We should consider the contrast between the millions of views garnered by ‘get ready with me’ videos and the relative lack of attention given to videos about farmers. At a time when a film confronts us with this harsh reality, it is our duty to watch it. Once, one brother would move to the city, and the other would remain in the village to farm. However, today, the youth are migrating to the city, leaving the villages deserted. These empty villages are then exploited in the name of ‘development.’ If a farmer like Rajaram Solanki protests, he may face dire consequences.
The narrative of ‘Jolly LLB’ draws inspiration from a real-life event. The team has done the vital work of bringing this story to us.
This film emphasizes that the will of a common person has value. Therefore, it should be our duty to watch this kind of cinema, or we will fail as viewers.
Film Name: Jolly LLB 3
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla
Director: Subhash Kapoor
Release: Theaters
Rating: 4 stars