Monica, O My Darling (2022) User Reviews

Dial J for Johnny!!

[nadkarnisumeet · 8/10 · 12 November 2022]

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.

Monica is a darling

[sameerlodaya · 8/10 · 11 November 2022]

Sameer lodaya

The movie will make you feel that Monica is a real darling

What a format and the director Vasan left no corner to make it a perfect one..the Dark comedy is of out class with a good pace and amazing twists..such dark and sharp scenes will give you goosebumps..the aesthetics were exactly designed to the format..the overall glance is very stylish..the core part of the movie is the background score which plays the Monica song and slow classical songs takes to the movie to a high class level

Huma was outstanding with her 3rd performance in a row after maharani and double xl raj kumar well supported her and no less radhika came brilliantly with her new comic role

Glance of sriram raghavan direction was felt in each single frame

Outclass cinematic experience.

Refreshing, Monica O My Darling.

[mayanklouteriya · 7/10 · 13 November 2022]

Rajkumar Rao worked as he do always, Good.

Huma Huma Huma... As Monica she is Fab.

Kher Shahab fan always.

Perumal Ji Have only some scenes gives a laughter.

Radhika Apte - nice.

The timing of Comedy is well Managed and Delivered.

Storyline is Good and Engaging.

Somewhere it feels like story is going down but it's okay.

They Recreated the Location of The Hotel Prince Amer - Jewel Theif Devanand's Classic Movie.

Just of a moment but that's good.

While watching pause in moments and notice goods things.. Like - (thank you for pausing to read names)

Thrilling Story.

I read it was adapted than its very nicely adapted.

Nicely written and directed. A worth Watch.

• itsbymayank Review of Monica O My Darling.

Surpassed expection. What a movie

[suprimchudal · 10/10 · 14 November 2022]

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.

An excellent effort with some flaws

[JPEI64 · 9/10 · 12 November 2022]

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!

Vasan Bala Offers You An Absolute Darling Of A Neo-Noir-Crime-Comedy-Thriller!

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 19 November 2022]

Monica O My Darling (2022) : Movie Review -

Vasan Bala's Monica O My Darling has a freaking blasting cast of Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, Radhika Apte, Sikandar Kher and Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, but the film is even more blasting. This is an interesting mix of multiple layers of genres such as neo-noir, crime, comedy, thriller, and black comedy that British cinema mastered decades ago. Monica O My Darling is racy, splashy, sexy, humorous, comic, thrilling, and somewhat slashy, but as a whole, what a freaking amazing mix it is. There haven't been many black comedies made in Bollywood, and whatever we have is either mediocre or overrated (including Netflix's own material). Monica O My Darling finally puts an end to that wait. We have waited a long time for a modern-day black comedy for years, maybe decades, since "Jane Bhi Do Yaaro" (1983), which had a satirical angle overfilling the black comedy elements. Vasan Bala's medley does not surpass or match that, but it definitely ends up being one of the best modern works after that.

Monica O My Darling starts off with a murder that doesn't involve any of your main characters. This is where you should start hyping it because a smart director keeps all his aces hidden in the first round, and here Vasan had so many. Jayant Arkhedkar (Rajkumar Rao) is appointed to the Unicorn Tech board of directors, making his colleagues envious. He is engaged to his boss' daughter, Niki (Anushka Ranjan Kapoor), and has an illegitimate affair with Monica Machado (Huma Qureshi). He desperately tries to make it big with some unlikely allies and a dastardly, diabolical plan to pull off the perfect murder, but things only get worse. A quirky cop, ACP Naidu (Radhika Apte), takes charge of the murder investigation while Jayant and his colleague try to get away and hide their secrets from cops, their boss, and their love ladies. The race takes them into a cobweb that covers other walls too, and you'll have to see the film to know every detail because spoilers are injuries to the viewing experience.

Firstly, a big round of applause for the writer, Yogesh Chandekar. Man, you have done it like a pro! So many characters, so many goofy ideas with brain, so many twists and you alone handle it without spoiling the basic fact of the universe - Karma. Hail you, man. Monica O My Darling is not simple at any point. It's a very complex story with so many layers, and the screenplay covers everything, even if it's illogical, because that's what comedy is sometimes. It has a pacy screenplay with eye-pleasing visuals and grooving background music, especially the retro classic song "Monica," which will not give you a chance to move an inch away from your seat. While doing so, it doesn't forget to do some high-quality brainstorming at the same time, causing a wonderful viewing experience with the brain, heart, and veins all working at the right place.

