Monica O My Darling Movie Review - Hindi (2022)

Movie: Monica O My Darling (2022)

Director: Vasan Bala

Production: Saritha Patil, Sanjay, Dikshha & Vishal Bajaj

Cast: Rajkumar Rao, Radhika Apte & Huma Qureshi

Music: Achinth

Editor: Athanu Mukherje

Cinematography: Swapnil

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Release Date: 11/11/22

Rating: U/A

'Thriller guarantees chills which do not long for a longer period'

  3/5

'Monica O My Darling- MOMD' a new age hindi language film streaming on Netflix has garnered enough attention, so here am after watching it & felt like reviewing it too. It's another suspense thriller from Vasan Bala after a successful film 'Andhadhun'. Starring Rajkumar Rao, Radhika Apte, Huma Qureshi in lead roles. 

No more delay let's get into the clutches.

01. Basic skeleton (plot) of MOMD.

This Rajkumar Rao's thriller has got enough suspense elements that make us fall into it's prey, but eventually that feeling is lost towards the end of the film. It's all about three persons getting into trouble by a woman & one by one getting killed unknowingly & our hero is one among the three members & somehow he manages from not getting killed, but how & why & who is killing them is to wait & watch only in the film. And we have a special police officer role played by Radhika Apte who creates much more tension in the film. Any other details beyond this would be a spoiler, so go watch the film to reveal the suspense. 

02. Scope of role of character played by Rajkumar Rao.

Rajkumar Rao as 'Jay' - Jayanth Arkhender aka Johnny has got a really very meaty role in this suspense thriller. He's like the engine in the train, his performance too is damn good like always. Jay works for a robotic factory called 'Unicorn', on it's 50th anniversary Jay gets promoted as one of the members among board of directors & also an offer to get engaged to the daughter of CEO- Nikki of the company. But the life turns upside down, when he accepts the engagement proposal despite having an illegal relationship with Monica(Huma Qureshi). All the problems begin from the day she starts blackmailing Jay on a sensitive issue. But, the turns & twists creep in more & more with influx of Nikki's brother Nishikanth Adhikari & Arvind who also share relationship with Monica and are blackmailed in the similar manner as Jay. Later the proceedings find their place eventually as again when twists creep in, to find out more you need to watch the film.

03. How's the movie, positives & how did I like it?

Decent enough. The retro themed screenplay is something that makes the audience trip on the movie. And also music plays a very crucial role in the film's proceedings. The old song 'Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja' sung by R. D. Burman & Asha Bhosle from the film 'Carvaan' is a special attraction in the film, this song and the visuals playing just took my heart, they're too good. And special mention to the music director Achinth for his score and songs and also to the singer Anupama Chakraborty who sounded exactly like Asha Bhosle in 80's & that voice makes the songs much more alive & worthy placing them in right junctures in the film. 

Screenplay is a big plus in the film & cinematography, visuals are on quality edge. Performances from the lead cast too impresses. 

04. Character of Radhika Apte & her portrayal

Radhika Apte as ACP Vijayashanthi Naidu plays a South Indian cop who has her own swag, attitude & her way of treating the cases. She has got a very crucial role in the film & her typical decisions & her delivery of performance has an aura which is absolutely treat to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance & it's great to the Netflix fans as she gives a comeback to her favourite platform after longer time.

05. The Minus points or the draw backs.

At many points MOMD has moments in the film at right junctures with requirements fully satisfied but that gut feeling or that thriller feeling, nail-biting anxiety or whatsoever you call it, that particular feeling is lost eventually. As the movie has given enough hopes & clues for our predictions, and every prediction becomes true also. Despite the director gets in too many twists & spine thrilling moments, the predictions will not dilute but get a stronger side & start becoming true also. One who already watched the film will absolutely relate to this. Mostly there aren't any flaws in the taking of the film, neither the story nor editing needs a fix, but the direction needs that fix.

I personally feel that the opening sequence itself is a huge spoiler to the entire film, but neither there's any guarantee that if that sequence is removed & whether the audience will have a similar kind of feeling as we are having it right now after watching the film. So, not a complete fault of director but still cannot give his side too. 

The twists that Radhika Apte gives towards the ending will make us much more frustrating, like it gives us a feeling like was it even required? And those cobra killing concept too didn't gel well. And also the clues make us feel irritated because they reveal a much of suspense at a time. Apart from those MOMD hasn't done any flaws.

06. An overall detail about MOMD.

If you expect Andhadhun kind of thriller, then this will disappoint you, if not it's a good film. If not for the clues & spoilers that the film itself will give, but the music & screenplay will surely make us long for the film. Netflix taking up the responsibility of distribution of the film is a good thing as this is that OTT kind of film only. 

I though enjoyed the film, though it has few adultery scenes this can be enjoyed for the good screenplay. Story too is on right chord, it takes it's pace along without any delay. Film makes your perfect weekend. Can go for it.