‘Jolly LLB’ review: Film reflects harsh reality, tickles your funny bone

Gayatri Sankar Bunches of files lie scattered with a thick layer of dust enveloping intricate details that can perhaps provide someone with justice. Alas! When they aren’t put into use (and are rather misused), they remain as garbage almost ready to be thrown into the waste paper basket. And if you have ever visited a court, you will know what I am talking about. Coming from a director who loves donning the thinking cap, ‘Jolly LLB’ mirrors the existing judiciary system in the country, popular for dillydallying cases for years…perhaps ages! Moreover, it also speaks about the huge gap between the affluent class and the poor that seldom finds a bridge. After ‘Phas Gaye Re Obama’ released in 2010, filmmaker Subhash Kapoor, through his latest starring Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani, has ripped the Indian judiciary apart in the most satirical way possible. The film opens with a hit-and-run sequence and keeps the length of the film intricately woven together. As we are introduced to Jagdish Tyagi aka Jolly LLB (Arshad Warsi), a small time advocate, we are taken through the messy, unkempt and bizarre looking courts that is indeed a reflection of the real scenario. And if you believed a court in real looks like the ones popularly projected in films until now, you will be taken aback. Yes, indeed, because things aren’t in order… and neither are those “lawyers” who supposedly fight for justice. Jolly aspires to be a popular lawyer, who moves from Meerut to Delhi in order to enhance his career opportunities. His only support system in his hometown, his ladylove Sandhya (played by Amrita Rao), is a school teacher who lives a humble life. Jolly strives hard to make his livelihood in the capital. Besides her, his brother-in-law (played by Manoj Pahwa) keeps his hopes alive. Jolly gets an opportunity to meet his inspiration, high-profile advocate Rajpal (played by Boman Irani) in a court room. He expresses his awe to his idol and admires him for his intelligence and courage to fight for ‘justice’. Now that he has been able to convey his regards to the famous advocate, he dreams to grow as popular as him. And on the following day, Jolly commences his trip to stardom. Arshad Warsi as Jolly has not only brought life to his character but has infused soul into it too. No superstar could have made Jolly so real and lovable. And Boman Irani is at his awesomest best in the film. Filmmaker Kapoor couldn’t have thought of anyone else but them to play their respective characters, for they simply look tailor made for their roles. Veteran actor Mohan Aghashe, Mohan Kapoor and ‘Kallu Mama’ Saurabh Shukla are fabulous. Shukla steals the show in the court scenes where at points he yells his throat out saying, “Yeh mera court room hai”. The court room sequences will certainly tickle your funny bone. However, filmmaker Kapoor could have done without the ‘Daru’ song that kind of spoils the flow of the film. The director must also consider omitting lip-synced songs from his films for they look forced. But Kailash Kher’s background song ‘Kauwa Chala dekho hans ki chaal’ is rustic, hummable and befits the situation. The film is quite predictable but what keeps you intrigued is the little nuances of anticipation. Nonetheless, the film does grip you making you wonder if you would ever want to see the judicial system remain as it is. For justice delayed is justice denied, isn’t it? And who says only superstars can draw crowd to the theatres? ‘Jolly LLB’ will prove the conventional notion wrong. Highly recommended.