Saturday, January 8, 2011
No One Killed Jessica Movie Review By Taran Adrash . Most storytellers entertain, a few enlighten. A scattering number of celluloid visionaries entertain as well as enlighten. Rajkumar Gupta fits into that exceptional variety of film-makers that opens up thought-processes about the condition of the homeland without losing the cinematic elements that constitute a film.
To reconstruct on celluloid a true occurrence that is oven fresh in public reminiscence is not a trouble-free mission, but Gupta takes up this colossal challenge of placing together the controversial and litigious story of Jessica Lall's murder case on celluloid. However, having sensitive and explosive material on hand is not enough. The execution of the subject is of paramount importance. Fortunately, the one-film-old director interprets the events of the murder case in remarkable style and form and makes it a cinematic experience that haunts you even after the film has concluded. Gupta does complete justice to the spirit of the story, which had created headlines and still remains well etched in our memory to this day.
A few monsoons ago, Rajkumar Santoshi's HALLA BOL commenced with a shootout sequence at a party. Of course, HALLA BOL wasn't about this incident alone, it was just a tiny segment in the narrative. NO ONE KILLED JESSICA focuses on this true-life incident [with no deviations] and its strength lies in the fact that it sucks you into the world of dirty politics and power games as soon as it unfolds.
NO ONE KILLED JESSICA is not Gupta's first and foremost endeavor at illustrating a real incident that shook the nation. Even in his directorial debut AAMIR, Gupta depicted a common man's [Rajeev Khandelwal] hard try at combating terrorism and violence. However, that was a work of fiction. But NO ONE KILLED JESSICA is a different ballgame altogether because reams of paper and hours of television footage have been devoted to this case. Thankfully, Gupta makes it an engaging thriller rather than relying on the docu-drama format.
NO ONE KILLED JESSICA belongs to the unique hard-hitting, gut-wrenching genre of cinema. Script-wise, the director has tried to remain faithful to the episode that occurred during that fateful night and also what transpired subsequently, but besides depicting reality on celluloid, he adds the thrill element to the plotline, which makes it very viewer-friendly. The events have been chronologically put forth and the daring story of two women who challenged the system hits you like a ton of bricks. The film truly celebrates the human spirit and also reflects a vital change in the society and in the attitudes of people.
Final word? This gutsy film deserves a standing ovation!
New Delhi, 1999. The guns at Kargil are still blazing when another one goes off, this time in the nation's capital. Jessica [Myra], a young attractive model, trying her hand at bartending, is shot dead at a celebrity party. Her crime - refusing to serve a drink after closing hours. The culprit Manish [Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub], son of a prominent politician, inebriated by a deadly cocktail of alcohol and a sense of entitlement, pulls the trigger in a fit of rage.
With 300 of Delhi's swish set present at the party, many of whom are witnesses to the murder, Manish looks all set to go to the gallows. Except that it doesn't quite turn out that way. But two women, Jessica's sister Sabrina [Vidya Balan] and the feisty TV reporter Meera [Rani Mukerji], decide to outwit Manish and his politician-father [Shireesh Sharma] at their game. Over the course of seven years, the case goes through several stages of legal complications. Witnesses turn hostile one after another and the few who don't, became inconsistent with their versions.
Manish is acquitted, leading to a fierce public uproar and a relentless campaign by the media, which eventually leads to a life sentence for Manish.
A film like NO ONE KILLED JESSICA pricks your conscience and makes you think. In fact, it's the kind of film that will lead to debates and discussions. What was more appalling - the model's slaying or the slapdash method in which the suspected assassins were brought to justice? What's even more scandalous is that almost immediately after the killing, the police identified the slaughterer and it seemed like an open-and-shut case. But it wasn't.
Gupta deserves kudos for choosing a thorny and contentious story to interpret on celluloid, but he deserves a few extra brownie points for handling the material with aplomb. His prowess and competence is visible all through the film, but more specifically in the electrifying courtroom sequences and also when Rani decides to take up this issue. The candle light protest at India Gate in particular is simply overwhelming.
Since it is based on a real story that occurred in Delhi, Gupta has shot the entire film in the city. The characters are real and so are the locations and that's what makes the goings-on very identifiable, besides bestowing an authentic feel to the film. Like his earlier film AAMIR, NO ONE KILLED JESSICA has been shot in guerrilla style and that makes the viewer feel that he's actually watching the drama unfold in front of his eyes, that he's a spectator in the proceedings. Gupta also ensures that the two pivotal parts remain true to their respective characters.
Any shortcoming? Yes, if Gupta would've trimmed the film by at least 10 minutes, the impact would've been much stronger.
A hard-hitting drama, generally, doesn't have scope for music. But Amit Trivedi joins hands with Amitabh Bhattacharya, the wordsmith with whom he delivered the fabulous soundtrack of DEV D, and together they deliver a solid soundtrack. 'Dilli Dilli' has already won hearts of audiences and the remaining songs too leave an impact. Anay Goswami's cinematography is first-rate. Dialogue, also penned by Gupta, are realistic to the core.
