Cast: Rani Mukerji, Vidya Balan, Neil Bhoopalam, introducing MyraDirector: Raj Kumar Gupta
Rating: ***1/2
Raj Kumar Gupta's ('Aamir') hybrid version of the controversial Jessica Lall murder case effectively recreates the entire chronology of events, from model-cum-bartender Jessica Lall's murder to the national outrage seeking justice for her in 'No One Killed Jessica'.
In the summer of 1999, an early morning phone call awakens Sabrina Lall (Vidya Balan) with the news of her sister, Jessica (Myra) been shot. On rushing to the hospital she learns that a politician's son, Manish Bharadwaj (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub) shot Jessica after she refused to serve him drinks at a Page 3 party where she was bartending. It appears like an open and shut case, what with 300 high profile witnesses present at Jessica's murder scene. Amongst the prime witness to the murder is Jessica's good friend Vikram (Neil Bhoopalam). NDTV news channel's feisty reporter Meera Gaity (Rani Mukerji) too doesn't pay much attention to this case as she sees no challenge in it.
But then justice is denied! Manish's influential politician father manages to turn most key witnesses hostile. The long drawn court battle ends up with Manu going scot free. This finally makes Meera take the plunge in this matter and she decides to seek justice for Jessica's family. Using all the tricks in her book she manages to generate a 'Justice for Jessica' drive via her news channel. With SMS activism, candlelight march at India Gate and public uproar across the country, the case gets re-opened and Manu gets sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Jessica Lall murder incident was earlier used by Madhur Bhandarkar ('Satta') and Rajkumar Santoshi ('Halla Bol') but not with as much depth, detail and authenticity with which Gupta has tackled the subject. The film is narrated from Rani's character's point of view and begins with terrifically narrated and shot opening credits. The first twenty minutes in fact have your attention completely riveted to the screen because of the pace and presentation of the events unfolding. Avoiding making it appear a docu-drama, Gupta takes the realistic cinema approach packing in a lot many short scenes. Though many of us might know in detail how the actual events unfolded, one is still engrossed in the proceedings thanks to superb writing, direction and impressive performances even by the fringe actors. But the film could have been much better had the writing been tighter, less cinematic liberties taken and pacing kept more even in the second half. The candle light march sequence that is supposed to be the high point doesn't really overwhelm. Overuse of facial close ups could have been avoided as they appear more gimmicky than effectual.
But Amit Trivedi's music is very good and whenever the energetic 'Dilli Dilli' number plays, it lifts the pace of the film.
Rani Mukerji is simply fantastic as the foul mouthed, chain smoking but spirited journalist modelled on NDTV's Barkha Dutt. Vidya Balan wonderfully underplays. Just watching her body language through her transformation over the years as the court case prolongs, gives a glimpse of what a high calibre actress she is. Despite her short role, newcomer Myra succeeds in putting up an endearing act. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub manages to evoke hatred for his character. Neil Bhoopalam in the role based on actor Shayan Munshi is excellent. Rajesh Sharma as the helpless, powerless cop with a conscience is another superb casting. Satyadeep Misra as Rani's boss and Shireesh Sharma as Manu's politician dad are good too.
'No One Killed Jessica' definitely deserves a watch as very rarely do our Hindi cinema filmmakers get it right when mixing facts with fiction. We would suggest not to miss this one as 'NOKJ' is what quality cinema is all about.
By Abhijit Mhamunkar / Sanskriti Media & Entertainment
