'Monica' depicts the dark side of 'woman power'

Beating other Bollywood productions to the gun, and braving the ongoing ICC World Cup, Kush Bhargava's and Anup Jalota's 'Monica' is ready to hit screens next Friday with a mix of suspense, woman power and more than a good dose of back stabbing.

What sets the film -- a political thriller directed by Sushen Bhatnagar -- apart is the woman-centric role and the realistic and contemporary feel that depicts the world of scams, kickbacks, bribes and power brokering.

Monica, played by the talented Divya Dutta, is an ambitious journalist who gets ensnarled in the murky world of power, money and consequences.

With a strong cast of Ashutosh Rana, Rajit Kapur, Yashpal Sharma and Kitu Kidwani, the film has an edgy and 'life like' feel that sucks in the audience in a world that they only read and see in news and tabloids.

''There are lots of shades to Monica's character -- she is complicated, vulnerable and ambitious -- and playing the role of a journalist is difficult. But my role is more about the attitude and transformation of the girl from 16 to 35 years of age. I do not think anyone has a better role,'' Divya said.

Co-star, Yashpal Sharma, is confident about the film despite its dark subject and the fact that it only has one song, by Rekha Bhardawaj, played in the background.

''Realistic films are more attractive to audiences now, especially in smaller centres, and judging by the latest trends, realistic and women-centric films are doing well at the box office,'' Yashpal said.

For producers, Jalota and Bhargava, the subject of the film -- ambitious women and the risks they are willing to face and the people they encounter -- was enough to hook them. The script also impressed Jalota, who insisted to his childhood friend, Bhargava to get on board the project.

''I was not into making films when I was presented the script by (director) Bhatnagar. But I was drawn into to it the moment I read it. The script was ready, and all we did was tackle the potential legal aspects,'' said Bhargava.

Audiences can make connections with real life characters like Nira Radia to Madhumita Shukla, though none of the characters are based on them, promise the producers.

''The film is a warning against people who can spoil your future and highlights the dangers of being overambitious. Here is a girl who is ready to do anything, and the people who are there to misguide her along the way,'' Jalota added.

For director Bhatnagar, having a good script and a solid cast, is enough to give him confidence on the success of the film.

''My story will be told through the characters. The cast has brought the characters to life, and Divya's role will surpass her other works,'' he added.