*Monica, O My Darling* on Netflix - No spoilers here.

The less you know about the plot before seeing the movie, the better off you'll be. But, you'll come out of the movie smelling of Notorious Noire Extreme.

It's a mystery which is well-written (Yogesh Chandekar), dialogues and direction (Vasan Bala).

It's funny and the acting is on point. First-rate performances from Raj Kumar Rao, the hugely underrated Huma Qureshi, Sikander Kher, Radhika Apte and Shiva Rindani.

There are plenty of pop culture references like Hotel Amar (Jewel Thief), even Bates Motel and Dharmendra's iconic moment from Johnny Gaddar. There's also a reference to Captain Zatack (remember Shiva in Hum) at one place.

At one point the director shows the mirror to the hero in a finely-crafted, physical scene between Raj Kumar Rao and Huma Qureshi. But what I liked most was the welcome lack of moralising, while maintaining a cheerfully wicked, dark tone.

One of the highlights is the music by Achint Thakkar (after his terrific Scam 1992 score). Can be argued that it's overstuffed. It probably is, but totally in sync with the spirit of the film.

It is based on a Japanese movie Burutasu No Shinzu which is based on the writer Keigo Higashino's novel by the same name.

The movie loses steam towards the end but it's one hell of an entertaining ride.

Would've been more fun watching it on the big screen with a packed audience.