JOLLY LLB MOVIE REVIEW

The interestingly titled Jolly LLB has a unique ensemble of talented actors like Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao, Boman Irani and Saurabh Shukla. Subhash Kapoor is at the creative helm of affairs.

The movie is a legal drama which pits an underdog rookie lawyer, Jagdish Tyagi aka Jolly (Arshad Warsi) who moves from Meerut to Delhi, against an influential big shot senior lawyer Tejinder Rajpal (Boman Irani). The matchup arises from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jolly in relation to a high-profile Land Cruiser ‘hit and run’ incident, after Rajpal manages to settle the initial case in favor of his rich clients citing lack of proper evidence to prove the death of the five footpath dwellers.
 

Jolly’s initial motivation in filing the PIL is to quickly become rich and famous in the media thanks to the high profile nature of the case, but he slowly realizes that money pales in front of the fight for justice.
 

The movie’s legal drama is engaging and it has been presented in such a way that the rookie Jolly works his way through the case with experience. He observes the much senior Rajpal, learns the legal procedures, experiences his share of setbacks thanks to his inexperience and impulsive nature and finally matures as a lawyer.

There are also bits of humor sprinkled across the legal proceedings which makes it lighter on the audience. Other aspects of legal proceedings like manipulation of facts, evidences and corrupt cops are also there in the movie.

Boman Irani as the rich senior lawyer with questionable virtues is totally convincing thanks to his presence, confidence and command over the language. Arshad Warsi is the earnest underdog who wins our loyalties easily. Though his journey from being self-centered and money minded to an honorable pursuer of justice is predictable, it is endearing nevertheless. Saurabh Shukla delivers the performance of the movie as the judge. His sly remarks, the appropriate displays of restlessness and total command are a treat to watch. The intense scene when he puts down Boman and proclaims that it is his court is the highlight of the movie. Amrita Rao is cutesy and plays her little part in Jolly’s life as his girlfriend.

The movie has another really hilarious character in Mukund Bhatt as Jolly’s ‘hardly fit’ bodyguard and his antics will surely make you laugh in one particular song.

Jolly LLB could have done without its songs as they are mere speed breakers. The background music, the cinematography and other elements are handy enough and the core legal drama isn’t hassled by these departments in anyway.

Given the fact that legal dramas are generally bound to be interesting due to the inherent tension and emotional core, Jolly LLB is no exception either.