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When Jolly LLB was released in 2013, Judge Sunderlal Tripathi, played by the talented Saurabh Shukla, seemed like just another supporting character in a legal drama. Introduced squarely in the courtroom, he carried the weight of judicial authority with sharp wit, cynicism, and understated humor.
His mannerisms, righteousness, and ability to balance justice with practicality made him instantly memorable, even though the focus remained largely on the protagonist, Jolly. Initially, the audience saw him strictly in his professional sphere, an upright judge steering chaotic proceedings. However, as the franchise grew, Judge Tripathi’s character evolved with the recurring films Jolly LLB 2 and Jolly LLB 3.
Revisiting: Jolly LLB (2013)
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In hindsight, Jolly LLB could easily be seen as Judge Tripathi’s story:
The film may carry Jolly’s name, but deep down it feels more like Judge Tripathi’s story, played by none other than Saurabh Shukla (for which he ended up getting National… pic.twitter.com/5mimi8ikj6
— The Cinéprism (@TheCineprism) September 19, 2025
Jolly LLB 2 Offered A Glimpse Into Judge Tripathi’s Personal World
Akshay Kumar‘s Jolly LLB 2 (2017), the sequel to Jolly LLB, took Judge Tripathi’s arc beyond the court. While the courtroom remained his stage, the film subtly allowed the audience to view beyond the judge’s robe. This was most evident when viewers witnessed moments from his personal life in the form of his daughter’s wedding. For the first time, Judge Tripathi stepped away from the judge’s desk and was seen as a father, a family man with joys and vulnerabilities like anyone else. This crucial narrative shift helped humanize the role, adding depth to a character who could have remained one-dimensional.