Rajkummar Rao is back! He hadn't gone anywhere, but that substantial work was missing in his last few projects (and to be honest, the projects weren't that good). Now, I can't say it any longer. Monica has done the trick for him. He is back in form - as an actor and as a good choicer as well. It's an open field for him, and he plays without any boundaries. Huma Qureshi has had a fantastic year, and Monica O My Darling adds another feather to her hat. She is sexy and greedy, but not a bastard. Radhika plays a hilarious part as ACP Naidu, which is an unusual thing for female cops in Bollywood. The style, attitude, and persona she carries in this film are really nice. One more surprise here is Akansha Ranjan Kapoor. She is a young, sexy, and stupid girl from a rich family, and she behaves like one. Those urban spoilt brats can relate to her character. The supporting cast is no less strong here. Sikander Kher's banger act shines, while Zayn Marie Khan, Sukant Goel, Bagavathi Perumal and Vijay Kenkre are phenomenal in their roles.

Monica O My Darling's technical departments will undoubtedly leave you with a lasting impression. The background score is absolutely enchanting and one of the finest works of art in this field for any Bollywood movie recently. What wonderful music Achint Thakkar and Mikey McCleary have provided! I was tapping my foot on every song, every beat, and how cleverly it has been put in parts of the narrative in different situations. While you admire the cinematography, Atanu Mukherjee's editing takes the cake. Was there any competition between the technical crew of this film or what? Like, all are gonna do well, but who's gonna do better or even better than that. A special mention to the somewhat underwhelming dialogue for not going over the top every time, while they still go so often. Those abuses and F-words are becoming quite normal for Netflix projects anyway.

Vasan Bala should write a book about how he created Monica O'My Darling so that other writers and filmmakers can learn how to create a true blue Neo-Noir crime comedy thriller in Bollywood style. Firstly, this mix of multiple genres was too much for one cinematic brain, then there was a huge cast, then there was a pressure to avoid cliches or use them in a new way, and the list goes on. You need multiple brains to handle multiple things, but Vasan Bala did it all alone. How? Do you have 3 or 4 brains there? He gets into the details of a small scene with so much care and intelligence. He knew where to use comic music and lyrics; he knew exactly where to use humour, thrills, twists, and other forces. It's not that he was doing something out of this world or that any scenes were like that. He was showing only regular, known scenes, but in his own different style. I can't reveal all those scenes, but here's one of them. Towards the end, Rajkummar is riding a bike, and he is going to get killed. As we all know, the hero never gets killed like that, so we know that he is going to survive, but how? That was the question. What's new from Vasan? Actually, it was just the same old trick of a group of locals passing by, but this time it was a Warkaris group singing "Vitthal Vitthal Mhana, Ha janma Nahi Punha." For the unfamiliar (like most of you are), that tone is from Humraaz (1967) - "Neele Gagan Ke Tale." Vasan has looked at such small details, and at the end, he simply follows the biggest lesson of Karma to leave you jumping on your seats. You wouldn't want to miss that fun, I believe, so don't miss Monica O My Darling.

RATING - 7/10*

Vasan Bala, you beauty!

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 9/10 · 12 November 2022]

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!

A highly enjoyable thriller with a phenomenal musical score

[Peter_Young · 7/10 · 2 February 2023]

I love this style of movies. From Andhadhun and the other films made by Sriram Raghavan to this film, we see a new breed of stylish Hindi thrillers, which are slick and beautifully photographed, smart and well developed, funny and commanding. The narrative style, filled with phenomenal old-style songs which pay tribute to the wonderful music of the 1970s, make everything so easy and enjoyable. I can just imagine the same script with a different, heavy score where the mood and effect would have been so much more disturbing, but here, it's pure entertainment which encourages the audience to take everything in the right playful context. There isn't a dull moment, and the audience is taken on a wonderfully whimsical ride.

