Real to REEL

Explaining Rani Mukerji’s look,who will be seen as a rugged journalist in the film,Gupta says that he did not want to present Rani in a stereotypical way. Usually journalists are typecast as individuals who wear specs,kurta and jeans and carry a jhola in Hindi cinema. To make it look real,he showed two sides of her personality — professional and personal. “We are showing Rani as a Delhi-based spunky journalist who is quick and demanding. She pulls up her jeans,wears T-shirts,smokes and uses abusive words. But when she goes on camera as an anchor,she is polite and charming. She is seen in formal shirts and skirts with complete make-up .”

Vidya Balan,who plays Jessica’s sister,Sabrina will be seen as a college student. According to Gupta,a lot of discussions went into planning her look. “Since Vidya is playing Sabrina in the film,I wanted her to look like her. Vidya,designer Sabyasachi Mukherji and I sat to discuss her look. I kept in mind the emotional journey,which Sabrina had gone through,and wanted to portray it in her look.” The filmmaker is all praise for Vidya. He says that true to her image,she is a strong,fearless and intelligent actress. In fact,he reveals,it was Vidya who suggested that she should wear simple clothes and team it up with a carelessly thrown stole in the film.

Apart from the racy promos and the characters’ unconventional styling,No One Killed Jessica is also being talked about for the reported rivalry between Rani and Vidya. Rubbing such reports,Gupta said that both the leading ladies bonded well. They cracked jokes and had a great time on and off the sets.

Produced by Ronnie Screwvala,No One Killed Jessica is set to release on January 7.

onkar.kulkarni@expressindia.com