Well-intentioned but inconsistent, Jolly LLB, directed by Subhash Kapoor, blends elements of a satire, a thriller, and a courtroom procedural in this intriguing story inspired by the events of the Sanjeev Nanda hit-and-run case of 1999. Kapoor makes some relevant points about society’s apathy towards the poor, the loopholes in our judicial system, and the ease with which the rich often manipulate the truth. But he adopts an over-simplistic approach to the material that is often in conflict with this otherwise promising film. Its heart unquestionably in the right place, Jolly LLB is very watchable, even if it does paint in broad strokes. I’m going with two-and-a-half out of five. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
Ratings:3.5/5 Review By: Taran Adarsh Site: Bollywood Hungama
JOLLY LLB works for yet another reason: It's a fascinating account of an underdog who locks horns with a much-senior, much-powerful and much-influential lawyer and emerges triumphant, after facing a lot of hardships. This slice of life film celebrates the spirit of the aam aadmi so admirably and capably that in his triumph lies your triumph! A satire on the judicial system, the film boasts of powerful courtroom sequences [reminds you of NO ONE KILLED JESSICA, at times], but, most importantly, it has several poignant moments that you carry home after the screening has concluded. On the whole, JOLLY LLB is a power-packed courtroom drama. But, most importantly, it celebrates the spirit of the common man seeking justice and impartiality most effectively. Just don't miss this jolly good film!
Ratings:3/5 Review By: Anupama Chopra Site: Star World (Hindustan Times)
Parts of Jolly LLB are laugh out loud funny but underneath the humor is an angry critique of the legal system, which is so easily manipulated by the rich and so difficult to penetrate for the poor. You go in expecting a comedy but the story takes some unexpected turns and ends in a rousing finale that is both moving and inspiring. My trouble with the film was that Jolly’s path is almost too easy and simplistic. Despite the uneven writing, Jolly LLB works because it has heart. I’m going with three stars.
Ratings:3.5/5 Review By: Srijana Mitra Das Site: Times of India (TOI)
Jolly LLB is a serious movie, showcasing the arrogance of the rich, the helplessness of the poor and the corruption of the law.Rather like its protagonist, Jolly LLB's first half meanders a bit, featuring a clumsy 'daaru' song and a Meerut that mysteriously hides - but boy, does its second half hammer things home.Jolly LLB works because of its bigger point - decency is for all and worth fighting for. Using bittersweet satire and plot twirls, the film shows corruption even used against the corrupt. Despite that weaker first half, this truly becomes a Jolly good show. NOTE: You will not like this movie if you don't enjoy courtroom dramas with moral twists.
Ratings:2/5 Review By: Raja Sen Site: Rediff
Which is all rather admirable but decidedly boring, and exhaustingly predictable. All in all it turns out to be a middling drag completely lacking in surprise, with some lines that appear funny because of the actors delivering them. I just wish the film wasn’t as convenient, though. As soon as Jolly changes heart (and, indeed, name) we can see this film heading towards a sincere good-beats-evil battle, and the way in which he comes across witnesses and evidence is just farcically easy. Clearly, Kapoor can bring the humour (though someone else should write dialogue.) But alas, preachiness and the need to flaunt the film’s sincerity and heart, gets in the way of a good time.
Ratings:3.5/5 Review By: Saibal Chaterjee Site: NDTV
Despite a somewhat thin storyline, or probably on account of it, the film stays on course for the most part. It addresses a serious theme – the anomalies inherent in India’s judicial system – in a jocular manner but steers well clear of unwarranted flippancy. Jolly LLB has its heart in the right place. And it’s a heart that is backed by a ticking mind and a responsive conscience. The film, which relies on both humour and pathos for impact, is buoyed by a clutch of outstanding performances and a directorial style that is marked by admirable lightness of touch. Jolly LLB wouldn’t have been half the film it is without the sterling show that Saurabh Shukla, as the all-knowing Judge Tripathi, puts up. His is a delightfully effortless performance that etches out the core of the satire. Barring the off-kilter musical score, which is completely out of sync with the predominantly naturalistic drift of the film, Jolly LLB is a jolly good film.
Ratings:2/5 Review By: Shubhra Gupta Site: Indian Express
Subhash Kapoor's film suffers not only because we know the outcome, but also because it takes a bunch of good actors and doesn't make as much of them as it should have. The combination of Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani and Saurabh Shukla, who plays the myopic-but-wise lower court judge Tripathi with wonderful world-weary acuity, should have resulted in a cracking courtroom drama. But the film is stodgy and predictable. The only one who lifts the film and makes it worth our while is Saurabh Shukla, who has got himself a role worthy of his talent after a long time.
Ratings:3/5 Review By: Mohar Basu Site: Koimoi
What’s Good: A sharply made satire that doesn’t switch into a preachy mode. What’s Bad: The music just doesn’t fit into the plot. Loo break: None. Watch or Not?: Jolly LLB is an enjoyable film filled with quirky humor. It doesn’t rant off bantering needlessly for the sake of humor. Sticking strictly to the plot, the film delivers brilliantly, the discrepancies of the Indian Judicial system.
Ratings:4/5 Review By: Martin D Souza Site: Glamsham
JOLLY L.L.B. is one of those movies that sock you right where it hurts! It does not only sock you, you also double up in realization of what you already knew all this time, or rather had a vague idea of as far as how the rich and mighty view the judicial system. In the end, you just applaud the work of a genius. A story well told and an issue well presented. Go for it, you will leave the courtroom satisfied!
){kind=link}