The new year starts with a bang with Rani Mukherji and Vidya Balan starring together for the first time on screen in “No One Killed Jessica”.
Storyline
Sisters Jessica (Myra) and Sabrina (Vidya) live happily with their parents, tragedy strikes when one night model/bartender Jessica is murdered at a high profile party for refusing drinks to a drunk brat. The murderer is none other than a Union Minister's son. By the time the case reaches the court, witnesses are heavily bribed and evidences are tampered. After many years of courtroom battle the suspect goes scot free and the case is closed. Corruption overpowers the judicial system. But in the end, the media plays its part in bringing justice to Jessica's family.
The leads
Vidya has gone completely de-glam for her role as Sabrina, which carries a lot of responsibility in the film. Her stand-out act, hesitant body language, faith, helplessness, rage, sorrow and gratitude all come across beautifully. Notably, her laughter in the tense courtroom scene is very spontaneous. She rules the first half of the movie.
Rani plays the part of fiery TV reporter Meera. She smokes cigarettes, swears a lot and gets things done her way. Though a far cry from the usual ‘rona-dhona' films we are used to seeing her in, she delivers a crackling performance as always. Rani rules and controls the second half of the movie, where she's instrumental in bringing justice to the case.
Technicalities
This is Raj Kumar Gupta's second film after the highly acclaimed “Aamir”. As soon as the movie starts you know that this is going to be different. The director maintains a tight grip on the narrative in the first half and gives a thriller feel to it. The film spans from the year 1991 to 2006. Care is taken to accurately show the events during those times. The flashback of Jessica's character is well done, which makes us feel for her. Music director Amit Trivedi has done a good job.
Bottomline: One must watch this movie for the leading ladies' fabulous performances and for the director who sticks to the subject matter without compromising on the entertainment factor.
POOJA RAIKWAR, II Year, Civil Engineering, Easwari Engineering College
