Jolly LLB 2
Jolly LLB 2 is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language black comedy courtroom drama film written and directed by Subhash Kapoor, serving as a spiritual successor to the 2013 film Jolly LLB. Starring Akshay Kumar as Jagdishwar "Jolly" Mishra, a small-time lawyer who relocates to Lucknow and takes on a high-stakes case against a formidable advocate representing police interests in a disputed encounter killing, the film critiques systemic flaws in India's judicial and law enforcement processes.[1] Released theatrically on 10 February 2017, it features supporting performances by Huma Qureshi as the victim's widow, Annu Kapoor as the opposing counsel, and Saurabh Shukla reprising a judicial role from the predecessor.[2] Produced by Fox Star Studios with a budget of around ₹45 crore, the film achieved commercial success as a super hit, collecting ₹117 crore nett in India and ₹197 crore worldwide, driven by strong word-of-mouth and Akshay Kumar's star power following his prior hits.[3][4] The casting shift from Arshad Warsi in the original to Kumar was influenced by the director's and producers' aim for a larger-scale appeal, with Warsi reportedly dissatisfied with the script and endorsing Kumar's involvement.[5][6] While praised for its satirical edge on real-world issues like fake encounters—depicted as fictional and not documentary-style by the Central Board of Film Certification—the film garnered mixed critical reception for occasional dramatic excesses but acclaim for Kumar's energetic portrayal and Shukla's authoritative presence.[7] It secured viewer-choice awards including Zee Cine for Best Film and Best Actor (Male) for Kumar, alongside a Filmfare nomination for Best Screenplay, underscoring its impact on highlighting legal inequities through humor.[8]Synopsis and Themes
Plot Summary
Jagdishwar Mishra, commonly known as Jolly, serves as the 15th assistant to a prominent lawyer in Kanpur, performing menial tasks such as fetching paan and holding an umbrella, while dreaming of establishing his own legal chamber.[1] The son of a munshi, Jolly has absorbed rudimentary legal knowledge but lacks opportunities to advance.[1] To finance his ambitions, Jolly accepts 200,000 rupees from Hina Siddique, a pregnant widow seeking representation for her husband's death, falsely claiming he will argue her case.[1] When Hina discovers the deception and confronts him, she commits suicide in despair.[1] Overcome with guilt, Jolly vows to pursue her case earnestly, investigating the killing of her husband, Iqbal Qasim, in a purported police encounter staged by Inspector Singh to mask the escape of terrorist Iqbal Qadri, who shares a similar name.[1][9] Relocating to Lucknow with his wife Pushpa Pandey and junior assistant Birbal, Jolly delves into evidence, traveling to Kashmir amid threats from police and opposition from defense lawyer Pramod Mathur.[1] The case centers on challenging the encounter's legitimacy and Qadri's evasion, disguised as a Hindu godman.[1] During the trial before Justice Tripathi, Jolly cross-examines Qadri, exposing his true identity through probing questions on Hindu scriptures that elicit an inadvertent invocation of "Ya Allah."[1] The court rules in favor of the plaintiff, vindicating Qasim's innocence and affirming the encounter as fabricated, allowing Jolly to rebuild his life and practice.[1]Central Themes and Satire
Jolly LLB 2 critiques the Indian judicial and law enforcement systems through its portrayal of systemic corruption, where police officers engage in extrajudicial killings, such as fake encounters, to bypass legal scrutiny and appease public demands for swift justice.[10] The film highlights the moral compromises faced by lawyers, exemplified by protagonist Jagdishwar "Jolly" Mishra's initial pursuit of fame over ethical representation, evolving into a confrontation with powerful interests that manipulate evidence and influence judges.[11] This theme underscores the tension between individual integrity and institutional pressures, drawing from real-world issues like judicial backlog and biased decision-making under media and political scrutiny.[12] Satirically, the narrative lampoons the inefficiencies and hypocrisies within courts, depicting lawyers as opportunistic performers who exploit procedural loopholes for personal gain, while judges appear overburdened and susceptible to external influences like terrorism-related public outrage.[10] Through exaggerated courtroom antics and witty dialogues, director Subhash Kapoor employs humor to expose how corruption erodes public trust in the legal process, contrasting the idealism of justice with the pragmatism of survival in a flawed system.[13] The satire extends to nationalist undertones, portraying encounters with militants as a response to Kashmir unrest, yet questioning their legitimacy without descending into preachiness, thereby prompting viewers to reflect on the balance between security and rule of law.[12] Underlying these elements is a commentary on class disparities in accessing justice, where under-resourced defendants face elite advocates backed by state machinery, mirroring broader societal divides in India's legal landscape.[14] While the film's blend of comedy and drama occasionally blurs its satirical edge into thriller territory, it effectively uses Jolly's transformation to advocate for accountability, urging reform without overt moralizing.[10]Production
