VAsana Bala’s Monica, oh my darling A gripping black comedy thriller with high stakes, brutal and hilarious dialogues and twists at every turn. You never know what to expect in this gripping neo-noir crime comedy thriller on Netflix—and that’s where the appeal really lies.
Known for man doesn’t feel pain, 83 And Bombay VelvetVasan Bala’s Monica, oh my darling Rajkummar Rao, Radhika Apte, Huma Qureshi- has a stellar cast and is a power-packed joyride.
Monica, oh my darling Jayant Arkhedkar (Rao), a robotics expert who has made his mark as the director of a tech firm and is the undisputed apple of his CEO’s eye. However, things take a turn for the worse after his passionate affair with the CEO’s assistant, Monica Machado (Qureshi). Accompanied by some unlikely associates (played by Sikandar Kher and Bhagwati Perumal), Jayant plots a ‘perfect murder’. But life rarely turns out as expected, and soon, the trio find ACP Naidu (Apte) hot on their heels. Whatever conspiracy hatches in the middle is the crux of the story.
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black comedy best
After playing gay police officer in Harshvardhan Kulkarni’s film congratulations, Rajkummar Rao comes back to impress as a cuckold techie with a dark side. However, despite the versatility of Rao’s textbook, it is Huma Qureshi who steals the show. From her glamorous entrance to her brutally honest portrayal of a woman with a manipulative look, you can’t help but keep your eyes glued to her—even when she’s not the focus of the scene.
Radhika Apte’s signature, unmistakable attitude as ACP Naidu made the world fall in love with the OTT collection. The only downside, perhaps, is that Apte could have had more magic in the film. While his signature dialogue to Rao, “to slack off (Keep your alibi a little loose),” There’s a bit of repetition, Apte’s performance remains tight and doesn’t disappoint.
Whether it is Rao and Qureshi during their affair or Rao plotting Monica’s murder while evading the eagles of Kher and Perumal Apte, the cast’s on-screen chemistry is on point.
Monica, oh my darling does more than just Borrow its name from the iconic Helen song from the 1970s, you drink now, It also manages to pay tribute to several hit productions of the golden age of Bollywood – a feat for which writer Yogesh Chandekar deserves congratulations.
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Clever Dialogues, Thrilling Score
While the film is full of twists, turns and clever dialogues, Bala has excellent direction and a soundtrack that is a character in itself.
Music director Achint Thakkar has done a great job with the score which not only sets the mood but also creates the eccentricity of the film. It adds depth to Bala’s style of directing – a mix of subtle allusions and creative techniques that help set the scene for chaos and conflict. Bala’s attention to detail is also commendable.
If you like Ayushmann Khurrana’s 2018 movie Andhadhun, Monica, oh my darling There is the perfect weekend watch for you.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)