Story-wise, the film isn't the most original, but the execution makes it a visual, musical and cinematic experience, indeed. The actors all work well together, and it is Huma Qureshi who gives the film its mysterious energy through her modern femme fatale. Rajkumar Rao is a solid lead for the film, but the supporting actors are even stronger in giving the film its comic mood. Radhika Apte is terrific, and so are Sikandar Kher and Arvind Manivannan. The singers' work for the soundtrack is very good. Anupama Chakraborty Shrivastava does well in mimicking Asha Bhosle, not that she is anywhere on Bhosle's level (no offence, of course), and so do the other singers. Overall then, a fun film which makes for a great watch.

Take a bow Vasan Bala .. it is magic ..

[Sachinpawar · 8/10 · 11 November 2022]

You have learned from the masters like Federico felini, kiesloski ... This is a masterpiece in Indian cinema like your last movie ... I loved that from the bottom of my heart.. every frame of this movie is unique thanks to your cinematographer.. This is surely having reflection and refrences of Johnny Gaddar... I enjoyed this movie totally.. Keep it up... You have grip on every frame and every music bit .. keep up the good work .. I have to write alot about this movie but at this moment I am speechless.. beauty lies in the eyes of watcher... This is a movie that shift the course of Indian cinema.. Kudos.. Take a bow..

Give it a try

[Misss25 · 7/10 · 13 November 2022]

This movie is unexpectedly good. I'm usually into bollywood movies because of it's poor script. However, it's really good. At first it' seems normal to me, nothing unusual (3 guys are planning to kill a lady named Monica). But, soon their planned turned out to be a complete failure as Monica is alive and roaming around them. Here's another thing, their one of the guys is murdered. Then, another guy got killed. Is Monica is behind all these murders?

It's funny, their acting is on point. Had a great time watching it and totally loved it. And didn't expect to see that type of twist is coming . So,it's a worth watch movie for me.

A Real Twisty Tale with Amazing Background Score

[sshival · 9/10 · 11 November 2022]

After so much time a Thriller that is so refreshing with so many twists and that retro look with amazing Background score. Mr Vasan has hit it out of the park.

I went in to watch Radhika Apte, and Rajkumar Rao but all the actors have done a fantabulous job. The script is brilliant and its has its share of laughs and you keep on guessing who is the killer and the story just takes a new turn.

The background score with 80's songs and the retro look of the movie makes it a treat.

You are forced to go along a typical murder mystery when somone is being blackmailed and then there is a murder and then police comes in. But rust me you will have a twisty gift waiting for you and proves you wrong almost all the time..

Quirky and engaging

[ragingbull_2005 · 7/10 · 12 November 2022]

Supremely entertaining, with its slew of off-the-wall characters, it didn't tie up all the loose strands that needed tethering and if it were not for that, it could have easily landed among top movies of the year.

Vasan Bala is a master of quirk. His last, Mard ko Dard nahin hota, was a masterly exposition, with tribute flowing freely to the erstwhile retro hits. He has done the same here, also.

The racy songs, the background score and the pulpy dialogues kept me amused.

Rajkumar Rao chalks out another winning act. Kher and Qureshi put in notable supporting performances.

Easily one of the better original films streaming across any OTT. Go in blind, without reading too much about it. You are sure to be left giddy after some of its scenes. The conclusion might be slightly off, but your senses would be thoroughly satisfied.

Absolute wastage in time!

[souravtri · 1/10 · 25 November 2022]

If you have couple of hours watch time and few more hours of repentance time, go for it.

Too many murders - extreme visuals, clueless plot - even sometimes feels like copied from Arya scenes - wastage of sheer talented actors.

Take for example Radhika Apte's character - in order to make it funny, ended up in a character who is completely away from reality.

Then robotics - sounds innovative and awesome - but are such visuals of death, necessary to build any plot?

Cluelessness, extreme violence, very loose story line and stereotyping with other OTT presentations :

Post watching you have feel why wasted 2 hours??

Fantastic film!!

[navinderkaplish · 10/10 · 13 November 2022]

This is quite simply the best Bollywood movie funded by Netflix.

Excellent story coupled with great acting. The direction is perfect with great sets and sensational music.

This is how one makes a Neo noir film.

Kudos to the team. Really entertaining.

Rajkumar Rao and Huma Qureshi steal the show with great performances. Radhika Apte is a natural and fits her character perfectly.

If such a film was made in Hollywood, it would be a cult classic.

I hope Hindi movie lovers watch it since it is on Netflix and not a cinema. Would have been phenomenal to watch in a cinema too. Best of luck to the team.

