Jolly LLB Movie Review

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

I, Me aur Main Movie Review

There are movies which are made for pur unadulterated fun, then there are movies which are more of a coming of age cinema which has been on the minds of many a story-teller. I, Me aur Main is one such story, and is directed by first time director Kapil Sharma, has John Abraham enacting the role of an adult who is self-obsessed, narcissist, and a guy who completely refuses to accept responsibilities, be it committment or anything else for that matter.

I, Me aur Main is a story about coming of age, really. Ishaan (John Abraham) is a stylish, good looking music producer based out of Mumbai. He lives with his girlfriend Anushka (Chitrangda Singh) in her swanky apartment, and is his mother's absolute favourite child, and is always protected by her and his sister Shivani (Mini Mathur). The problem is Ishaan takes them all for granted. But, eventually, there comes a day in his life when everything falls apart. And finally, fed up of his taken for granted attitude, Anushka throws him out of her house. He, then moves onto a normal house, and his mother comes and moves in with him, his sister is also upset with him while his boss (Raima Sen) asks him to resign from the job. It is then that his male ego is absolutely shattered to the core and his confidence is shaken.

This is the time when Gauri (Prachi Desai), his neighbour comes into his life, and from her he gets to learn the actual importance of relationships in someone's life. And finally, the day comes when he needs to make a choice. This movie has several awesome scenes, which are worthy of a mention here. I loved the attitude that comes across right from the start of the movie, in John Abraham's moves, the way he speaks and walks, and in everything else. His relationship goes from bad to worse with Chitrangda Singh, and in addition to all this, there are scenes which John and Mini Mathur share which looks straight out of real life. Brilliant touches, these!

On the other hand, there are moments when the movie seemed to be running out of steam, or runs on the expected path. I did not quite understand why the relationship between John and his boss Raima gets repetitive after a point of time. Additionally, if John wanted to introduce a new singer into the market, why didn't he pursue her all the way (or atleast that's what the viewer gets, a half-baked effort on the script-writer's part). The debutant director does a decent job and there are times when his brilliance does shine through in the movie. However, the screenwriting is what leads him down at times. However, I especially appreciate the fact thatsongs has been especially been restricted in the movie, which goes with the movie, to be frank; a nice touch indeed.

John Abraham comes out of his action figure and does the job of the man-child really well. He doesn't deviate into a negative theme, but enacts the part brilliantly. Chitrangda lends a certain glow into her part, very well done indeed. Prachi adds much needed zest into the enterprise, and she shines especially in the small scenes. Mini Mathur is very natural and she shines through in her scene, so does Raima Sen. However, Sameer Soni doesn't get much scope, while Errol Peter Marks is decent.

Overall, I would say 'I, Me aur Main' is for the youth.  Had it taken the unconventional route, it would've been so much better. But then again, it is not boring, it doesn't really preach anything. A strict one time watch for entertainment purposes.

Rating: 3 / 5 Stars