Release Date : November 11, 2022
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, Radhika Apte, Sikander Kher, Sukant Goel, Akansha Rajan Kapoor, Bhagavathi Perumal, Zayn Marie
Director: Vasan Bala
Producers: Sanjay Routray, Sarita Patil, and Dikssha Jyote Routray
Music Director : Achint Thakkar
Cinematography : Swapnil Sonawane
Editor : Atanu Mukherjee
Related Links : Trailer
Netflix has now come up with the film Monica, O My Darling, which stars talented actors like Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, and Radhika Apte in significant roles. The movie is now streaming on the OTT platform, and let’s see how it is.
Story:
Mr. Jayant Arkhedkar (Rajkummar Rao) is given a huge responsibility as one of the Board of Directors of Unicorn, a robotics company. The company’s CEO believes in Jayant and gives him this high position. Jayant is about to marry Nikki (Akansha Rajan Kapoor), the CEO’s daughter. But Jayant maintains an affair with Monica Machado (Huma Qureshi), who works in the same company. Monica becomes pregnant and starts blackmailing Jayant for money. Jayant shocks when he learns Nishikanth Adhikari (Sikander Kher), the CEO’s son and Accounts Officer Arvind Swamy (Bhagavathi Perumal), is also in an affair with Monica. Monica starts blackmailing all three, and hence they decide to kill her. The rest of the film is about how these three tried to get rid of Monica and the situations they faced during this.
Plus Points:
Firstly, the music director Achint Thakkar needs to be appreciated for the diverse retro-style music which was carried throughout the film. This gives a completely new feel to the film altogether. In addition, the background score enhances the excitement, especially in the second hour.
The film has many twists in the second half, which are hard to guess, and the way fun is incorporated around a series of murders using retro-style music is just brilliant. The screenplay is too racy in the last hour and keeps the audience hooked until the end.
The artists’ performances are top-notch, and everyone just competes with each other to give their best. Rajkummar Rao is a natural performer and performs casually in the assigned role. Huma Qureshi attracts with her glamour and does well as Monica. Radhika Apte as the Cop is good. Bhagavathi Perumal is just apt in the given role as a tense family man.
The surprise package is Sukant Goel, and he makes his mark despite less screen time. The makers attempted a new way of storytelling rather than sticking to a template which is appreciable.
Minus Points:
The film is a neo-noir crime comedy thriller, a genre that is not explored by many filmmakers. As a result, the movie won’t be suitable for all sections of the audience. The film thus targets a niche segment, and a few may find it silly too.
The narrative in the initial half an hour or so isn’t engaging, with some flat sequences going on. In addition, the character establishments of the lead cast are not done well. More caution about this aspect would have made things more interesting.
The violence portions might be difficult for a few to see and digest. In addition, a key character in the film doesn’t have stability, making one wonder about the same. Finally, the open ending might also disappoint a few.
Technical Aspects:
The music, as discussed earlier, is the soul of the movie. The songs are as good as the background score and form part of the story. The cinematography by Swapnil Sonawane is fine, and the visuals contemplate the film’s mood. The production values are fine. However, Netflix must pay serious attention to Telugu dialogues that sound irritating and odd. The editing is crisp, and we feel that the movie ended very quickly.
Director Vasan Bala’s presentation in the second hour makes the film enjoyable, and the idea of adding retro music to the proceedings is awesome. However
he should have been cautious regarding a few aspects, like setting up the story and character loopholes.
Verdict:
On the whole, Monica, O My Darling offers a different experience for the audience with more twists and quirky comedy. The performances are great from the lead cast, but the very nature of the film may not appeal to everyone. Also, the first hour runs on a flat note. Nevertheless, those who want to try something new and crazy can give this film a shot this weekend.
123telugu.com Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team