Monica o my darling

[puranjanbasak · 9/10 · 22 November 2022]

Monica o my darling is a conedy crime drama thriller directed by vasan bala.

Rajkumar rao is a spellbounding actor. His expressions and dialogue delivery is at par with some of the best in the hindi film industry. He has given a brilliant performance. Huma qureshi plays a chameleon character and she does it so well. The interactions between monica and jayant are one of the best. Sikandar kher shows why he is so under-utilised. Radhika apte and bucky in their small screentime with their impeccable comic timing are gold. Akansha ranjan kapoor is strictly average. The rest of the cast is good. Supri and surya too make an appearance.

One of the strongest qualities of this film is its background score and music overall. The way the retro music has been used is a masterpiece. 'Piya tu' was a gem, is a gem. The other songs which have been composed are too good. The film gives a homage to the noir thrillers that were a mainstay in the 60's and 70's in hindi cinema brilliantly.

The screenplay is mostly engaging. You will feel though that the pace is lacking at certain places. In the first half, when the transport happens you will feel the lag. But the writing is very good. The dialogue writing is pure gold again. When jay says 'physics hai ch**iye, serial killer nahi hoon main', you will chuckle. There is brilliant comic fight scene between jay and monica which is hilarious and disturbing too at the same time. The comedy is pretty good.

This film is a homage and reference site. At shalu's house, you will see a board with the famous characters and directors of the noir genre from the world. That's just amazing. The film uses chekov's gun too. Jay'watch and the cobras are two examples. The film pays homage to the noir shadow shot, captain zattack and even sriram raghavan's one of the finest works 'johnny gaddar'. Just watch out for the references, cinephiles. Its marvellous.

There is a lot to talk about with this film. A must watch for sure. I rate it 9 out of 10.

One time watch

[gangeshgnair · 6/10 · 29 November 2022]

This is a nice dark comedy movie. The movie has a vibe of other dark comedy hindi movies like jhonny gadhar and andhadhun. The songs of the movie were amazing, giving a nostalgic feel of old hindi movies. Characters were amazingly written. Especially I liked the way radhika aptes character was written, there was a different energy everytime she came on the screen. Rajkumar gave a decent performance. Huma qureshi was nice. The cinematography was nice. A nice film technically.

Somehow the movie dosent have that grip, which andhadun Or jhonny gadhar had. The first half was really good, kept me thinking what's going to happen next. But second half did not escalate into next level as compared to the first, the writing could have been a little more better in the second half.

A good one time watch.

Edge of the seat entertainer!

[chandekar-37892 · 10/10 · 14 November 2022]

You don't even have to be a movie buff to enjoy this! It's the kind of movie anyone can sit through and have fun watching. It has an engaging storyline riding on a taught script, sleek direction, crisp editing, well etched characters,remarkable performances and a mind blowing music! What more can you ask for! It has all the right things in the right proportion. Writer Yogesh Chandekar ( cannot think of him without mentioning the pathbreaker Andhadhun where he was the co-writer) once again has spun a tale that will have you hooked till the end! The story and screenplay are replete with such unexpected twists and turns, that the viewer would think twice before he gets up for even a bio break!!. The difficult part in such a script is to do justice to each character and make the character come alive and be significant in the whole scheme of things and the writer has succeeded in doing this with a panache that only a good story teller can! Hats off to him!

Vasan Bala's direction is top notch and he represents the new age filmmakers who know the pulse of the new age viewer who would not settle for anything less! Bollywood doesn't have to mean just big Stars and big names...it actually breathes ( a fresh breath!!) today, thanks to such immensely talented folks who are ready to experiment and give the viewer something that isn't medicore and stale. Every scene speaks of how much thought must have gone into making it look not only funny and quirky but also plausible! Achint Thakkar doles out a music score that adds the necessary punch to the craft without losing on the melody. Performances are worth mentioning...I esply loved Radhika Apte as ACP Naidu. If it's a dark comedy, the comedy part i owe it to her! She is outright hilarious!!!! She has carried it on her shoulders to give the movie it's funny edge along with Bagavathi Perumal. He kills it with his act! Rajkumar Rao is one of the finest actors we have today and he plays the trapped techie part to the T! Huma Qureshi too is an underrated actor who has a charm that few actresses of our time have! She gets into the skin of the character with an amazing ease! In Sikander Kher, we have tumbled upon a great villian through Monica.... The dialogues are so 'day to day' and 'feel at home' that there's an instant connection with the storyline and the characters !

