Legal Comedy Meets Real-Life Courtroom: Pune Court Summons ‘Jolly LLB 3’ Team
Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi and director Subhash Kapoor ordered to appear on October 28 after petition alleges the film disrespects the judiciary
A Pune civil court has formally summoned Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, along with director Subhash Kapoor, over their upcoming film Jolly LLB 3, which is now facing real-life courtroom trouble.
The summons follows a petition filed by advocate Wajed Rahim Khan, who argued that the film’s teaser disrespects the judiciary. In particular, he objected to a scene where judges are referred to by the slang word “mama,” claiming that such portrayals demean both lawyers and the judicial system.
The order, issued on August 18, 2025, by Junior Division Civil Judge J. G. Pawar, requires the trio to appear in court on October 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. The court has also asked them to provide supporting documents in their defence, warning that proceedings may move forward in their absence. Interestingly, the summons reportedly listed Akshay Kumar under a misspelled version of his birth name, “Arun Bhatia,” which the petitioner has said he will correct.
This legal tussle first began in 2024, when the initial teaser for Jolly LLB 3 drew criticism for its depiction of courtrooms and lawyers. The controversy reignited last week after the official teaser release, which showcased a highly anticipated face-off between Akshay Kumar’s and Arshad Warsi’s versions of Jolly.
About the film: Jolly LLB 3 marks the return of both Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi to their roles as rival lawyers, with Saurabh Shukla reprising his iconic Judge Tripathi. Directed and written by Subhash Kapoor and produced by Alok Jain and Ajit Andhare under Star Studio 18, the film also features Amrita Rao, Huma Qureshi, and Annu Kapoor in key roles. It is slated to hit theatres on September 19, 2025.
As irony would have it, a film built on legal satire now finds itself under genuine legal scrutiny.
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