No One Killed Jessica: Bollywood fashion at its ordinary best

We love the promos of No One Killed Jessica. The concept, the music, Rani Mukherjee as a foul-mouthed journalist, it all makes us sit up and take notice.

And then there are the clothes. They are barely noticeable. They are not designed to catch the the viewer’s attention, or elicit “Wows!” And that’s exactly they get a nod of approval from us. Costume designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has has done something extraordinary: he’s given the wardrobes of the lead actors (Vidya Balan and Rani Mukherjee) a very approachable and “ordinary” flavour.

Rani Mukherji as Meera Gaity

When you see Rani Mukherji mouthing beeped words, looking angry and indignant, she’s wearing a crisp formal shirt, fitted trousers, a belt and minimal accessories, just what a young and smart journalist climbing up the corporate ladder would wear. In one scene, she’s seen wearing a black blazer, hair tightly combed back, ready to face the TV camera. She doesn’t wear Dior or carry LVs or wear outrageous mini skirts like Priyanka Chopra wore in Krrish, but clothes probably resembling the ones you’re wearing right now at your office desk.

Vidya Balan as Sabrina

Meanwhile, Vidya Balan goes geeky with boring spectacles, basic tees, shirts and jeans. There are no “cool” prints, bejewelled embellishments or chic blouses. Walking on the street, Vidya Balan (as Sabrina) wouldn’t make heads turn, and that’s the point of the character—an ordinary woman determined to get justice for her sister. This probably makes Vidya Balan different from almost every other actor dressed by Sabyasachi.

Sabyasachi gives Bollywood fashion a twist

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is known for his traditional yet extravagant and rich approach to clothes, fashion and his collections, with a strong penchant for earthy tones. And Bollywood loves OTT, skimpy and uncharacteristic outfits. But with director Raj Kumar Gupta (of Aamir fame), Sabyasachi seems to have got into the skin of the characters, and has got their looks straight from ordinary Delhi homes. It takes courage and out-of-the-box thinking to step outside your comfort zone, and get do the opposite of what most Bollywood designers do.

So while Guzaarish fashion seemed out-of-character to us, the No One Killed Jessica wardrobe gets our stamp of approval.

Interesting side-note: both Rani Mukherjee and Vidya Balan are fans of Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and are often seen in his saris at awards and red-carpet events.

Looking forward to the movie and the fashion gone ordinary.