You will come out of the experience smelling of Notorious Noir Extreme and to know how it's connected, you'd have to watch Monica O my Darling!!!!

Great soundtrack, grey-shaded characters, and pulpy thrills! [+72%]

[arungeorge13 · 7/10 · 11 November 2022]

I didn't know what to expect from this film (as I went into it completely blind), and it turned out to be a fulfilling watch. The cast is all-round fantastic, especially Rajkummar Rao (as the fickle techie-criminal Jayant) and Sikander Kher (whose charisma naturally screams "bad guy"). Radhika Apte also seems to be having a ball of a time, playing a cop. Bagavathi Perumal, whose work I've enjoyed in films down south, is also used well. The less you know about the plot, the better I'd say. The dark humor mostly works, not just in elevating the plot, but also in keeping you engaged throughout. Some interesting Easter eggs too, I might add - including a Bates Motel reference. But the greatest achievement here (from director Vasan Bala) is how he infuses a retro soundtrack into the pulpy-crime-thriller proceedings. It's just a stroke of genius, when coupled with the fascinating art work and production design.

Does it surprise me that the writer (Yogesh Chandekar) is one of Andhadhun's writers? Not one bit. It takes a wacky, twisted mind to conjure up a scenario filled with shady characters, set against the backdrop of a thriving robotics company. Every single character is aptly grey-shaded, and this leaves us with a choice of siding with the comparatively lesser evils. The storytelling perspective and texturing of Rao's character (and knowing smaller details such as his fear of snakes, his small-town beginnings) makes him the obvious choice, but the others aren't far behind. Even when the larger mystery gets revealed almost midway, the story cleverly leaves some loose ends needing closure, making us never tune out of this intricately constructed neo-noir universe.

A definite watch.

[dheevardp · 8/10 · 11 November 2022]

The moment the movie starts you know that you are in for a roller coaster ride. Slick editing, retro music, background score immediately engages the audience and the guessing game starts on who is the hunter and hunted. I would suggest that if you are going to watch in a group then raise a wager.

On the acting front it's a Rajkumar Rao show ably supported by the other actors most notably Huma Qureshi. Radhika Apte has very little to do but delivers with usual gusto.

Some chinks though in terms of too much background music, could have maintained more suspense etc. Could have shown more of Pune city and its vibrancy.

A few blink n miss cameos from actors who have played a couple in one move.

You will get the feeling of Johhny Gaddar and Andhadhun while watching this movie.

Seldom comes a movie with a story, screenplay, acting, direction etc. That's a perfect 10. Monica O My Darling just misses it's mark by a whisker.

Not upto expectation

[crravikiran · 6/10 · 11 November 2022]

It's just a one time watchable movie. Good plot and storyline but the execution was not upto the mark. They could have reduced the comedy part and added more intense scenes during twists. Rajkumar Rao and Huma Qureshi did a good job. Radhika Apte was overreacting . Sikander Kher did his limited role pretty well. Too much background songs in western style when the movie plot was getting serious. The disco song was good though . In between there were lags in some areas . Felt the movie ran 20-30 minutes extra. If you are looking for some suspense then there is nothing. From the first scene itself you will know the culprit. A typical attempt by Netflix to please Indian audience. That's all I can say.

Must Watch

[rajnnair · 8/10 · 14 November 2022]

A murder mystery with a twist which is well written and directed. The dialogues are superb and funny making it a enjoyable watch. An affair that leads to suspicious blackmail and ends in murder...infact multiple murders.

The music is fresh and excellent. The background score adds to the tension and the song from the movie Caravan is used innovatively.

The script and direction is supported by am amazing cast who all conribute to make this a must watch.

Raj Kumar Rao - Is superb, some of the scenes get elevated by him just by his presence.

Huma - She is the scene stealer, brightning up the screen every time hse is around. The fight scene between her and Raj is hilarious.

Radhika - Has very few scenes but she brings her own touch to the role of ACP.

Sikander - Very small role but he does a superb job.

Bagavathi - Superb comic timing.

A Stylish Neo-Noir Comic Thriller From Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi and Radhika Apte !!!

