Shukla shared his thoughts on the importance of TV premieres in the OTT era, how he almost turned down the role of Tripathi in the first film of the series, and more in an exclusive interview with source
You've acted in many different kinds of films.
How would you rate the Jolly LLB franchise?
It's very important to me.
The National Award I won was for a film from this franchise, Jolly LLB 2. I think this series is the best in my filmography. All three films were very successful, and my character was well-received. So, it's a major milestone in my career.
Jolly LLB 3 is premiering on Star Gold.
How important are TV premieres for films today, according to you?
It's very important.
Let me explain. This film was a big hit in theaters. But not everyone can go to the theater. In many parts of the country, there aren't enough theaters. So, a lot of people can't watch it in theaters. Then it was released on OTT. OTT has reached many people, but it's a personal way of watching. People mostly watch on their own.
But in our country, watching TV with the family is still common.
So, this TV premiere helps reach people who want to watch movies together. I'm happy that Jolly LLB 3 is coming on Star Gold.
What was your first reaction when Subhash Kapoor offered you the role of judge Sunderlal Tripathi in the first Jolly LLB film?
When he first offered me the role, I hadn't read the script.
He's a good friend of mine. I visited him without knowing he was offering me a role. Before he started talking, he said he was making a film about law and wanted me to play a judge. I was upset and told him, "Bhai Subhash, give me any role except the judge." Because, up to that point, judges in films just used a hammer and gave a judgment and mentioned the penal code.
But Subhash said, "Pandit ji, please listen to the character."
So I listened. After reading the script, I shook hands with Subhash and told him, "No matter what, I will play this character, and you shouldn't go to any other actor." That's how I got the role.
There are many little details in Sunderlal Tripathi's behavior.
How much of that is your own input?
Cinema is a team effort.
Without teamwork, there's no fun in it. The script has to have a strong base. There were a lot of details in the script. Based on that, the actor adds their own ideas and brings their own touches. It's hard to tell which details came from whom. The script was very detailed, and I added whatever I could from my side.
The first film had Arshad Warsi as the lawyer, the second had Akshay Kumar.
The third film had both. How was your experience working with both of them?
The rapport was great.
I always liked Arshad as an actor. Akshay sir is one of my favorite actors, and he's done some amazing films. But I didn't know them personally before. When I worked with them, I got to know them better, and now we're friends. It's been fun working with them.
You've acted in many different types of films throughout your career.
What are your criteria for choosing a project?
Sometimes the project chooses me, not always the other way around.
My criteria aren't too strict. I just look for something that touches my heart. If I enjoy what I hear, I feel like I can add something to the script. That's my job. But if I don't feel like there's anything to add, then I can't do it.
What are your upcoming projects that you're excited about?
Shah Rukh Khan's King is one of them.
Yes, I'm in King.
The film is currently in production. Right now, two of my films have released: Subedaar and Jab Khuli Kitaab. These days, I'm focused on the love and happiness from Jab Khuli Kitaab. Then there's Jolly LLB 3 coming on Star Gold. For me, March has been a very exciting month.
After getting so much positive feedback for Jab Khuli Kitaab, would you consider directing again?
Definitely, if people are ready to support me (laughs).
