With the highly anticipated release of Jolly LLB 3 just around the corner, featuring the epic on-screen clash between the two “Jollys,” Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, now is the perfect time to revisit the legal drama’s prequels. The franchise, known for its blend of sharp wit, social commentary, and heartfelt courtroom battles, has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the justice system from the perspective of an underdog lawyer.
For fans looking to catch up on the saga before the new installment hits theaters, here is a quick guide on where to watch the previous films and a recap of what made them a success.
The Jolly LLB franchise is a masterclass in how to combine comedy with a serious social message. Each film follows a different lawyer named Jolly, who, despite their flaws and humble beginnings, fights for what is right against a powerful and corrupt system.
Jolly LLB (2013)
The first film introduces us to Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi, a struggling lawyer in Delhi who dreams of making it big. He stumbles upon a high-profile hit-and-run case where a rich and influential young man, Rahul Dewan, is acquitted thanks to the shrewd legal maneuvering of a top-tier lawyer, Tejinder Rajpal (Boman Irani).
Initially driven by a desire for fame and fortune, Jolly decides to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the acquittal. His journey is fraught with challenges and personal compromises. He faces ridicule from the legal fraternity and even briefly succumbs to a bribe. However, a turning point comes when he realizes the human cost of his actions. Motivated by a renewed sense of purpose, Jolly takes on the corrupt system head-on. The film’s climax is a powerful and emotional courtroom showdown where Jolly, armed with irrefutable evidence and a strong sense of justice, exposes the police and the rich defendant, ultimately securing a landmark conviction. Saurabh Shukla’s performance as the no-nonsense but fair Judge Sunderlal Tripathi was a highlight, earning him a National Film Award.
Jolly LLB 2 (2017)
The second film shifts the focus to a new protagonist, Jagdishwar “Jolly” Mishra (Akshay Kumar), a lawyer from Lucknow. Jolly, like his predecessor, is ambitious but initially lacks integrity. He works as a junior lawyer and dreams of having his own chamber. To fund his ambition, he deceives a pregnant widow, Hina Qasim, by taking a fee to fight her case and then abandoning it. When Hina takes her own life, a guilt-stricken Jolly vows to fight for her, leading him to uncover a horrifying case of a fake police encounter.
He files a PIL against a corrupt and powerful inspector, Suryaveer Singh, who is defended by the city’s top lawyer, Pramod Mathur (Annu Kapoor). This time, the courtroom drama is intense and filled with high-stakes twists, including tampering with evidence and threats to Jolly’s life. The film explores themes of police brutality, terrorism, and the manipulation of the justice system. In a riveting climax, Jolly uses his street smarts and a stroke of luck to expose the truth, bringing justice to Hina and her deceased husband. The film was praised for its sharp dialogues and compelling performances, with Saurabh Shukla reprising his role as Judge Tripathi.
The third installment, Jolly LLB 3, is generating immense buzz for its unique premise: bringing both Jollys together for the first time. The trailer promises a double dose of comedy, chaos, and courtroom clashes as the two lawyers, Akshay Kumar’s Jolly and Arshad Warsi’s Jolly, find themselves on opposite sides of a legal battle. With Saurabh Shukla returning as the exasperated but principled Judge, the stage is set for a memorable legal showdown that promises to be a treat for fans of the franchise. The movie is set to release on September 19, 2025.