India, Sept. 19 -- I revisited Jolly LLB 1 and 2 as a refresher before walking into Jolly LLB 3. This is a franchise that has never leaned on song and dance routines, macho swagger, or cameos. Its strength lies in compelling plots and strong performances.

The big question then is: does the third installment match the benchmark set by its predecessors?

Subhash Kapoor returns as writer-director, once again helming the courtroom chaos. This time the case isn't a hit-and-run or a fake encounter. Instead, the story kicks off with the suicide of a farmer in Rajasthan after losing his land. The plot, based on the 2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh, quickly escalates. At the heart of it is Haribhai Khetan (Gajraj Rao), India's rich...