"No One Killed Jessica" is a film based on a famous murder that occurred years ago in Delhi. The character of Meera in the film is a personification of the reporters who went on the warpath when the punk who murdered her was acquitted--even though there was a mountain of evidence against him. How did he get acquitted? In India, there's a long tradition of corruption and folks who are rich and important have been able to literally get away with murder. And, the punk's family is a politician...exactly the sort to remain unpunished. But Meera is determined to make this case huge as is Jessica's sister....to force action and force people to be accountable. The film chronicles the case and is also about the police cover-up and the press insisting that truth prevail.
Non-Indians watching this film might be very surprised by the story and how widespread corruption has been in India. However, as I've seen a couple hundred Indian films, I see that this is actually one of the most common recurring themes in their films--that the police cannot be trusted and the government is run by kleptocrats. So, reporters refusing to let such an injustice get swept under the rugs IS unusual and I can only assume they risked much to expose this conspiracy. I also assume that some pressure must have been exerted on the studio that made this film...yet they made it anyway.
This is a very well made film and I am glad I watched it. I had a couple minor quibbles: the occasional use of the shaky cam as well as some unnecessary musical interludes which are common in Indian films but which didn't really fit the story. But these didn't negatively impact the film and overall it's extremely well made, compelling and worth seeing.
