Arshad Warsi to Lead Jolly LLB 4 as Franchise Reportedly Returns With a Prequel

Arshad Warsi is reportedly set to return as lawyer Jagdish Tyagi, popularly known as Jolly, in the fourth instalment of the Jolly LLB franchise. The upcoming courtroom film is expected to revisit the character’s earlier journey rather than continue directly from the events of Jolly LLB 3, according to a report published by Variety India on October 20, 2026.

The film is reportedly being directed by Umesh Shukla, known for OMG: Oh My God! and 102 Not Out, with shooting expected to wrap by January 2027. The makers have yet to announce the film’s official title, release date or complete cast.

Why Jolly LLB 4 Could Take the Story Back in Time?

The reported prequel format would take the franchise in a different direction after the third film brought its two central lawyers together. Rather than advancing that courtroom rivalry, the fourth instalment is expected to return the focus to Warsi’s Jagdish Tyagi.

The production details were reported by Variety India, which cited a source describing the project as a prequel. The film’s precise timeline, central case and supporting characters have not yet been publicly confirmed by the makers.

If the reported plan holds, the film could explore an earlier stage of Tyagi’s career as a lawyer. However, the character’s specific circumstances and the case at the centre of the story remain undisclosed.

From Jolly LLB to the Two-Jolly Showdown

Warsi first played Jagdish Tyagi in Jolly LLB, released in 2013. Written and directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film followed a small-time lawyer who became involved in a high-profile legal case. Its combination of courtroom humour, social commentary and questions about justice established the series’ distinctive tone.

Akshay Kumar subsequently took over the central role in Jolly LLB 2 (2017), playing another lawyer known as Jolly: Jagdishwar Mishra. In Jolly LLB 3, released in September 2025, both actors returned as their respective characters, bringing the two lawyers into the same courtroom.

That progression makes the reported fourth film notable: Warsi would once again lead a new instalment after sharing the spotlight with Kumar in the third chapter.

Will Akshay Kumar and Saurabh Shukla Return?

There is no confirmed cast announcement for the fourth film beyond the reporting about Warsi’s involvement. Akshay Kumar’s participation has not been established, and it would be premature to assume that his character will appear in the prequel.

Saurabh Shukla, whose portrayal of Judge Sunder Lal Tripathi has been a recurring element of the franchise, is another familiar face whose involvement remains unconfirmed. The original film also featured Amrita Rao and Boman Irani, but no official information has established whether they will return.

The cast, plot and production schedule could become clearer as the project moves beyond pre-production.

Who Is Directing Jolly LLB 4?

Umesh Shukla is reportedly taking over directing duties from Subhash Kapoor, who wrote and directed the first three films. Shukla’s credits include OMG: Oh My God! and 102 Not Out, both of which combine comedy with broader social or family themes.

The change in director could bring a different approach to the franchise, although there is not yet enough confirmed information about the screenplay to assess how the fourth film will compare with its predecessors.

The reported production target is January 2027, while a theatrical release is expected sometime in 2027. Neither date has been officially announced by the makers.

The Celebrity Hour Take

The reported prequel offers a straightforward way to return the franchise to its original protagonist without undoing the events of Jolly LLB 3. It also gives the makers room to tell a self-contained courtroom story centred on Warsi’s character.

For now, the key development is a reported creative and casting direction-not a fully announced film package. The official title, supporting cast, story details and release date will be the important updates to watch for before the project can be treated as formally confirmed.

Sources & Verification

This article draws on Variety India’s report about the fourth film and cross-checks the franchise’s earlier cast and release details against published film information and the official Jolly LLB 3 trailer from Star Studios. The fourth film’s reported prequel format, director and production timeline have not yet been confirmed in an official announcement.