‘Jolly LLB 3’ Opens with Rs 12.75 Crore on Day One
Critics have lauded its sharp humor and emotional depth, with India Today giving it 3.5/5 stars
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar alongside Arshad Warsi, burst onto the Indian box office, amassing an impressive Rs 12.75 crore nett on its opening day, as reported by trade tracker Sacnilk. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, who steered the franchise’s earlier hits, this third chapter in the beloved courtroom comedy series continues to captivate audiences with its signature blend of satire, legal drama, and social commentary.
The Jolly LLB saga began in 2013 with Arshad Warsi as Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi, a struggling lawyer from Meerut, whose underdog charm and sharp wit won hearts in a satirical take on India’s judicial system. The 2017 sequel, Jolly LLB 2, introduced Akshay Kumar as Jolly Mishra, a Kanpur-based lawyer navigating corruption and chaos, grossing nearly Rs 200 crore worldwide.
Jolly LLB 3 ups the ante by uniting both Jollys in a courtroom showdown, with Saurabh Shukla reprising his iconic role as the witty Judge Tripathi. Amrita Rao returns as Sandhya, joined by Huma Qureshi as Pushpa Pandey, alongside seasoned actors Gajraj Rao and Seema Biswas in supporting roles. The film, produced by Star Studios and Kangra Talkies, draws loose inspiration from the 2011 Uttar Pradesh land acquisition protests, weaving a narrative that pits corporate greed against justice.
Critics have lauded its sharp humor and emotional depth, with India Today giving it 3.5/5 stars for its “hearty big-screen watch” driven by Akshay and Arshad’s chemistry, though some, like The Indian Express (2/5 stars), felt it leaned too preachy compared to its predecessors. Audience buzz on platforms like IMDb praises the film’s “riot of laughter” and family-friendly appeal, with Shukla’s judge stealing scenes with a surprising romantic subplot.
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Box office trends show a 22.40% Hindi occupancy on Day 1, with evening shows spiking due to strong word-of-mouth. Advance bookings grossed Rs 6.37 crore, outpacing rivals like Kesari Chapter 2. While falling slightly short of Jolly LLB 2’s Rs 13.20 crore opening, the film’s momentum suggests a potential Rs 50 crore weekend if trends hold. With minimal competition from releases like Baaghi 4, Jolly LLB 3—Akshay’s fifth 2025 release—seems set to dominate.
Akshay Kumar’s packed slate further cements his versatility. His upcoming projects include Welcome to the Jungle, the third Welcome installment directed by Ahmed Khan, featuring Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Shreyas Talpade, and Manushi Chhillar, slated for Christmas 2025.
Hera Pheri 3, reuniting him with Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty under Priyadarshan, is set for 2025 filming. Additionally, Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy with Priyadarshan, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, eyes an April 2026 release. These ventures, with budgets exceeding Rs 650 crore, signal a comedy-driven comeback for the star.
Jolly LLB 3 reaffirms the franchise’s knack for blending laughter with poignant social critique, proving that its courtroom stage remains a vibrant arena for entertainment and reflection.
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