Legal controversy has once again caught up with the makers of the upcoming Bollywood film Jolly LLB 3. A Pune court has issued notices to lead actors Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, along with director Subhash Kapoor, following a petition filed by local lawyer Wajid Khan Bidkar.
In his complaint, Bidkar alleges that the film insults the Indian judiciary by portraying judges and lawyers in a derogatory and comedic manner. A particular scene where judges are referred to as mamu — a slang term considered informal and disrespectful — has sparked outrage.
Court Directs Actors to Appear, After hearing the petition, the Pune court issued a notice to both Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, who play lawyers in the film. The court has directed them to appear before it on September 28.
This legal challenge follows a similar controversy earlier this year. In May 2024, the Ajmer District Bar Association raised objections to the film’s content, accusing the Jolly LLB franchise of repeatedly mocking legal professionals. Its president, Chandrabhan, filed a complaint urging authorities to halt the movie’s shoot, which was taking place in and around Ajmer, including at the DRM office and nearby villages.
“The way judges and lawyers are shown makes a mockery of the constitutional system,” Chandrabhan stated. He emphasized that while satire is acceptable in cinema, misrepresenting a serious institution like the judiciary could mislead audiences and damage public trust.
The Jolly LLB series began in 2013 with Arshad Warsi in the lead, followed by a 2017 sequel starring Akshay Kumar. Known for blending courtroom drama with satire, the films have often walked a fine line between humor and controversy. Jolly LLB 3, produced by Star Studio18 and directed by Subhash Kapoor, brings back the original cast and introduces new faces like Gajraj Rao and Amrita Rao.
With the next court hearing scheduled for September 28, all eyes are now on how the filmmakers will respond to the growing scrutiny - and whether this legal trouble will impact the film’s release.