Released on September 19, 2025, Jolly LLB 3, directed by Subhash Kapoor, brings back the beloved courtroom comedy-drama franchise with a fresh clash between two fan-favorite lawyers: Jagdishwar “Jolly” Mishra (Akshay Kumar) from Jolly LLB 2 and Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi (Arshad Warsi) from the original Jolly LLB. The film, centered on a farmer’s suicide and a land dispute inspired by the 2011 Uttar Pradesh land acquisition protests, delivers a potent mix of humor, satire, and social critique. While Akshay and Arshad charm with their witty banter, it’s Saurabh Shukla as Judge Sunder Lal Tripathi who truly dominates, earning widespread praise as the heart and soul of the film.
Plot and Performances
Set in a Rajasthani village, Jolly LLB 3 follows the legal battle of Janki (Seema Biswas), a farmer’s widow, against powerful industrialist Haribhai Khetan (Gajraj Rao), who seizes ancestral land for a sprawling township project. Initially, Jolly Mishra (Akshay) supports the antagonist, while Jolly Tyagi (Arshad) represents the farmers. Their courtroom clashes, filled with sharp one-liners and playful jabs, evolve into a united fight for justice, blending comedy with emotional depth.
- Akshay Kumar brings his signature energy, delivering crisp comic timing and a heartfelt performance, especially in the film’s emotional climax. His chase sequence recalls his ’90s action-hero days, though some felt it was unnecessary.
- Arshad Warsi matches Akshay with effortless sarcasm and understated humor, shining in the climax but appearing less in the second half.
- Saurabh Shukla steals the spotlight as Judge Tripathi, blending razor-sharp wit, subtle expressions, and a new romantic arc with Shilpa Shukla’s SHO character. His quirky habits—like jogging to court and sipping green tea—add charm, making him the franchise’s backbone.
- Seema Biswas delivers a hauntingly restrained performance, conveying pain and resilience with minimal dialogue, while Gajraj Rao impresses as the menacing yet clichéd antagonist. Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao, as the Jollys’ wives, have limited roles.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film excels in balancing entertainment with a hard-hitting narrative on farmer suicides and land grabs, maintaining the franchise’s knack for social commentary. Kapoor’s tight screenplay and sharp dialogues keep the pace engaging, especially in the second half, where the story gains intensity. The film’s emotional core, paired with comedic courtroom chaos, resonates with audiences, as seen in reviews praising its “thought-provoking” and “hilarious” blend.
However, the first half-hour feels slow, and some criticize the antagonist’s clichéd writing and an uneven spotlight between the two Jollys, with Akshay dominating screen time. The female leads’ minimal roles and a slightly dragging interval block are also noted drawbacks. Despite these, the film’s humor, stellar performances, and relevant messaging make it a worthy addition to the series.
Reception and Box Office
Early reviews from critics and fans are overwhelmingly positive, with ratings averaging 3.5 to 4.5 stars out of 5. Social media buzz on X highlights the “Jolly vs. Jolly” clash as “entertaining” and “impactful,” with Shukla’s performance called a “masterclass.” Trade analyst Taran Adarsh dubbed it “thoroughly entertaining,” and fans praised its writing and social message. Advance bookings grossed over ₹2.6 crore, with 75,000 tickets sold, signaling a strong double-digit opening, per Sacnilk estimates, despite no major competing releases.
Legal and Certification
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted a U/A rating with a “16+” advisory on September 2, requiring minor edits like removing offensive words and blurring alcohol brands. Legal challenges in Gujarat, Mumbai, and Allahabad High Courts, alleging mockery of the judiciary, were dismissed, with courts affirming the film’s satirical tone. The Delhi High Court also blocked over 20 piracy websites to protect the release.
Where to Watch
Jolly LLB 3 is currently in theaters, with screenings across major cities. Post-theatrical, it will stream on JioHotstar and Netflix from November 14, 2025. The prequels, Jolly LLB (2013) and Jolly LLB 2 (2017), are available on JioHotstar for a recap.
Final Verdict
Jolly LLB 3 may not surpass its predecessors but keeps the franchise’s spirit alive with laughs, heart, and a strong social message. Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi deliver solid performances, but Saurabh Shukla’s Judge Tripathi is the undeniable star, making this a must-watch for fans of courtroom dramas and social satires. Go for the wit, stay for the impact.