Gupta may be young and relatively new to the fray, but that does not deter him from getting the best and most appropriate cast for his second outing and I am sure, it's only thanks to a potent and persuasive script. Vidya has been basking in the glory of films like PAA and ISHQIYA lately, which gave her ample opportunity to prove her dexterity. She gets a wonderful opportunity to prove her prowess yet again. Vidya plays the iconic Sabrina Lall brilliantly, reliving some very stressful and arduous chapters of Sabrina's life. Balan is poignant yet controlled and projects an imposing figure of maturity, refinement and veracity. This film completes a hat-trick of her commendable performances.
In the role of a spirited and audacious journo, Rani, who smokes non-stop, flings swear words every now and then and who rebuffs being a voiceless spectator when the culprits go scot-free, is simply exceptional. She sinks her teeth into the character, giving it the much required pragmatism that it necessitates. Her performance is bound to be talked-about in days to come. In fact, it would be unfair if I do not acknowledge the fact that she appears very much at ease mouthing abusive words and lurid language.
Neil Bhoopalam, the key witness, is fantastic. Especially in the sequence when he comes for an audition of a film role and blurts out the truth unsuspectingly. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, the main accused, is very good. Myra, as Jessica, is natural. Rajesh Sharma, the investigating police officer, is excellent. Satyadeep Misra, as Rani's boss, gives a fine account of himself. Shireesh Sharma, the politician-father, is perfect.
On the whole, NO ONE KILLED JESSICA is a poignant story of two women's resolve for justice. It's a remarkable blend of facts and fiction inspired by a series of real-life episodes, which has thankfully not been presented as a tedious biography or in a mind-numbing docu-drama format. It's more of an engaging thriller which has the right doses of histrionics, tautness, anguish and thrills. The emotional and disturbing journey, the strength of the common man and the relentless endeavor of the media have all been most compellingly put together on moving picture. In times of yore, a lot of films have been attempted on real-life incidents, but haven't struck a chord so effectively. NO ONE KILLED JESSICA should shatter this jinx. This heroic and daring film truly deserves a prolonged applause.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Youth icon Imran Khan is a rage among youngsters these days. His latest ‘I hate Luv Storys’ has been such a impressive success that Karan Johar has signed the actor for his next production venture with none other than Bebo in the lead. Imran had long cherished a dream to work with Kareena.According To Information
Scheduled to start in December this year, this love story will apparently be directed by a newcomer, Shakun Batra who has recently joined Dharma Productions. It was Imran who suggested Shakun to Karan. Shakun has already shown his skills as an assistant in ‘Rock On’ and ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’.
Talking to a news daily, an all beaming Imran Khan said, “Yes it is true that I am doing another film with Karan Johar. The film will be directed by Shakun but beyond that, I can’t confirm anything on the casting front. Shakun has been a friend ever since he joined the industry and was a second assistant director on Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. He has written the script with our mutual friend Aayesha”.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Story: New York' revolves around three friends whose lives are deeply impacted by the fallout of 9/11. Samir aka Sam (John Abraham), Omar (Neil Nitin Mukesh) and Maya (Katrina Kaif), all students at New York State University, fully enjoy campus life. Omar, a first-time foreign student, fast befriends Sam and Maya to eventually develop a love for America, and adapt to the American lifestyle. The film opens nearly 7 years after the tragic events of 9/11 with Omar being detained and interrogated by FBI agent Roshan (Irrfan Khan), who forcefully hires Omar as an undercover agent ordering him to infiltrate the life of his college friend Sam; who the FBI suspects to be a terrorist. Omar complies with Roshan’s orders under the condition that the FBI won’t kill Sam if he surrenders. When the friends reunite, Omar learns that Sam and Maya are happily married with a daughter. Once Omar enters Sam’s home, he has many failed attempts at unveiling his activist identity. Sam in turn narrates his dreadful past to Omar of how he was illegally held captive, tortured by the FBI for 9 months and brutally victimized for being a Muslim suspect of terrorism after 9/11. What truth Omar uncovers and where it takes their friendship forms the remainder of the film. The Cast: John Abraham as Samir AKA Sam - popularly known as the ‘star of the campus,’ is an athletic, handsome and intelligent student who is victimized for being a Muslim in New York. Katrina Kaif as Maya - a high-spirited Indian girl born and raised in New York who brings joy to her campus. She is Sam’s love interest and acts as his biggest support through trying times. Neil Nitin Mukesh as Omar - a middle-class Indian guy from Lajpat Nagar, Delhi who earns a scholarship to study at New York State University but is later trapped by the FBI as an undercover agent. Irrfan Khan as Roshan - an FBI investigating agent whose pro-American attitude is what makes him