No one Killed Jessica

"What has become of our nation? The human life is less than the cost of a drink."
If you’re wondering about this quote, yes this is a quote by Sabrina Lall, sister of Jessica Lall.

The Jessica Lall murder story (1999) is known for its tragedy and injustice. It’s very disheartening to know that Jessica Lall was brutally shot in front of 300 people and not a single eye-witness, who could tell the truth. The reason for her killing was a refusal to serve drinks for three guys- while she worked as a bartender in a hot-shot private party. In a fit of rage, one of the guy (son of a politician) shot her dead.
All thanks to our corrupt judicial system, the guy who killed her was set free. It also proved that anything can be bought in India with money and political power. You can very well see how manipulative our so called high-profile people.

The reason why I am discussing about Jessica Lall is I just came back watching the movie “No one killed Jessica”. This movie is an inspiration of the real-life story of Jessica Lall. Even the title of the movie is directly taken from the newspaper headlines. You should go and watch this movie for two reasons. Firstly to know how corrupted our judicial system is and secondly what a common man along with the media can make a difference to our system. It’s a very well made movie, where the director has put his heart and soul into it.

What really impressed in the movie is about the dynamic NDTV reporter who re-opened the case and got justice. The movie primarily revolves around a helpless girl Sabrina Lall, who battles hard to get justice for her sister and the court room trials following the murder. The film made me feel angry, frustrated, sad and bitter about the umpteen number of flaws we have in our police and judicial system. At the same time, it also filled a hope and confidence in me about how a common man can make a difference in our system. The screen play and dialogues holds your attention till the end. I personally feel all the artists have put life into the characters. Though Rani Mukherjee is making headlines in the news paper for her on-screen smoking and usage of cuss words; she looks brilliant in her uptown journalist role. Vidya Balan sweeps away her emotions in a best way. The only thing I didn't like is her dowdy dressing sense. One such role which left a strong impact in me is the police officer, who takes a bribe for not beating up the politician's son in his custody and yet does anything and everything to fight for justice.

Overall it’s a good effort to bring back the memories of Jessica Lall-which was almost forgotten by public. It’s good to know that the public cry and the media intervention brought the killer behind bars. What pricks me is that it took seven long years to get the justice. I felt bad for Jessica's family to go through such a trauma for so long.

'No One Killed Jessica' is a must watch movie of two women struggling for justice and it is a remarkable blend of facts and fiction inspired by a series of real life episodes.