With Aashiqui 2‘s Tuesday figures catapulting the film’s total earnings to a hefty 27.25 crore, the film has now surpassed the lifetime collections of Ek Thi Daayan which calculates to 26 crores. Perhaps technically, Ek Thi Daayan was a better film than Aashiqui 2. But Romance as a genre is always preferable to ghastly horror.

Aashiqui 2 And Ek Thi Daayan Movie Poster

Aashiqui 2, which was made on a short budget of 8 crores has clearly earned more than its rightful due perhaps, earning back all its investment within less than a week of its release. The pace of the film is speedy and it is achieving a good record in a very short span of time. It won’t be surprising if before the wake of this Friday’s quintessential releases, Bombay Talkies and Shootout At Wadala, the film manages to match up to its immediate predecessor Jolly LLB which rests at number 8 on the Koimoi Top 10 Movies List of the year, currently with a total earning of 32 crores.

Koimoi.com Bollywood Box Office – Top 10 Indian Movies 2013

(all-India net collections) (in Rs. crores)

Jolly LLB Movie Poster

Rating: 3/5 stars (Three-Star)

Star cast: Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao, Boman Irani, Saurabh Shukla

Director: Subhash Kapoor

What’s Good: A sharply made satire that doesn’t switch into a preachy mode.

What’s Bad: The music just doesn’t fit into the plot.

Loo break: None.

Watch or Not?: Jolly LLB is an enjoyable film filled with quirky humor. It doesn’t rant off bantering needlessly for the sake of humor. Sticking strictly to the plot, the film delivers brilliantly, the discrepancies of the Indian Judicial system.

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The story is a slice of David and Goliath fitted smartly in a legal drama. Young lawyer Jagdish Tyagi aka Jolly is frustrated with his legal career going nowhere. He leaves Meerut and moves to Delhi in search of thriving opportunities. Easy popularity comes knocking on his door when he tries to en-cash some residual fame off a Land Cruiser hit-and-run case fashioned on the similar BMW case of Sanjeev Nanda, by filing a PIL.

Pitted against the very best lawyer Rajpal, who shrewdly scores over Jolly by virtue of his obvious position, stature he has attained in his profession and experience, this fight isn’t an easy one.

Jolly suddenly finds himself down from every side with manipulations and threats coming his way. Truth demands strength! So can Jolly uncover the intricacies of the case, and fight the likes of such powerful men? What unfolds is a fascinating legal drama, harsh face offs and a strong ending.

Arshad Waris and Boman Irani (Jolly LLB Movie Stills)

Jolly LLB Review: Script Analysis

The script isn’t a very elaborate one, but surely leaves room for a brilliant screenplay to flow. Picking up largely from reality, the story brings forward the loopholes of the entire justice system of India, which at its core is flawed. Every character is created in a non preachy way, but intends to point out their hapless victimization at the hands of law. Characters like Kaul Sa’ab, the canteen owner who couldn’t get justice for his daughter, raped and murdered or the scene where the judge talks about the number of pending cases in court; one is forced to realize that speedy justice is a myth in this country.

However, the evident humor of the story lingers on. I particularly like the scene where a police constable auctions postings. The story anchors on reality and it won’t be wrong to say reality in India is in a very sorry state. Despite a very slim plot, a loaded screenplay does the magic for this film.

Jolly LLB Review: Star Performances

It is a sheer delight to watch Boman Irani and Arshad Warsi antagonistically pitted against each other. They simply carry forward the film, most effortlessly. Arshad exhibits many shades of humor, nervousness as well as confidence and frustration immensely well

Boman Irani will somehow manage to strike you more. He is classily manipulative, shows arrogance in the most stellar way and even when his character is most shaky given the circumstances, this man brings alive on screen most flawlessly the psyche of a towering legal giant.

The judge who-knows-it-all, Saurabh Shukla plays his part naturally, with so much ease. It is the perfect choice of actors, which makes this film strong!

Amrita Rao could have been avoided in the film altogether. Though she is immensely pleasant, she and her role have nothing to contribute in the film.

Jolly LLB Review: Direction, Music & Technical Aspects

Subhash Kapoor is an ace director. Keeping the narrative simple, he maintains the film’s rhythm grounded in the satirical humor of the story. His critiquing is honest and strongly borrows from a general pathos towards our judiciary and portrays it garbed in humor. Jolly LLB though a light hearted film will evoke concern for the state of affairs in our country, corruption et al.

The screenplay is fabulously done. Everyone in the film has well etched out parts. It harnesses well Boman and Arshad’s on screen chemistry. Kapoor lets the screenplay flow well, without adding any airs; the film turns out quite well on that.

However, I sincerely wish, the makers had omitted the almost weird music bit of the film. Seriously, what was that!

Jolly LLB Review: The Last Word

Jolly LLB is a witty satire on the corruptible legal space of India. Craftily made, the film makes for a good humorous, thought evoking watch!

