'Jolly LLB 3': Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi Summoned Before Pune Court Over Film's Teaser

A Pune civil court has summoned Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, along with filmmaker Subhash Kapoor, following a complaint that their upcoming film Jolly LLB 3 makes light of the legal system. The court has directed the trio to appear in person on 28 October at 11 am.

The summons stems from a petition lodged by advocate Wajed Rahim Khan, who contends that the film depicts lawyers and judges in a disparaging manner. He took particular exception to a teaser released on 12 August, which he argues includes scenes mocking court proceedings and uses slang to describe members of the bench.

“There should be respect for lawyers. That is why I filed the petition, because what they have shown about advocates and judges is wrong,” Khan told news agency ANI, confirming that the case was admitted by the Pune court.

Khan originally submitted his complaint in 2024 after the first teaser for the film was unveiled. With Jolly LLB 3 now nearing release, the matter has resurfaced, bringing fresh legal scrutiny to the franchise.

The Jolly LLB series began in 2013, with Arshad Warsi starring as a small-time lawyer in a satire that went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Its 2017 follow-up, Jolly LLB 2, headlined by Akshay Kumar, was both a commercial and critical success. The third film reunites both actors, with Kapoor returning to direct.

Produced by Alok Jain and Ajit Andhare under Star Studios, the film is scheduled for release on 19 September 2025. While fans of the series greeted the latest teaser with excitement, the controversy highlights the sensitivity around portrayals of the legal profession on screen in India. The court’s summons now places a legal hurdle before the film’s cast and makers, who will need to appear later this year to respond to the allegations before its theatrical debut.