Jolly LLB 3

trope, presented in a predictable and somewhat forced manner. While there are a few gags that manage to land and bring genuine laughter, they are overshadowed by unnecessary over-the-top moments designed more to justify the “comedy-drama” label than to serve the narrative. The subplot involving Saurabh Shukla and his dates feels like the most awkward insertion of humour—out of place, exaggerated, and tonally inconsistent with the rest of the film. Performance-wise, the film feels like a mixed bag. Gajraj Rao delivers an excellent act, but his character is underwritten, never allowing his full range to shine through. Ram Kapoor, on the other hand, is strictly passable, and his limited screen presence fails to justify the weight of his role. Director Subhash Kapoor misses an opportunity here—had he layered these supporting acts with a tense background score and sharper staging, both Rao and Kapoor could have elevated the conflict with more gravitas. Akshay Kumar’s performance fluctuates; often loud and over the top in regular sequences, yet undeniably compelling in the climax. Arshad Warsi is sidelined for much of the film, with little substance to work with, though his timely contribution in the climax gives him a moment to stand out. Despite its shortcomings, the film does manage to redeem itself in its final act. The climax, though melodramatic, carries the urgency and moral weight that the rest of the story largely misses. These moments bring out the best from both Akshay and Arshad, injecting much-needed intensity and direction into the narrative. While the late emotional payoff somewhat rescues the viewing experience, the weak chemistry between the leads, inconsistent humour, and underutilized supporting cast ultimately hold back Jolly LLB from being the engaging courtroom drama it aspires to be. Instagram @streamgenx