work hard to protect the freedom rights of all Americans. The Crew: Director: Kabir Khan The Soundtrack: Pritam scores yet again with another refreshing soundtrack. ‘Hai Junoon’ is a sure fire hit that will stick with audiences forever. ‘Mere Sang’ and ‘Tune Jo Na Kaha’ also stand out but tend to grow on viewers gradually. The songs have been shot brilliantly – the remix of ‘Hai Junoon’ has been choreographed quite well by Ahmed Khan. Overall, the songs fit the film’s contemporary backdrop. What Works: Undoubtedly, the hero of the script is the screenplay. The film has an intriguing opening and has the power to fully grip the viewer through a series of events involving the FBI. The round up of the suspects strikes the viewer and is superbly executed. With such a sensitive subject, where one of the protagonists is labeled as a terrorist and the other struggling to prove that he isn’t, the film could have easily fallen through the cracks. However, Kabir Khan proves that he can tackle just about any genre to create enough drama, thrill, and emotional moments to keep audiences at the edge of their seats. The climax scenes in the detention center gives off a chilling affect. Though disturbing, the scenes of John being tortured captures the true essence of the film. The performances by John, Katrina and Neil definitely raise the bar of Indian cinema. Especially John, who is often termed as an expressionless actor, has worked every muscle on his face to get the act right and deliver his career’s best performance thus far. Katrina also proves her potential as an actress, and her simple, deglamorized avatar that she portrays truly let’s her acting abilities triumph. What Doesn't: While the film excels in many areas, it falters in the second half as the pace slows down and the story at times becomes predictable. There are also a few sequences which could have been edited to some extent. The film could also have done without the love triangle to truly stand out as an unconventional Bollywood film. Slated or Rated: Although Kabir Khan’s subject seems to be washed out, he definitely strikes a chord with audiences with his gripping thriller. Kabir has delivered an unconventional film but still manages to keep it commercially relevant. It is by far one of the finest production’s to come out of the Yash Raj camp and will definitely rule at the box office! If you feel like going for a roller coaster ride, go see New York! Rating: 4/5
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Production House: Yash Raj Studios
Distributor: Yash Raj Films
Music Label: Yash Raj Films (YRF Music)
Screenplay: Sandeep Srivastava
Story: Aditya Chopra
Cinematography: Aseem Mishra
Music Director: Pritam Chakraborty
Lyricist: Sandeep Srivastava, Junaid Wasi
Hrithik, Barbara Mori, Suzanne Roshan at Kites Premiere – New York
Friday, June 18, 2010
Starring - Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Chiyaan Vikram, Govinda, Nikhil Dwivedi, Manisha Koirala, Ravi Kissen ...
RAAVAN is not a story, it is a world.
Beera Munda - Undisputed, Unlawful, Untamed
Dev Pratap Sharma - The Punisher, The Law, The Righteous
Ragini - Conscience, Beauty, Music
Dev falls in love with Ragini, a spunky classical dancer who is as unconventional as him. They get married and he takes up his new post in Lal Maati, a small town in northern India,
A town where the word of law is not the police but Beera, a tribal who has, over the years, shifted the power equation of the place from the ruling to the have-nots of the area. Dev knows that the key to bringing order to any place is to vanquish the big fish; in this case - Beera. In one stroke Dev manages to rip open Beera's word, and set in motion a chain of events which will claim lives, change fortunes.
Beera injured but engaged hits back starting a battle that draws Dev, Beera and Ragini into the jungle. The jungle which is dense, confusing, scary. And in this journey they must confront their own truth. A journey which will test their beliefs, convictions and emotions. Emotions which are as scary and confusing as the forest. The forest becomes the battleground. The battle between good and evil, between Dev and Beera, Between Ram and Raavan. But when the lines dividing good and evil are blurring fast whose side will you take. When hate turns to love and the good starts looking evil which side will you battle for? Love is a battle that nobody wins but everyone must fight. Even this Raavan.
Director's Note
TEN HEADS
TEN MINDS
A HUNDRED VOICES
ONE MAN
Did such a man ever exist...?
Was he just a myth... or metaphor...?
Is Raavan the line that divides Good from Evil...?
Does our understanding change when we look from the opinion from the opponent's perspective...?
The bond between the Hunter and the Hunted - between the Captor and the Captive seems to be a bond of do or die...?
The tension between opposites often seems so electric, that it is isolates them from the rest of the world, leaving just the two - All alone...
Are Ten Heads better than one...?
Is there a Ram inside Raavan? And a Raavan inside each of us?!
- Mani Ratnam
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The torrent of the movie Kites (full length movie) is available now.
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Movie Details
TiTLE — Kites
YEAR — 2010
CAST– Hrithik Roshan, Barbara Mori
GENRE– Feature film | Family |
RUNTiME– 2-hour-10-minute
Kites Movie Review-
The story and Screenplay are very much predictable, after a ten minute runtime you get used to the Hindi-English-Spanish conversations.