Jolly LLB Trailer

Jolly LLB released on 15th March, 2013.

Share with us your experience of watching Jolly LLB.

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Director Subhash Kapoor comes back a little over two years after Phas Gaye Re Obama with yet another satire in the form of Jolly LLB which promises to be a takeoff on the legal system in the country. This film stars Arshad Warsi in the titular role along with Boman Irani and Amrita Rao in lead roles. Music of the film has been composed by Krsna of Tanu Weds Manu fame with lyrics by the director himself. Krsna’s music played an important part in ensuring the success of Tanu Weds Manu and as such expectations are pretty high this time around too. It is with this hope that one starts listening to this album.

Still from Jolly LLB Movie

Jhooth Boliya – Jolly LLB Music Review

The opening track of this album is Jhooth Boliya with vocals by Kamal Khan. This satirical song reinforces the theme of the film in typical Punjabi style. Kamal has done a very good job with the rendition with Vayu partnering with Kapoor for the lyrics. The song is pretty much foot-tapping and seems to have all the ingredients to make it a super hit though it does leave the listener with a sense of déjà vu. Furthermore there is a remix version of the song which makes it all the more danceable in line with the demands of the party circuit.

Daaru Peeke Nachna – Jolly LLB Music Review

Daaru Peeke Nachna is next in line and it is Mika Singh & Shreya Ghoshal behind the mike this time around. Both the composition & the lyrics are strictly average and Mika does a satisfactory job of a song which falls under familiar territory for him. Shreya is heard very little in this track and one does end up wishing to hear more of her beautiful voice. This is yet another number that has a remix version and has Mika behind the mike but without female accompaniment. The lyrics of the second stanza have been modified but the song, especially as a remix does not really work since it ends up having a jarring effect on the listener. Not recommended.

Mere to L Lag Gaye – Jolly LLB Music Review

Mere to Law Lag gaye follows Daaru Peeke Nachna and Bappi Lahiri is back with his natural flamboyance & exuberance in this fun filled number about the struggles of the lead star on becoming a lawyer. The humorous lyrics and Bappida’s playful singing makes this song an enjoyable one. The “Aau” sound that he makes intermittently through the song is highly entertaining and one ends up humming the same. This track too has another version which is essentially the same as the former one except that it starts out as Mere to L Lag Gaye and is equally enjoyable mainly because of Bappida’s unique singing style.

Ajnabi – Jolly LLB Music Review

The penultimate song is Ajnabi penned by Subhash Kapoor himself and has been sung by Mohit Chauhan & Shreya Ghoshal. Now this is a pair on which one has high expectations since both are supremely talented & versatile and one does expect a quality song from them. But, Ajnabi falls short of expectations though it is not exactly bad. It sounds strictly average especially the antara portion though the mukhda does sound good. Mohit does not seem to be totally in his element but Shreya manages to make an impact as usual. This duet sounds more entertaining than romantic and is not exactly mind-blowing which is a little bit of a letdown.

Hans Ki Chaal – Jolly LLB Music Review

Hans Ki Chaal is the final song of the album and has vocals by Kailash Kher with the lyrics once again being penned by the director himself. The thought provoking lyrics have been given a humorous touch, which seems to have become some sort of a pattern in this entire soundtrack and has been given a folksy flavor. It has been sung extremely well by Kailash Kher, yet the track isn’t that appealing per se. In fact it sounds more like a situation specific song and hopefully must sound much better with the visuals.

The Last Word – Jolly LLB Music Review

Overall, Jolly LLB has an average soundtrack with Jhooth Boliya and Mere to Law Lag Gaye definitely standing out among the others. But even these tracks do not have the ‘it’ factor that will help them in having a lasting impact on the listener. Although it is a given that music plays only a support role in theme based movies such as this, purely from a music lover point of view, Jolly LLB proves to be a disappointment. And especially so because Krsna has not lived up to the promise that he showed in his debut film which surely is a letdown.

The Oscars all through the years gone by, have a rich tradition and a history of great presenters and everyone remotely connected to the awards would want to know how the anchors did their bit. Right from Bob Hope to Billy Crystal and from Whoopi Goldberg to John Stewart, the Oscars have had quite a few good humoured blokes who have come up with some witty one-liners and jokes aplenty. And there have been the not so good ones in David Letterman and the last year ones – Anne Hathaway and James Franco.

This year though, the show hosted by Seth Macfarlane saw him in his usual edgy self as he indulged in a musical tribute to female frontal nudity in the movies and spared no one from Adele to Aniston, the jury would soon be out scrutinising his performance. In the meanwhile, we saw this as a great time to have a look at what our own Desi stars have done at the award ceremonies.

Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan

Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan

The wittiness of the King Khan and the flamboyance of Saif Ali Khan have had a lasting impression on the Indian audiences in the recent past. The duo have been a hit jodi and have gone onto host the Filmfares a record 4 times, right from lambasting the critics, Kantaben kisses, Naariyal Awards, jokes on Aamir Khan, Salman Khan to alternate endings to Kal Ho Naa Ho and what not. However, there have been actors like Neil Nitin Mukesh, Vidya Balan and R. Madhavan who have given it back to them at their game. In fact there was a time when Filmfare went with Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan for the ceremony in 2012, only to be back with the Khans this year on public demand! Many would agree with me if I say that the duo are by far the Best Awards show hosts from the land of the Ganges.

To add to this, Shah Rukh Khan has also hosted Star Screen Awards and IIFA Awards.

Sajid Khan

Sajid Khan

Yes, Sajid Khan has hosted the Star Screen Awards, Zee Cine Awards and Apsaras numerous times in the past, you name it and he has it check-marked on his list. However, his controversial dig at Ashutosh Gowarikar’s hero Harman Baweja, concerning awful representation in Love Story 2050 led to a public spat at the Screen Awards. Gowarikar went onto state that such a puerile humour is not something he expects at awards ceremonies and more screen time and respect must be garnered to the performers toiling their day in and out. Last heard the 2 are said to be ‘friends’ now.

Apart from such shows he also had India’s longest running countdown show – Ikke Pe Ikka , Superstars and a few MTV chat shows and was a judge on dance reality show- Nach Baliye.

Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor

The quintessential heartthrob of the Generation Y has had a decent record when it comes to hosting the Awards Night as he went onto host Filmfare for 3 years, however he was taken off this year as the awards show presenters wanted Saif-SRK back, to add spice and chutzpah to the show. His  Silk Smitha-Nylon Shanti act with SRK didn’t went too well with the critics in 2012. The Neetu-Rishi lad would soon be seen hosting the first ever Times of India Film Awards to be held in Vancouver from 4th-6th April 2013, alongside Anushka Sharma.

Karan Johar

Karan Johar

Karan Johar is your all-in-one: TV show host, Director, Producer, Stylist and yes, our very own Billy Crystal – KJo. Filmfares, Apsaras, Global Indian Film and Telly Awards and even IIFA, he is one man you can always bank upon when you are looking for an able presenter who can not only look elegant and dapper but also crack some witty one-liners and be an amiable host. But its actually his talk show Koffee with Karan that the Indian masses would remember more than his Awards ceremonies.

Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh

Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh

The 2 cheesy actors Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh have had the audience in splits time and again at the IIFA ceremonies, be it in Bangkok, Macau, Toronto or down south Colombo. However due to date issues and also a falling popularity with jokes beginning to be repetitive, there was a need felt lately to replace them with Shahid Kapur and Farhan Akhtar in the last outing at Singapore, the previous year.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan

He has been inviting everyone for a song and dance event for the most sought after turn of event in his life, promises ‘Sangeet’ and the entire film industry’s wishes and congregation. Relax maidens, he is still not marrying, the brawn star has just hosted his first Awards Night at the Renault Star Guild Awards, to be aired soon on March 23, yes, a month from now and thus joined a bunch of glittering stars from the Hindi Film Jagat. His act would be something to look forward to by all the gossip queens and the voyeuristic media, waiting for the next on the SRK-Salman war.

Going forward we would want the Manish Paul’s, and the Ayushmann Khuranna’s to hold the baton and put up a good show someday. Comparing ourselves with the West is still something quite far as one should concentrate on forming an Academy of sorts and not just having multiple 5-panel juries doling out awards every other night, a way through which we can have more credibility for such events. More so, awards categories that tend to please everyone should be done away with. As the case stands these days, one of the awards show doled out awards in 3 different formats: Critics, Popular and Entertaining so there were actually 3 Best Actors, so on and so forth and had even categories like – Most Well Publicised Movie for that matter (We all know who won it that year, don’t we!). And Ya, a few surprises would do well with changing times, maybe an Aamir Khan next year post Dhoom3’s release would be better than watching the same slapstick comedy, same shots exuding fake dramatic moments, and the same Rekha in a golden Kanjeevaram..!

Between you and me!

“I am very proud they have accepted me with open arms. We haven’t started shooting. I have just signed the film,” he added.

Boman Irani

Meanwhile, Boman says his upcoming film Jolly LLB will make a difference to the society. “It will be a film that will make a difference because it is about the judicial system in our country and it is told in a very funny way, in a sweet way,” he said.

Jolly LLB, slated to release March 15, also stars Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao.

The trailer looks pretty interesting with some hard hitting punches and one-liners from Arshad and Saurabh Shukla. Enjoy the video right here:

Arshad Warsi in a still from Jolly LLB Movie

A Fox Star Studios Presentation, Jolly LLB is slated to release on March 15, 2013.