No One Killed Jessica

If Mumbai is about Money then Delhi is about Power. So what happens when you mix Power with Money. The result is a lethal cocktail.

No One Killed Jessica (NOKJ) tells one such tale.

The film is based on the real life story of a model Jessica Lal who was killed one night while serving as a celebrity bar attender at a happening night club in Delhi. All because she refused to serve drinks to a brash customer who then shoots her with a gun.

I liked Rajendra Gupta's first movie Aamir and that was an incentive for me to not miss his next directorial stint. Vidya Balan as the sober Sabrina who carries on a determined fight for justice does justice to her role and portrays the trials and tribulations of someone who lost her loved one admirably. Rani Mukherjee as Meera Gaity makes a strong comeback as a television journalist.

The title music with "Kat Kaleja Dilli Dilli" sets the mood for one riveting journey. I liked the character of the cop (Rajendra Sharma) who candidly confesses that he took money for not raising his hands against the accused. Stand out scenes include the accused Manish's politican dad undertaking a thanksgiving trip to Vaishno Devi temple which is juxtaposed by the critical condition of Jessica's mom, Manish's dad and mom visiting the Lal's to pay their homage to Jessica and the Lal's are decent enough to offer them tea knowing very well that Manish's parents are doing all they can to protect their son.

But some things like Meera lecturing Sabrina about giving up the fight or the overdone scenes of candle light vigil are a bit jarring. To conclude inspite of its flaws if this movie sends out a strong social message it's well worth the effort.

(Image courtesy: thehindu.com)