Movies have always been a medium of propagation of ideas, a reflection of society. When we speak of a society it includes aspects like various forms of media and how are they intricately intertwined with the concepts of activism, law, politics, democracy and social behaviour as a whole.
Media is the regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy, considering which law and politics have a special subject of interest of all media houses. When politics comes in question, without an opponent (in this case, public having the right of speaking against the government) the entire point of a democracy will fail and therefore, activism is required and essential.
No One Killed Jessica and Peepli Live are two movies that brings forth the occurrences of what goes on behind the scenes and what actually provokes media to take or not take any action.
No One Killed Jessica narrates the biographical story of Jessica Laal who was shot at point blank range. Why? Because she refused to sell a drink to the son of a political leader who was intoxicated by alcohol and power. Jessica’s sister tried her best to give justice to her brutal demise and put the culprit behind the bars. She centered her entire youth around finding and building a strong case. Little did she know about the political pressure on the police, the incessant bribing of the eye-witnesses which was almost hundred people who saw Jessica getting shot in the head. After a tiring and disappointing attempt, she gave up hope. The case received little to no coverage by the media in the early years as it was thought to be an open and shut case. However, to Meera’s (a well-known reporter) surprise she came across the news that the judgement was passed in the favour of the culprit, she took it upon herself to somehow reopen the case. This is where the power of media is felt by everyone, the newspapers and the channels get flooded with Jessica’s story.
Media goes politicians, they gather proof against the shooter. Meera drags back a hopeless Sabrina to rejoin the quest for justice. She arranges interviews with judges, opens up phone lines so that they gather the public support for the cause. She takes the legit help of law to prove the crime, the same framework that was butchered by protectors of law themselves. It was at this moment of a heated scenario that a woman gets the idea of a candle light march inspired from the movie ‘Rang De Basanti’ and called it ‘#JusticeforJessica’. The message carrying idea spread like wildfire. The public was angry, they were ready to take down whoever would come in their way of justice. From this entire situation a picture of media activism and a cumulative social behaviour was clear. As a result of this mass movement claiming their democratic right of freedom of expression with the media on their side, the case was reopened. They had witnesses on their side, achieved through sting operations. There was a good chance of them winning the case this time.
Peepli Live however, portrays a negative aspect of media. Here, the media is shown as a means of gaining TRP and sensationalization of news for their channels. Media, in this context is seldom helpful in acquiring support for the ones in need of it, mostly the poor. The satirical approach to farmers’ suicide is another example of how ruthless and stoic the media can when it comes to popularity among the masses for the sake of it.
The little village of Peepli was an insignificant speck in so-called developing Indian sub-continent until a farmer (Natha) decided to commit suicide under the pressure of a crushing debt. He wanted a compensation of 1 lakh from the government as a compensation for his death, only to get rid of the banks coming to his doorstep and squeeze out the loan from his living body. The media rose to this occasion and ran down to this cover this story. The politicians could not stand back and watch. The prevailing party of Samman Party was accused of the miserable living conditions of the farmers and being a pro-industrialist. They had to do something to save themselves from getting voted out in the coming elections. The party tried their level best to stop Natha from committing suicide. Opposition parties of Apna Dal and CPI also made use of his remorse to spread propaganda to their benefit. The media houses of regional and English preferences had their own feud going on. Democratic rights, media activism takes a backseat in the face of acquiring fame and prosperity.
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