Pre-Production and Development
The development of Jolly LLB 2 stemmed from the commercial success of the 2013 film Jolly LLB, prompting Fox Star Studios to greenlight a standalone sequel.[15] The script was penned by Subhash Kapoor, who also directed the project, focusing on a new protagonist while retaining the courtroom satire format.[5] Kapoor's involvement ensured continuity in thematic elements, such as critiques of legal corruption, though the narrative shifted to emphasize mass appeal.[16] Initial casting plans featured Arshad Warsi reprising his role as the lead lawyer from the original film, but Fox Star Studios prioritized a higher-profile actor to enhance marketability and distribution potential.[17] Warsi later disclosed that director Subhash Kapoor dismissed him from the project, a decision aligned with the studio's commercial strategy.[18] Warsi expressed reservations about the script's quality, describing it as less satisfying than the predecessor, yet he endorsed Akshay Kumar for the role due to personal ties with Kapoor and recognition of Kumar's box-office draw.[5] This recasting marked a deliberate pivot toward broader audience accessibility, with Kumar portraying Jagdishwar 'Jolly' Mishra, a small-time lawyer entangled in a high-stakes case. Pre-production advanced with Fox Star Studios overseeing budgeting, estimated at ₹45 crore, to cover script finalization, casting locks, and preliminary marketing setups.[19] The first-look poster, featuring Kumar in character, was unveiled on December 3, 2016, coinciding with the official announcement of the February 10, 2017, release date to capitalize on early-year slotting.[20] This timeline reflected efficient development, transitioning swiftly to principal photography in Mumbai shortly thereafter.[21]Casting Choices
The production of Jolly LLB 2 involved significant recasting for its lead role, opting for Akshay Kumar as Jagdishwar "Jolly" Mishra instead of Arshad Warsi, who portrayed the character in the 2013 original. This change was driven by Fox Star Studios' need for a higher-profile actor to boost marketing and audience draw, as Warsi himself acknowledged in 2016.[22] Warsi, initially attached to reprise the role, later cited dissatisfaction with the script in a 2024 interview, stating he recommended Kumar because "with me you will get the crowd of 500 people but with Akshay you will get 5000 people," emphasizing commercial considerations over personal attachment.[5] Supporting roles saw a mix of reprises and new selections. Saurabh Shukla returned as Judge Sunderlal Tripathi, providing continuity from the first film. Annu Kapoor was cast as the antagonist Sachin Kantilal Mathur, succeeding Boman Irani's similar authoritative lawyer from the original, to bring a fresh dynamic opposite Kumar.[23] Huma Qureshi joined as the female lead Pushpa Pandey, Jolly's wife, in what was announced as her pairing with Kumar shortly before principal photography began in 2016.[24] These choices aimed to balance familiarity with expanded appeal, aligning with the sequel's standalone narrative approach while leveraging established actors for satirical courtroom intensity.Filming Process
Principal photography for Jolly LLB 2 began in July 2016, with cast members including Saurabh Shukla commencing shoots that month.[25] Akshay Kumar, portraying the lead role of Jagdishwar "Jolly" Mishra, initiated filming around the same period, adopting a desi avatar for the courtroom drama.[26] The production featured multiple schedules across northern India to capture authentic urban and rural settings reflective of the story's legal and societal themes. A significant 25-day shoot took place in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, involving Akshay Kumar and Huma Qureshi, concluding on September 3, 2016.[27] This leg focused on sequences depicting Jolly's struggles in a smaller city environment, leveraging Lucknow's heritage sites and streets for realism. Additional filming occurred in Varanasi and Kashmir to incorporate diverse backdrops, including temple areas and mountainous terrains.[28] The final schedule shifted to Manali, Himachal Pradesh, starting on October 6, 2016, where Akshay Kumar completed key outdoor scenes amid the hill station's landscapes.[29] This phase wrapped shortly thereafter, with Kumar finishing his portions in a record 30 days overall, underscoring his reputation for efficient scheduling in Bollywood productions.[30] Courtroom and interior sequences were primarily shot on sets in Mumbai, enabling controlled replication of judicial environments.[31] No major disruptions or reshoots were reported, allowing the film to adhere closely to its planned timeline ahead of its February 2017 release.[32]Cast and Characters
