Mona Darling

Mona Darling is a 2017 Indian social media-based social thriller film, directed by Shashi Sudigala. The film stands out as an innovative attempt in Bollywood since it represents the first whodunit set in the world of technology and social media platform, taking a detour from the regular horror and suspense genres. This thriller pivots on the gripping world of digital age, focusing on the mystery and foreboding horrors it could unleash, thus giving a contemporary twist to the conventional storytelling style.

The movie stars Anshuman Jha, Divya Menon, and Sandeep Bose in the lead roles, bringing in a variety of acting styles to display. Anshuman Jha and Divya Menon, both known for their previous strong performances in "Love, Sex Aur Dhoka," and "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy,” respectively, add significant weight to the film's unfolding drama.

The protagonist of the film is Mona Raheja, portrayed skillfully by Suzanna Mukherjee. Mona is an enigmatic and confident young woman who lives by herself in a secluded luxury apartment in the heart of Mumbai city. She is known to be an antisocial character, maintaining a sinister palette of mystery, thus keeping the audience intrigued throughout.

Her solitary life motives her to reach out to others virtually through social media platforms, principally through Facebook. The crux of the film revolves around a Facebook friend request sent by Mona which results in a chilling aftermath. Recipients find themselves brutally murdered, leading to a hunt for the "digital" serial killer.

The narrative of the film intensifies when Mona herself is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Following her death, the inexplicable series of murders continues to transpire. This bizarre twist triggers immense panic and fear among the college's youth.

Anshuman Jha plays the role of Wiki – a socially awkward yet brilliant geeky character who studies in the same college. Wiki, who was a pariah in the college, rises to the occasion when the campus police are at their wit’s end in their investigation of the puzzling case. His unique combination of intelligence and wit, well-rendered by Anshuman, aids him in probing into the peculiar chain of murders in his college.

Divya Menon, the leading lady opposite Anshuman, plays the role of Sarah, a bespectacled, simple, and sincere college girl. Sarah is an unaffected and straight-forward character whose only mission is to unearth the truth about Mona's mysterious death and the connection it has to the continued murders.

Sandeep Bose takes on the role of the College Dean with an authoritarian yet credible persona. His character brings in a deeper layer to the story, further enriching the storyline.

Mona Darling uses social media as its main premise, providing a new vantage point for the thriller genre. The film is enriched by its edgy narrative style, complemented by the ominous background score, creating an environment of suspense and horror.

The cinematography of the film is also a commendable feature. It creates an eerie and tense atmosphere that is critical to the storytelling and feels in tune with the film's theme. The overall styling and treatment of the film give it a modern and fresh look that is appealing to the audience.

The movie gives a glimpse of the horror of social media, a high-tech nemesis that is horrifying and frighteningly realistic. It brilliantly juxtaposes the dark side of technology with the vulnerability of youth, using psychological suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Apart from its thrilling plot, Mona Darling also raises pertinent questions about the implications of digital privacy, dependence on technology, and the unforeseen dangers of the internet. Through its stirring narrative, Mona Darling undeniably leaves a gloomy, reflective mark on its audiences and at the same time incites them into rethinking about online safety measures.

In conclusion, Mona Darling is more than just a thriller or a horror movie. It is a well-rounded portrayal of a contemporary issue, using suspense as its main driver. It's an engaging watch for those interested in thrillers with a distinct style, a compelling storyline, and impactful performances.