No One Killed Jessica – a Bollywood film
Review by Rama Gaind
Based on one of the most controversial murders in India, No One Killed Jessica is the story of the murder of model Jessica Lall and the events which followed.
It dramatises the April 1999 murder of Jessica and the turbulent events which followed the bungled court case, acquittal of those charged and circumstances which allowed the prime suspect Manu Sharma (son of a wealthy politician) to walk free.
This resulted in nationwide protests following a media-led campaign seeking justice that resulted in a retrial and life sentence.
The Jessica Lall murder was a significant event in New Delhi and director Raj Kumar Gupta has used the plentiful material and delivered a film that is, in certain parts, poignant and evocative.
However, it is also noisy and simplistic almost as if the director couldn’t decide on a hard-hitting path – choosing instead to merge fact and fiction through overbearing drama and modest realism.
Gupta makes a bold move and uses two female leads – Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan – in a hero-dominated industry. Vidya skillfully plays Jessica’s crusading sister Sabrina, unglamorous but distressed and strong-willed.
Even though no female journalist is credited with this campaign, Rani as the feisty television reporter Meera, talks and acts tough and single-handedly pushes the authorities into reviewing the case. Rani’s portrayal lacks conviction.
Rajesh Sharma (Parineeta, Ishqiya) is noticeable as the policeman on the case.
As the cameras move relentlessly, Gupta makes a social comment on the intricate layers of power and how quickly and ruthlessly the defenceless are silenced.
The film enlightens and entertains, opens up thought processes without losing sight of the cinematic values. It has a lot going for it: strong marketing, smart budgets, true portrayal of events and it tells a powerful story that is emotionally touching.
Gupta displays the same fearless resolve of realism which he showed in his fine directorial debut with Aamir in 2008.
No One Killed Jessica proves that Indian cinema is ready to genuinely tackle true-life subjects, even though filmmakers still shy away from naming names.
This political power thriller highlights the relentless pursuit for justice by two women and how it mobilises the whole nation, thereby, proving that in a democracy there is no greater power than the power of the people.