Principal Cast
Akshay Kumar stars as Jagdishwar "Jolly" Mishra, a struggling lawyer from a small town who relocates to Delhi to build his career, often employing unorthodox methods in court.[33] Huma Qureshi plays Pushpa Pandey, Jolly's supportive wife who assists in his legal endeavors and family life.[33][34] Saurabh Shukla reprises his role from the first film as Judge Sunderlal Tripathi, the presiding judge overseeing Jolly's high-profile cases with a mix of sternness and occasional leniency.[33] Annu Kapoor portrays Sachin Kantilal Mathur, a shrewd and influential senior advocate representing powerful interests opposed to Jolly.[33][34]| Actor | Character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Akshay Kumar | Jagdishwar "Jolly" Mishra | Lead protagonist; small-time lawyer challenging corruption.[33] |
| Huma Qureshi | Pushpa Pandey | Jolly's wife; provides emotional and practical support.[33] |
| Saurabh Shukla | Judge Sunderlal Tripathi | Returning judge from Jolly LLB (2013).[33] |
| Annu Kapoor | Sachin Kantilal Mathur | Antagonistic senior counsel.[33] |
Notable Supporting Roles
Annu Kapoor as Sachin Kantilal Mathur, the shrewd senior advocate defending corporate interests in a high-profile case, delivered a performance marked by taut intensity and courtroom gravitas, serving as the primary antagonist to the lead character.[33][35] His portrayal echoed the archetype of a powerful, ethically flexible lawyer from the original film, replacing Boman Irani's role with a more abrasive edge that challenged the protagonist's underdog narrative.[23] Saurabh Shukla reprised his role as Justice Sunderlal Tripathi, the presiding judge whose weary yet perceptive handling of proceedings injected humor and procedural realism into the satire. Released on February 10, 2017, Shukla's depiction of the judge—complete with witty one-liners and subtle commentary on judicial fatigue—earned acclaim for elevating the film's pacing and thematic depth on corruption in the legal system.[36][35] Huma Qureshi portrayed Pushpa Pandey, the resilient wife of the protagonist who provides emotional support amid personal and professional turmoil, contributing grounded familial dynamics to the otherwise male-dominated legal drama. Her character arc underscores themes of spousal loyalty and domestic strain, with Qureshi's restrained acting noted for balancing levity and pathos without overshadowing the central conflict.[37][33] Kumud Mishra as Inspector Suryaveer Singh, a police officer entangled in the case's investigative layers, added procedural tension through his authoritative yet conflicted demeanor, highlighting intersections between law enforcement and judicial processes.[38]Music and Soundtrack
Composition and Tracks
The soundtrack for Jolly LLB 2 features four songs, each composed by a different music director as part of a collaborative effort.[39] The album was released digitally on January 13, 2017, approximately a month before the film's theatrical premiere.[40]| No. | Title | Composer(s) | Lyricist(s) | Singer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go Pagal | Manj Musik, Nilesh Patel | Manj Musik, Raftaar | Raftaar, Nindy Kaur (additional vocals: Girish Nakod, Manj Musik)[41][42] |
| 2 | Bawara Mann | Chirantan Bhatt | Junaid Wasi | Jubin Nautiyal, Neeti Mohan[41] |
| 3 | Jolly Good Fellow | Meet Bros | Shabbir Ahmed | Meet Bros, Earl Edgar[40] |
| 4 | O Re Rangreza (Qawwali) | Vishal Khurana | Junaid Wasi | Sukhwinder Singh, Murtuza Mustafa, Qadir Mustafa[43][44] |
Critical Response to Music
The soundtrack of Jolly LLB 2, composed by multiple artists including Meet Bros, Manj Musik, Chirantan Bhatt, and Vishal Khurana, elicited a generally lukewarm critical response, characterized as average and situational rather than memorable or chart-topping.[45][46] Reviewers noted the album's lack of longevity, with tracks primarily serving the film's narrative needs over standalone appeal, resulting in ratings around 2.5 out of 5 from outlets like Koimoi and Bollywoodlife.[45][47] Chirantan Bhatt's "Bawra Mann," rendered by Arijit Singh, emerged as the album's strongest track, praised for its melodic appeal despite echoes of prior compositions, and was highlighted as a soothing standout amid otherwise mediocre arrangements.