The world of Bollywood is witnessing a new kind of rivalry, and this time it goes beyond the silver screen. With the upcoming release of Jolly LLB 3, a friendly yet fiery debate has erupted between Kanpur and Meerut. Thanks to a clever promotional campaign, fans are now caught up in deciding which city’s flavor will dominate—Kanpur’s innocence or Meerut’s flamboyance.
Regional Dialects Taking Over BollywoodIn recent years, Hindi cinema and television have increasingly embraced regional dialects and local storytelling. Among these, the Kanpuriya andaaz (Kanpur style) has enjoyed unmatched popularity. From Bunty Aur Babli and Tanu Weds Manu to Bala, the humor, innocence, and liveliness of Kanpur’s dialect have made a lasting mark.
On television, Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain turned Kanpur’s language into a household name, winning fans across India and abroad. Late comedian Raju Srivastava and artist Annu Awasthi also built their careers around this style, proving how powerful and entertaining Kanpuriya flavor can be.
Now, Jolly LLB 3 has joined this trend, sparking an all-new clash between two iconic cities of Uttar Pradesh.
Akshay Kumar vs Arshad Warsi: The Banter BeginsA promotional video recently released on social media shows Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi stepping into their Jolly avatars. While Akshay Kumar passionately bats for Kanpur, highlighting the city’s food, humor, and quirks, Arshad Warsi counters by showcasing Meerut’s reputation and pride.
Akshay lists Kanpur’s famous delicacies like Thaggu ke Laddu, Badnam Kulfi, Sultani Dal, buttermilk, chaat, and imarti, while also poking fun at the city’s leather industry and people’s “habit of asking for discounts.” Arshad, on the other hand, stands firm in support of Meerut, claiming his city’s culture and reputation surpass all.
The playful banter has quickly gone viral, with fans actively taking sides on social media.
Judge Tripathi Leaves It to the AudienceThe video also features Saurabh Shukla as Judge Tripathi, caught helplessly between the two Jollys. While Akshay Kumar’s Jolly Mishra insists Kanpur is unbeatable, Arshad Warsi’s Jolly Tyagi refuses to back down from praising Meerut. Eventually, Judge Tripathi concludes that the final decision lies in the hands of the public.
This means the location of the trailer launch—Kanpur or Meerut—will be decided through audience voting, adding another layer of excitement to the film’s promotions.
Clever Promotion: Name Changes on Social MediaThe film’s marketing strategy is equally creative. Akshay Kumar has changed his X (formerly Twitter) handle to Jolly Mishra – Asli Jolly from Kanpur, while Arshad Warsi has renamed his account Jolly Tyagi – Asli Jolly from Meerut. Though Arshad hasn’t posted any video from his account yet, fans believe the trailer launch will be hosted in one of these two cities, with both stars in attendance.
Kanpur’s Growing Presence in BollywoodKanpur’s cultural identity has increasingly attracted filmmakers. The city’s innocence, humor, food, and distinct dialect have resonated deeply with audiences. Over the past decade, several films and web series including Raat Akeli Hai, Hotel Milan, Marudhar Express, Subedar, and Beimaan were shot in Kanpur.
Historic spots such as HBTU, JK Mandir, Mall Road, Guptar Ghat, Anand Bagh, and Siddhnath Ghat in Jajmau have emerged as favorite shooting locations. Alongside, local artists have also found opportunities to work in productions, bringing employment and recognition to the city.
Potential for Film TourismExperts suggest that Kanpur can leverage this growing popularity by developing its film-shooting sites into Bollywood-themed tourist hubs, much like Mumbai and Rajasthan. The city’s old markets, ghats, and heritage buildings are naturally suited for cinematic storytelling. If promoted strategically, Kanpur could become a major destination for film tourism.
Kanpur vs Meerut: A Battle Beyond CinemaWhat started as a promotional stunt has now turned into a citywide showdown. Fans of Kanpur and Meerut are enthusiastically defending their hometowns on social media, fueling the excitement around Jolly LLB 3.
This film is no longer just a courtroom comedy—it has become a symbolic battle of identity and pride between two vibrant cities of Uttar Pradesh. On one side is Kanpur’s carefree charm, humor, and irresistible food, while on the other side is Meerut’s pride, swagger, and cultural reputation.
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