The highly anticipated courtroom drama “Jolly LLB 3,” starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, has hit a major legal roadblock. In response to a petition by lawyer Wajed Rahim Khan, a Pune court has issued summons to both actors and filmmaker Subhash Kapoor for allegedly ‘disrespecting the judiciary’ through the film’s portrayal of the legal system. The three have been directed to be present in court on October 28 at 11 am.
The legal petition filed by Advocate Wajed Rahim Khan is not the first time the Jolly LLB franchise has faced such scrutiny, but it is a significant one. In his plea, Khan has raised concerns over the film’s “negative portrayal” of the legal community. He has specifically pointed to a scene in the recently released teaser where judges are referred to as “mama,” a slang term that he finds derogatory and disrespectful. The lawyer argues that such portrayals mock the legal system and undermine the dignity of court proceedings.
The case, which dates back to a complaint filed in 2024 after the film’s first teaser was released, has resurfaced as the film’s theatrical release date on September 19, 2025, draws closer. The plea aims to prevent the film from releasing across the country, arguing that its content is in violation of legal and ethical standards. This controversy is reminiscent of the legal hurdles faced by the first two films in the franchise, which also faced scrutiny over their satirical portrayal of the legal system.
The Jolly LLB franchise has always walked a tightrope between satire and controversy. While the films are celebrated for their clever humour and social commentary, they have often drawn the ire of the legal community. The first film, starring Arshad Warsi, faced a petition from lawyers in Delhi, while its sequel, starring Akshay Kumar, was at the centre of a legal battle over its portrayal of a judge from a particular state. The makers were forced to make significant cuts and changes to the film before its release.
This time, with both of the “Jollys” squaring off in the courtroom, the legal drama has spilled off-screen. While the filmmakers maintain that the film is a satirical comedy and should be viewed in that light, the legal community is taking a firm stance against what they perceive as a mockery of their profession.
The summons issued by the Pune court are a clear indication that the filmmakers will have to address the concerns raised by the lawyers. This legal battle adds a new layer of drama to the highly anticipated film, which is already generating significant buzz due to its star-studded cast and director Subhash Kapoor’s signature style. It remains to be seen if the film will be forced to make changes or if it will face further legal action before its scheduled release date.
The legal action has put the entire production under a new kind of spotlight, and its resolution will be a major news story in the coming months.
