Jolly LLB' review: The film's not a bad way to spend the evening

Cast: Boman Irani, Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao
Director: Subhash Kapoor
When a rich Delhi kid, accused of mowing down six pavement dwellers with his speeding car, is let off for lack of evidence, a small-time lawyer spots an opportunity and gets the case reopened.
Well-intentioned but inconsistent, 'Jolly LLB', directed by Subhash Kapoor, blends elements of a satire, a thriller, and a courtroom procedural in this intriguing story inspired by the events of the Sanjeev Nanda hit-and-run case of 1999. Kapoor makes some relevant points about society's apathy towards the poor, the loopholes in our judicial system, and the ease with which the rich often manipulate the truth. But he adopts an over-simplistic approach to the material that is often in conflict with this otherwise promising film.
Meerut-bred Jagdish Tyagi, or Jolly (Arshad Warsi), is only seeking some publicity when he stands up against legal heavyweight Tejinder Rajpal (Boman Irani) who is defending the accused. But his conscience is stirred by his fiancee (Amrita Rao), who eggs him on to fight for the truth. Rajpal, whose defense is built around a bunch of lies and a botched-up police investigation, resorts to everything from bribery to physical assault to scare off Jolly from pursuing the case.
Positioned as a David vs Goliath clash, the film benefits from some fiery courtroom exchanges between its two leads and Saurabh Shukla playing the seasoned judge. Director Subhash Kapoor tackles these scenes with just the right balance of humor and histrionics, but gets carried away by his tendency to pack in too much all at once. So the screenplay is overstuffed with unnecessary songs, a predictable scuffle in the court washroom, and an overlong satirical sequence in which a corrupt cop (Sanjay Mishra) openly auctions off a promotion in the police department to the highest bidder amongst a fleet of dishonorable officers.
There are many emotional moments in the film, but Kapoor occasionally teeters towards melodrama, wringing the 'feeling' right out of you. While a scene in which Jolly witnesses the plight of pavement dwellers first-hand is genuinely moving, other bits feel contrived and ring untrue. When the aged spindly bodyguard assigned to Jolly mans up in the hour of need, it's as if a lump was squeezed out of your throat! And predictably the manager of the court canteen (Ramesh Deo) who clears up a corner in his premises for Jolly to work out of becomes the catalyst for his awakening.
If the film isn't derailed despite these hiccups, it's largely on account of the three central performances that are easily its biggest strength. Arshad Warsi brings layers to Jolly, revealing a simmering frustration beneath that cheery exterior. Boman Irani is terrific as the smug Rajpal, permanently texting on his Blackberry, and very comfortable in the dread he inspires. But the surprise packet is Saurabh Shukla who doesn't once strike a wrong note as the wise ol' judge dutifully witnessing the circus before him each day, only losing his temper when he's mistaken for a fool. Shukla turns even the seemingly innocuous act of eating lunch into a riveting performance.
Its heart unquestionably in the right place, 'Jolly LLB' is very watchable, even if it does paint in broad strokes. I'm going with two-and-a-half out of five. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
Rating: 2.5/5

Movie Review: Sahib, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns

The return of the Gangster is highly anticipated, Irrfan Khan as a new gangster in the movie is all set to take Saheb (Jimmy Shergill) and his Biwi (Mahie Gill) in his hook. Releasing on 08th March 2013 'Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns' will definitely make a good impact on its audience, it has a hero, a villain, romance and action which makes it a typical Hindi movie. Director Tigmanshu Dhulia again sticks with the ground and added two actors in the movie, Irrfan Khan and Soha Ali Khan. Tigmanshu Dhulia casted Soha as Irrfan Khan's girlfriend in the movie.
The action particularly in the movie is 'Ghamasaan', according to Irrfan Khan. Jimmy Shergill and Irrfan Khan have worked together previously in 'Hasil' directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia which was very well received by the Indian Audience.
Born on July 3rd, 1967 Allahabad, Tigmanshu is drawing a new line in Bollywood this year. As a Cancerian, he is both creative and spontaneous. He always goes for experiments and knows what the Indian audience loves watching on screen. 2013 will forge some new alliances for him that will bring him benefits in the long run. He just needs to be open to meeting new people and talking with his colleagues in depth. Tigmanshu may forge a friendship that turns into a helpful work ally.
Talking about Jasjit Singh Gill Alias Jimmy Shergill was born in a Sikh Jat family in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Born on 3rd December 1970, the fiery Sagittarius (Jimmy) is best suited as (Saheb), playing a very demure lead role in the movie. Jimmy was quite off from Bollywood in 2012, but in 2013 there are chances that his career graph will rise up and this movie will prove an amazing Bollywood comeback for him.
Playing a second lead role, the villainous Irrfan Khan is always in the limelight for his acting skills. Sahabzade Irrfan Ali Khan known as Irrfan Khan was born on 7th January 1967 Jaipur Rajasthan. Being a Capricorn, Irrfan is always in search of showing something to his fans. Irrfan Khan favoured over his peers during this period; expect his career chart to rise dramatically. This is not a stroke of luck but hard work and determination on his part.
Rimpy Kaur Gill alias Mahie Gill is known as a new avatar of Tabu looks perfect against Irrfan khan in the flick. They both were seen together in Tigmanshu Dhulia's 'Pan Singh Tomar'. Her zodiac sign is the 'Sagittarius' and she was born on 19 December 1975 Chandigarh, India. 2013 is a great year for her to work as a team. Mahie will find that she can only take her projects so far on her own and she needs the support and assistance of her colleagues to get her to the next level. This helps to improve the quality of her work as well.
A new face in the flick Soha Ali khan is also playing a very decent and interesting role. Being a Libra, Soha is a fast learner and an easy going actress and with Tigmanshu Dhulia as a director makes things easy for her. Born on 4th October 1978 her strong drive for achievement will propel Soha to take calculated risks as she confronts small hurdles. The good thing is that her confidence will help her carry-on despite some setbacks. Even small failures will be a learning experience for her in 2013.

Overall, the film is based on feelings of rivalry and vendetta, with the India flavor written all over it, making this an undoubted hit. The planets are well aligned and their positive influence will surely make 'Saheb Biwi and Gangster returns' a memorable hit. From the business point of view the film will make enough money. And the chemistry of all actors in the film would be much loved by the viewers, and this would also keep the film on top.