by 
Name: Munjya
Director: Aditya Sarpotdar
Cast: Sharvari Wagh,Sathyaraj,Mona Singh,Abhay Verma
Plot:
In 1952, a young boy was forbidden from marrying Munni, a girl seven years older than him. In a cruel twist, his head was forcefully shaved, and Munni was married off to another man. Devastated and angry, the boy took his sister to a peepal tree that night to perform dark magic, intending to use her as a sacrificial offering. Tragically, the boy died during the ritual. According to local belief, since he died within ten days of having his head shaved, he transformed into a malevolent spirit known as a Munjya. This monstrous entity now haunts his own family, demanding they find him his beloved Munni.
In present day, Bittu (Abhay Verma) works alongside his mother (Mona Singh) in a hair salon. Despite his seemingly ordinary life, Bittu is plagued by frequent nightmares that often catch him off guard. He harbors deep feelings for Bella (Sharvari Wagh), but struggles to express his love. Bella, however, has always seen him as a close friend and is currently in a relationship with a foreigner named Kuba.
During a casual visit to his ancestral village accompanied by his mother and grandmother, Bittu’s nightmares take a chilling turn when he learns about Munjya, a spectral presence haunting the village. Intrigued, he ventures to the haunted peepal tree, where he comes face to face with Munjya himself. Despite narrowly escaping, Bittu finds himself unable to shake off Munjya, who incessantly implores him to aid in the search for his lost love, Munni.
Discover whether Bittu lends a hand to Munjya in his quest to find Munni, and witness Bella navigating her way through the chaos. Tune in to Munjya to uncover the answers.
What works for Munjya:
“Munjya” is a refreshing addition to the film landscape, offering a concept that stands out amidst the crowd. Bolstered by a cast of charming, youthful actors, the movie maintains a light and breezy atmosphere throughout. Its comedic moments hit the mark, eliciting genuine laughter from viewers. From the outset, the world-building is robust, wasting no time in immersing audiences into its narrative. Despite lacking star power, the film spares no expense in its production values, boasting visuals that rival those of A-list productions. Impressively, the visual effects are top-notch, especially considering the budget constraints. Each song featured in the film, whether it’s “Taras,” “Tainu Khabar Nahi,” or “Hai Jamale,” is exceptional, contributing to the overall experience. Additionally, the background score enhances the cinematic journey, adding depth and emotion to every scene.
What doesn’t work for Munjya:
“Munjya, the titular monster, often overwhelms with its excessive volume, making it incredibly grating to endure. Unfortunately, the individual responsible for voicing Munjya has delivered a disappointingly poor performance. While the film initially shows promise, it quickly succumbs to familiar horror-comedy clichés. The screenplay takes a nosedive into absurdity in the second half, leaving viewers questioning the logic of every on-screen event. Character development is sorely lacking, with Sharvari Wagh notably underutilized. Sathyaraj’s portrayal of the eccentric exorcist feels wasted in a role devoid of substance. However, amidst these shortcomings, Munjya’s backstory stands out as a well-crafted narrative, laying a solid foundation for the events that follow.”
Watch the Munjya Trailer
Performances in Munjya:
Abhay Verma shines in his portrayal of Bittu, effectively conveying fear and vulnerability.
Sharvari Wagh delivers a commendable performance as Bella, although her portrayal in the climax lacks conviction.
Sathyaraj’s portrayal as the exorcist is satisfactory, yet the film fails to fully capitalize on his potential.
Mona Singh brings a delightful energy to her role as Bittu’s mother.
The child artists do an impressive job.
The actors essaying the roles of Bittu’s friend and Bittu’s uncle’s daughter lend strong support.
Final Verdict of Munjya:
While Munjya exhibits some redeeming qualities, its pervasive use of formulaic tropes and its over-the-top climax inadvertently transform it into a horror show rather than the intended genre.
Despite this, the film is currently screening at a theater near you, offering viewers the chance to judge for themselves. Tickets are available for purchase now.