[cs_rahul_prasad · 7/10 · 16 November 2022]

Director Vasan Bala and screenwriter Yogesh Chandekar has made a delicious mix of wit, wickedness and whimsicality that defines the neo-noir comic thriller as a whole. Full of knowing winks thrown the audience's way, Netflix's Monica, O My Darling, is a wildly entertaining film packed with twists and turns that keep on giving until the final fadeout.

Rajkummar Rao plays robotics expert Jayant Arkhedkar, a small-town lad who has wormed his way into the corporate charmed circle. Branded a pretender and a parasite by a rival within the company, he is drawn into a fiendish conspiracy that can only spell trouble. Determined not to have the rug pulled from under his feet, he sinks deeper and deeper into a dark rabbit hole.

Huma Qureshi is Monica Machado, the top honcho's secretary, a femme fatale who employs her guiles to hold her ground on a slippery slope. And Radhika Apte, given an "and above all" billing a la Pran in Hindi movies of another era, is ACP Naidu, wisecracks her way through the grind of policing.

Aided by a terrific screenplay and a tremendous cast of actors, Vasan Bala assembles all that a twisted thriller should ideally have and then adds his own singular flourishes in the form of wonderfully organic, homegrown elements fuelled by an unbridled love for popular cinema and a sensibility that can turn familiar into fresh with minimum fuss.

Vasan Bala extracts top-notch performances from his actors. Rajkummar Rao is never off the boil as a chameleon driven by an instinct for survival. Huma Qureshi fleshes out Monica in all her splendour, a woman who revels in twirling men around her fingers. Radhika Apte takes to the role of a chatty policewoman who is always a step ahead of the rest like a fish to water.

Be it Sukant Goel, Sikandar Kher, Akanksha Ranjan Kapoor or Zayn Marie Khan, everybody in the ensemble cast adds spice to the dark universe but actually, it is the writing that makes even the minor characters stand out and leave their scent. The compositions of Achint Thakkar have the jazzy flavour of R. D. Burman and the lyrics by Varun Grover provide a sense of human greed and the ephemeral nature of life in a fun way.

At times there is an overdose of self-awareness and doffing of the hat, but Monica O My Darling... is not to be missed at any cost.

Hodgepodge story !!!

[winak · 3/10 · 12 November 2022]

There was no flow to the story, just bunch of mismashed sequences stitched together combined with dialogues that were jarring to the ears. At no point you feel you are part of the movie. The director in an attempt to make the movie unique, made the story so eccentric that it stopped being entertaining and the by the end the audience just wanted the ordeal to finish. Rajkumar's acting is becoming predictable so nothing new to watch there. Radhika Apte character was mostly irritating when not confusing. The supposed villain is so scrawny that he didn't come across as menacing, just pathetic. Sikandar Kher was convincing in the little part he had. Huma Qureshi was good though a bit obese for her part. I wouldn't call this movie an entertainment I would pay for.

Well-Crafted Idiosyncratic Neo-Noir Mumbai Thriller.

[Amyth47 · 8/10 · 13 November 2022]

My Rating : 8/10

Sriram Raghavan. Quentin Tarantino. And now Vasan Bala. 'Monica O My Darling' takes inspiration from the Pulp-Fictions and Andhadhuns of the cinema world where non-linear storylines, dark humor, stylized violence and excessive profanity all make a delicious appearance - and let's not forget a super catchy background score to tie it all together brilliantly!

At crucial junctures, Bala allows divine intervention to kick in. At one point, Bala literally shows the mirror to Jayant in between a beautifully-crafted scene. The sprinkling of multiple dialects by different characters with peculiar surnames makes the storytelling all the more flavourful.

Monica... is not to be missed.

"Dheele chhodne ka, feel ke saath"

Back to back suspense

[GauravArora1977 · 10/10 · 11 November 2022]

This movie won't permit you to pause or move out of your sofa or bed. It keeps you engaged and the moment you think, he or she is the murderer, then you are proved wrong. Back to back suspense in the movie with awesome acting by each and every actor and actress. The director did a good job here and the script was totally great. Music is good. The best part of this movie is that its available on netflix and we need not miss such suspense movies in theatres. Just subscribe for netflix and here comes this suspense movie of 2022. Glad to have netflix subscription and glad i watched this movie. It made my weekend. Love you entire team of MOMD.