Monica, O My Darling

Monica O My Darling review :

Basically a crime thriller with a humorous twist; Vasan Bala's Monica O My Darling premiered on Netflix this week instead of taking the theatrical route. Looking at the fate of his earlier Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2019) which bombed despite being its brilliance, a direct OTT seems to be a wise strategy.

Cut to the film, it starts with an accident suspiciously looking like a murder and then time-travels six years ahead. Jayant (Rajkummar Rao) is the newly crowned director of a Robotics company Unicorn. He is dating the CEO (veteran Vijay Kenkre)'s daughter Nikki (Akansha) until the secretary Monica (Huma Qureshi) drops the "Main tumhare bachcha ki maa" bomb on him. Then the game of blackmail and murder starts and soon enough, Unicorn becomes the epicenter of crime as each one of its top executives are bumped off one by one!!

The screenplay is wonderfully woven in to a tight two hours ten minutes of thrilling ride which keeps you hooked and engaged throughout. There are plenty of pop culture references like a hotel named Prince Amar after Dev Saahab's immortal character in Jewel Thief (1967) and Dharmendra's iconic moment from Johnny Gaddar (2007) appearing at a crucial juncture. Vasan Bala even references his own movie by adding a fleeting appearances of his two leads. Its all fun, its pure retro and its highly entertaining.

The performances are also first rate. Huma Qureshi is super duper as Monica Machado, the sexy secretary who has an affair too many for her own good. Rajkummar Rao is assuredly competent in a complex role where he doesn't know whom to trust!! Sikandar Kher springs a surprise as the CEO's sidelined and silently conspiring beta. It's good to see Shiva Rindani on screen after eons.. he's referred as Captain Zattack in one scene. Waah!! Radhika Apte as the investigating cop, doesn't get much scope but still leaves her solid mark.

Monica O My Darling indulges in multiple genres at the same time. There is black humour, murder mystery, office politics, survival drama etc all mixed together perfectly. I loved the moment when Rajkummar and Huma get in to a deadly physical brawl, stop at one point and then reconcile. It reminded me of Sriram Raghavan's far brilliant Johnny Gaddar (2007). Incidentally here, a pivotal character is called Johnny too. Oh yes!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

Had this much fun watching movie after a long long time. This movie takes you on a ride from the first frame to the very last frame. Movie had that "Mard ko dard nahi hota" vibes being directed by the same director but this movie was much more entertaining. Special mention to the choice of songs in the BGM, it elevated the movie to new heights. This movie also gives tribute to one of the best thriller "Johny Gaddar" in one scene.

Performance by each actor is great, however that accountant guy was doing a but too much. Close to being a flawless movie. Higly recommended for any type of thriller fans.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of my analysis, I shall convey my sincere admiration for Vasan Bala and the stupendous job he has done as the Director here! Black Comedies are quite tough to pull off, one little mistake, and the whole shebang could go off the track at any given time, at any given moment.

Not to mention the Writing has to be precise and it should also conserve a tonal equilibrium between the comedy and the heart-stricken calamities. Any presence of incompetence in its supervision will spoil the party and the film will end up being a middling affair filled with nothing but mediocrities.

Vasan Bala, however, is one unique force to be reckoned with, especially in this specific realm that employs tragedies and their subsequent results. Not only is he aware of his mastership, but it also is one such genre he's quite familiar with, and let me give you some assurance here, he owned it, and he did not disappoint; on the contrary, I do feel this is his best work to date.

P. S. One of the finest usage of Background Music I have ever seen (or heard) in my entire lifetime. Now, some of you might argue that it's overstuffed, matter of fact, it probably is, yes, but Mr. Bala's approach served the narrative nonetheless!

Overall thoroughly enjoyable. Have not enjoyed anything rom the Hindi industry for ages. This comes like a breath of fresh air.

It is not without its faults like the direction and screenplay could have been a bit more taut but overall a delightful film.

Rajkumar, Huma, Radhika Sikander and everyone else do so well I just Marvel at how talented these guys and girls are unlike the talentless overhyped, media made so called A listers today.

A huge revelation for me personally was Huma and Sikander who deserve a lot more and I can only hope and pray that they get their dues.

We all know about the talents of Rajkumar and Radhika and as usual they come out aces! Truly gifted talents.

Enjoy this one, don't take it too seriously but it's not a time pass one either. It's a wonderful joy ride!

As a gym instructor, I always make fun of fellas from accounts department cos of their pot bellies n thakela (low energy) attitude.

I saw this few days back on Netflix.

I regret not seeing this earlier.

The movie is very entertaining n has enuff thrills n humor.

Haven't read Burutasu No Shinzou by Keigo Higashino upon which this movie is based on.

Rajkumar Rao wearing a t-shirt with the logo of Giant Robo is epic. The guy is a terrific actor.

The movie has three good babes.

I didn't like Huma Qureshi.

Akansha Ranjan Kapoor is a busty babe, Radhika is an athletic built babe n Zayn Marie Khan is hot.