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Since the first look of the upcoming political thriller ‘No One Killed Jessica’ released on Nov. 19,speculations have been rife that it might face severe opposition from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) owing to the usage of bold remarks and a smoking act by the leadactor Rani Mukherjee.

Reportedy, Rani’s portrayal of a headstrong journalist, who smokes cigarette and hurls abusive language in the film, has sparked controversies among several NGO’s who are demanding the scenes to be censored.

Recently, Aish came under scanner when she was shown smoking in the stills from her recently released ‘Guzaarish’ on the BEST buses.

Soon after that, MNS objected against the movie posters and advertisements showcasing Aish smoking cigarette and even threatened to “act in their own way.”

Rani defends her smoking act
The film, ‘No One Killed Jessica’, is based on the murder of model Jessica Lall by Manu Sharma, son of a Haryana politician, and real life ordeal of her sister Sabrina and father in order to get justice.

According to the filmmakers, Rani plays a highly strong, independent, and bold reporter in the film. To show the reality and gravity of the life of the reporters and the murder case, she was asked to abuse and smoke.

Though a non-smoker in real life, Rani said, “(Director) Rajkumar Gupta wanted me to give the impression of a strong journalist and to represent media as it is. I have seen a few female reporters smoke. I am just playing you all…so you can’t put me in trouble for this.”

“Thanks to my career, I have met a lot of reporters and anchors. So I didn’t have to meet any one specific for my characterisation in the film. Rajkumar just wanted me to use my experience with journalists to be like them in the film,” she told reporters here on Thursday.

Filmmakers positive
When asked director Rajkumar Gupta, if the promos might create trouble for Rani or his film, he said, “Yes Rani’s smoking scenes are there in the promo. But I don’t think Censor should have problem as they have certain categories, where they see in what context the element has been used.

“The promo is just out and I have been receiving good reactions from people.”

He further added, “Rani is playing a character who smokes and even though she is a non smoker, she has done a great job. If you ask me about MNS taking objection on the smoking scene, I am concerned about Censor’s reaction on the promo nothing else.”

The movie is slated to release on Jan. 7.

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