It is good to see that the Indian film industry is not afraid to make different fimls anymore. The entire theme of satire may still not be as mainstream as we all would perhaps like it to be, but rest assured Bollywood is moving down that path. Three decades after the brilliant Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, came movies like Peepli Live, Phas Gaye Re Obama and last week's Saare Jahan se Mehenga. Now, you can add Jolly LLB to that list.
Helmed by Subhash Kapoor, who came into limelight with his comment about global recession and its effects in his last movie, Phas Gaye Re Obama, Jolly LLB aims at laying bare the foibles that defines our entire judiciary system. The story revolves around Jagdish Tyagi (Arshad Warsi), better known as Jolly to friends and near ones. Frustrated with the fact that his career is not taking off in a small town like Meerut, Jolly decides it's high time he moved to Delhi. He also convices in girl-friend Sandhya (Amrita Rao) and hits Delhi's Districts and Sessions Court where is 'office' is a feelble desk perched under the wide open sky. He flounders and moves about his daily chores until the day he meets the super-successful Tejinder Rajpal (Boman Irani), arguing about the victimization of his rich client Rahul Dewan, whose Land Cruiser had run over 6 labourers on a foot-path. Suddenly, an eye-witness to the case appears, and Jolly files a PIL.
There are a couple of blemishes in the movie which I would like to mentio here; like the song featuring the clumsy' daaru', which was completely uncalled for, and perhaps I would've personally loved to see more of the Meerut city. But, with cracking scenes between Jolly and Rajpal and eventually Rajpal vs. the judge Tripathi (played by the brilliant Saurabh Shukla), the ongoings becomes absolutely electric. Eventually, drama builds up as Jolly mirrors the public's (aam aadmi) bewilderment and determination to fight against corruption and wrong-doings.
Jolly LLB works, and works big time because of the wonderful star-cast. Arshad Warsi as Jolly is outrightly convincing, while Boman Irani as the high-flying advocate is absolutely brilliant. And when both of them come together, each scene becomes a joy to behold. The movie also works because of its larger point - decency is absolutely worth fighting for. The movie uses satire and plot twists, and somehow manages to show corruption used against the corrupt in a way which would, I am sure, to touch the general public. It does have a wee bit weaker first half, and songs could've been done without, but what it ultimately becomes is a Jolly good show. If you think you'll enjoy a court-room drama with a twist (satire) and a certain seriousness to it, go watch Jolly LLB and have a jolly good time.
Rating: 3.5/ 5 Stars