[48][47] The qawwali-inspired "O Re Rangreza" by Vishal Khurana also received positive mentions for its energetic fit within courtroom sequences, though critics like those at Bollywood Hungama deemed it situational and unlikely to gain widespread traction outside the film.[46][49] In contrast, Manj Musik's "Go Pagal," featuring Raftaar and Nindy Kaur, drew criticism for its irritating and fleeting impact, while other contributions from Meet Bros were seen as predictable and unremarkable, contributing to the album's perception as a mixed bag without exceptional highs.[45][46] Overall, the music was viewed as functional for the comedy-drama's tone but failing to elevate beyond expectations for a genre film, with no tracks achieving significant independent popularity upon the album's release on January 13, 2017.[50][48]Release and Marketing
Theatrical Premiere
Jolly LLB 2 premiered with a special screening in Mumbai on 5 February 2017, attended by lead actors Akshay Kumar and Huma Qureshi, as well as original franchise star Arshad Warsi, who praised Kumar's performance as surpassing his own in the first film.[51][52] The event served as an industry preview ahead of the wide release.[53] The film received a wide theatrical release on 10 February 2017 in India, coinciding with the release in several international markets including the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, and Malaysia.[54] This date marked the official theatrical debut, distributed by Fox Star Studios, with screenings across multiplexes and single-screen theaters nationwide.[33] The release strategy emphasized the film's courtroom comedy elements to attract audiences during the early months of the year.[55]Promotional Strategies
The promotional efforts for Jolly LLB 2 initiated with the release of the first look poster on July 19, 2016, depicting lead actor Akshay Kumar as the eponymous lawyer.[56] A teaser poster followed on December 4, 2016, building intrigue around the character's portrayal.[57] Subsequent marketing included a motion poster unveiled on December 17, 2016, featuring Kumar's voiceover introducing his role as a resourceful advocate handling diverse legal matters.[58] The official trailer debuted on December 19, 2016, at 11:00 AM IST on the Fox Star Hindi YouTube channel, supported by a digital innovation allowing up to 100,000 fans globally to view it 30 minutes early via social media registration.[59][60] Music promotion encompassed targeted tracks, such as the promotional song "Jolly Good Fellow" launched on January 19, 2017, and another derived from a nursery rhyme composed by Kumar's daughter, incorporated to enhance pre-release buzz.[61][62] Live events formed a core strategy, with Kumar and co-star Huma Qureshi visiting Amity University in Noida on February 6, 2017, for interactions with law students, including selfies and a dance video shared on Twitter to evoke college nostalgia.[63][64] Additional city-specific promotions occurred in Ahmedabad on February 3, 2017, where Kumar likened his character to the witty Birbal, and in Lucknow on February 8, 2017, tying into the film's setting.[65][66][67] Kumar leveraged social media extensively, posting personal content from events to mimic proven tactics like those of Shah Rukh Khan, fostering direct fan engagement and amplifying reach ahead of the February 10, 2017, theatrical release.[68]Box Office Performance
Domestic Earnings
Jolly LLB 2 earned ₹12.06 crore nett on its opening day, Friday, February 10, 2017, across approximately 3,300 screens in India.[2] The film sustained steady collections over the subsequent days, benefiting from positive word-of-mouth and the Republic Day holiday extension, though it faced competition from regional releases in some circuits. By the end of its theatrical run, domestic nett box office collections reached ₹107.78 crore, with India gross figures totaling ₹149.58 crore.[2] [2] Performance varied by region, with Mumbai contributing ₹34.60 crore nett, Delhi/UP ₹24 crore nett (partial circuit data), and other territories adding to the overall tally.[2] The movie was classified as a hit, recovering its production costs and delivering distributor shares of approximately ₹53.21 crore.[2] [2] While some trackers reported higher estimates around ₹117 crore nett, trade figures from Box Office India, derived from actual distributor reports, confirm the ₹107.78 crore nett as the verified domestic total.[2]Overseas Collections
Jolly LLB 2 grossed ₹34.84 crore in overseas markets, contributing to its worldwide total of ₹197.34 crore.[3] The film's overseas performance reached approximately $4.6 million by early March 2017, falling short of the $5 million mark and underperforming relative to domestic earnings in key territories like the Gulf.[69]| Territory | Gross Earnings |
|---|---|
| USA/Canada | $1,660,000 [2] |
| Gulf | $1,700,000 [2] |
| United Kingdom | £313,000 [2] |