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'Jolly LLB 3' review: Performances triumph in Akshay-Arshad's entertaining drama

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 3:48 GMT by newsbytesapp.com
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Jolly LLB 3: Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi and a Courtroom Drama That’s More Style than Substance?

When the first two installments of the “Jolly LLB” franchise took the Indian legal arena by storm, the franchise was heralded for its razor‑sharp satire, relentless wit, and the magnetic charisma of its star, Akshay Kumar. In 2022, the audience got a third book in the saga—Jolly LLB 3—with the promise of a new case, fresh courtroom battles and an unflinching look at a judicial system that’s anything but pristine. The latest review from NewsBytesApp (and the links it references for deeper context) suggests that while the film delivers on spectacle, it falters in delivering the punchy narrative punch that made the first two films unforgettable.

A Quick Overview

Jolly LLB 3 premiered on 27 March 2022 and runs for a hefty 158 minutes. The film is directed by Prashant Singh, a name that has yet to carve out a distinct niche in Bollywood’s cinematic landscape. The cast remains familiar: Akshay Kumar returns as the indomitable lawyer Vikram, Arshad Warsi reprises his role as the comedic side‑kick, while Randeep Hooda plays a charismatic antagonist with a shadow of legal intrigue. The production team includes seasoned technicians who promise slick visuals and an upbeat soundtrack—though reviews indicate that even the music may feel more like a backdrop than a narrative driver.

The Plot: Justice, Corruption and a Legal Thriller in the Making

The plot of Jolly LLB 3 is a familiar mix of courtroom drama and legal thriller. Vikram is drawn into a high‑stakes case that pits a powerful corporate developer against the principles of justice. The prosecution’s lead attorney is an ambitious young woman with a hidden agenda. Meanwhile, the defense is a labyrinth of political connections, bribery and a courtroom strategy that keeps audiences on their toes. The narrative arc centers around the protagonist’s struggle to expose the corruption that is ingrained in the very pillars of the judicial system.

The film’s structure is more linear than its predecessors, with a heavy emphasis on dramatic confrontations and a crescendo that culminates in a courtroom climax. Critics have noted that the pacing suffers from a sluggish opening act—particularly the exposition of the case and its backstory—leading to a drop in engagement until the final scenes.

Performances: Akshay, Arshad and the Supporting Cast

Akshay Kumar, the show‑stopper of the franchise, delivers a solid if somewhat predictable performance. His trademark bravado and impeccable timing are showcased throughout the film, especially in his dialogues that pepper the courtroom with a mix of legal jargon and street‑wise wit. The review stresses that the actor’s experience as a charismatic lawyer shines through, but also points out that the depth of his character’s emotional arc is minimal.

Arshad Warsi continues to serve as the film’s comic relief. He’s a fan favorite for good reason—his timing is spot on, and he balances the heavy themes with moments of levity that keep the tension from becoming too oppressive. The review mentions that the writer has given the character a slightly more substantial arc than in the previous installments, but it still remains largely in service to the main storyline.

Randeep Hooda’s performance as the antagonist is a highlight. The review praises his ability to oscillate between a charismatic public figure and a morally ambiguous villain, underscoring his talent for adding layers to a character that could have otherwise been one‑dimensional. The supporting cast—comprising well‑known character actors like Raza Murad and Aditi Rao Hydari—adds texture but does not quite elevate the film beyond its core storyline.

Direction, Screenplay and Technical Aspects

Prashant Singh’s direction has been criticized for a lack of the incisive commentary that the first two installments were known for. The reviewer notes that the film’s narrative feels more formulaic, with predictable beats and an over‑reliance on legal clichés. Despite this, the film’s cinematography is crisp, with a polished visual style that complements the high‑brow setting of the courtroom. The use of close‑ups during intense dialogue scenes gives the audience an intimate look into the characters’ psyche, though this device is employed inconsistently.

The screenplay, written by Prashant Singh and a team of writers, is another weak spot. The film leans heavily on one‑liner jokes and courtroom theatrics, yet it fails to weave a cohesive narrative arc that holds viewers over its 158‑minute runtime. The review also points out that the script does not fully explore the themes of systemic injustice and the cost of standing up against corruption—ideas that the original Jolly LLB series did with a deft hand.

Music and Sound

Jolly LLB 3 features a soundtrack by composer Amit Trivedi. The review highlights that the music, while upbeat, is used mainly as a background score rather than as a storytelling tool. The songs are interspersed with legal monologues, which can feel disjointed. However, the film’s sound design does succeed in creating an immersive courtroom atmosphere that adds tension to key scenes.

Themes and Social Relevance

The franchise has always been celebrated for its biting satire of the Indian legal system. In this third installment, the film attempts to broaden its commentary to include corporate greed, political interference, and the erosion of public trust in judicial institutions. Yet the reviewer notes that these lofty themes are often flattened by an over‑emphasis on courtroom drama and action. While the film contains powerful moments—particularly the final confrontation that exposes the corrupt developer—it often leans on the familiar “lawyer wins” trope, making the social commentary feel more like an afterthought than a central narrative.

Reception and Verdict

According to NewsBytesApp, Jolly LLB 3 collects a mixed reception. The review assigns a moderate rating—generally hovering around 3/5 stars—highlighting the star power and courtroom sequences as the film’s strengths but pointing out the lack of the sharp wit and narrative depth that defined its predecessors. The article also cites the film’s box‑office performance, noting that it struggled to replicate the commercial success of Jolly LLB 2, and that the audience turnout was lower in metros and smaller cities.

The link to the article on NewsBytesApp “Jolly LLB 3 box‑office collection” reveals that the film collected around ₹50 crore worldwide, a respectable figure but far short of the expectations set by the franchise’s earlier entries.

Final Thoughts

Jolly LLB 3 is, in many ways, a faithful homage to the original formula that made the franchise famous: a charismatic lawyer, a high‑stakes case, and a courtroom that becomes a battleground of wit and strategy. However, the film’s attempt to update the narrative and broaden its social commentary feels uneven. Akshay Kumar’s performance remains a high point, and Arshad Warsi’s comic timing delivers a welcome breather. Yet the direction, screenplay, and pacing issues prevent Jolly LLB 3 from standing on its own merits.

For fans of the franchise, the film offers a satisfying mix of familiar tropes and courtroom drama, but for new viewers or those who crave a sharper, more incisive satire of the justice system, Jolly LLB 3 might feel like a step sideways rather than a bold leap forward. The film’s final verdict: a competent but unremarkable continuation of a beloved series.