Plot:

Director Vasan Bala's Monica O My Darling is a fast-paced neo-noir whodunit murder mystery that follows the life of Jayant Arkhedkar (Rajkummar Rao), a robotics genius who is accused of a series of murders in the Unicorn Group where he lands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Through lust, greed, powerplay, love, jealousy, betrayal, and even class differences, the film takes on unpredictable twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end.

Acting:

The ensemble cast shines with standout performances from Huma Qureshi as the seductive Monica, Radhika Apte as the eccentric Inspector Naidu, and Sikander Kher as the resentful heir of the company. While Rajkummar Rao delivers a solid performance, his role feels too familiar and lacks the depth of the supporting cast.

Cinematography:

Swapnil S Sonawane's whiskey hue frames are a standout feature of the film. The use of shadows and lighting effectively builds the film's mood and heightens its suspenseful moments.

Direction:

Vasan Bala's direction falters at times with too many backstories that can make the film's narrative confusing. However, his use of humor and pop culture references as well as the film's meta overload adds a unique flair to the movie and its genre.

Music:

The title track, inspired by the iconic song ‘Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja’ from Caravan, is a dramatic and fitting addition to the movie's soundtrack. Yeh Ek Zindagi by Composer Achint Thakkar and Lyricist Varun Grover, stay true to Bala's retro-revering aesthetic.

Overall Rating:

Monica O My Darling is an intriguing watch that keeps you engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and quirky humor. While it lacks Andhadhun's magic, it has enough elements to make it a decent watch for fans of the genre.

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