No One Killed Jessica
U/A; Drama
Dir: Rajkumar Gupta
cast: Rani Mukherji, Vidya Balan, Myra
Rating: ''''



What's it about: No One Killed Jessica defines the larger purpose of cinema. It is proof that a relevant issueu00a0-- if portrayed cleverly on celluloidu00a0-- can be a statement of our times, while maintaining the entertainment quotient.

Celebs at No One Killed Jessica premiere (slideshow)

No other Indian filmmaker has ever attempted to capture the story behind a high profile murderu00a0-- and it isn't a half-hearted, watered down tale based in a different city, in a different time zone and with different names. Even though there is a disclaimer at the beginning of the film, there's no doubt who or what the film is about.
The movie begins in 1999 in Delhi, when Sabrina (Vidya Balan) receives a call about her sister Jessica (Myra) being "in an accident" and not long after, dies. It seems like an open-and- shut case. Jessica has been shot by a politician's son at a nightclub with over 300 guests and many eyewitnesses. But the inevitable happens. Money exchanges hands and everything from the witnesses to the forensics report is fixed and the murderer Manish Bhardwaj walks free. Enter hardcore TV journalist Meera (Mukerji), who had no interest in the case until now, as it was too "simple" for her thinking. Outraged by the injustice done, she decides to get involved. She manages to stir the entire nation's conscience and the culprits are arrested again.

What's hot: Every aspect of the Jessica Lall murder was covered extensively by newspapers and news channels, so there are no surprises for the audiences, making it tougher to keep them engrossed. But the director manages to do that. No One Killed Jessica could've easily become a docudrama, alienating the moviegoer but Gupta keeps the appalling events interesting and with almost documentary immediacy.

Although the story is real, the director manages to bring in enough excitement. In portions, the film makes you cringe at the corruption of the system. In equal measure, it also stirs up emotions making you believe that all's not lost yet. The story-telling is effective, the narrative is gripping to the core and every actor is perfectly cast. Vidya Balan always a fine actor, is outstanding here. She makes a solid impact with her strong and silent portrayal of Sabrina. Though her character has no great lines and histrionics, she succeeds in hitting the right notes at the right moments. She brings quiet power to NOKJ, while Rani Mukerji is the hero of the film - with the crackling chutzpah and clap-worthy lines. She does to NOKJ what Sunny Deol did to Damini - she brings the screen on fire in the second half.

Rajesh Sharma as the inspector deserves special mention.

What's not: In a way, a powerful true story trumps all quibbles with the storytelling. However, the film does seem one-sided. Would've been interesting to see a perspective from the other side. Whether it is Vikram's (the model based on Shayan Munshi) side or even one of the other witnesses. Also it could've been trimmed by fifteen minutes to make it crisper.

What to do: No One Killed Jessica is a must-watch -- because we all want to believe in the power of justice.