Munjya REVIEW: Abhay Verma, Sharvari and Mona Singh’s horror comedy is an entertaining folklore drama that keeps you hooked till the end

Film:
Munjya movie

Director: Aditya Sarpotdar

Writers: Niren Bhatt

Star cast: Abhay Verma, Sharvari Wagh, Mona Singh, Sathyaraj,

Runtime: 123 minutes (2 hours and 3 mins)

Platform: In theatres

Munjya Review

The creators of “Stree” bring you “Munjya,” a captivating blend of comedy and horror starring Abhay Verma and Sharvari Wagh. It is the fourth film of Maddock Films’ Supernatural Universe. The film centres on the legend of Munjya, inspired by Indian folklore and mythology. This movie is set to be the perfect antidote to the summer heat, appealing to Gen Z, kids, and families alike. Maddock Films brings another horror comedy in their supernatural universe and like Stree, Bhediya and Roohi, the makers once again explore the folklore stories with a different concept.

Story

“Munjya” follows the story of a young man named Bittoo, who works with his mother at a beauty parlour. When Bittu visits his native village for his cousin’s engagement, he uncovers a family secret and encounters a vengeful spirit named Munjya, who is desperate to get married. He takes the help of his friend This eerie spectre seeks out Bittu to find his bride, leading him on a humorously chaotic and terrifying adventure as he fights to protect himself and his love from Munjya’s clutches.

The film opens in 1952, portraying a young Brahmin boy deeply in love with a girl named Munni, a relationship vehemently disapproved by his family. The boy’s mother, enraged, subjects him to harsh punishment and a forced Janeu ceremony. The boy’s undying love for Munni drives him to an extreme ritual in the jungle. The ritual goes wrong, resulting in the boy’s tragic death. His family’s subsequent burial of his remains under the same tree where the ritual took place.

Fast forward to modern-day Pune, Bittu (Abhay Verma) is a shy, handsome cosmetology student living with his mother Pammi (Mona Singh) and grandmother (Suhas Joshi). Bittu’s timid nature conceals his deep affection for Bella (Sharvari), though he lacks the courage to express it. Haunted by visions and whispers from the past, Bittu’s life takes a drastic turn when he visits his ancestral village.

Continue reading the “Munjya” review…

What’s best

Storyline: With a story conceived and written by Yogesh Chandekar, the film is a fabulous take on a legend rarely spoken about in films. Yogesh and fellow screenwriter Niren Bhatt bring to life a story that transcends the typical boundaries of the horror-comedy genre. They offer something refreshingly unique and exciting to watch. The film skillfully navigates between two different timelines to illustrate the connection between folklore and the present day. As time progresses, these stories evolve from mere legends to accepted truths and facts.

Direction:

Aditya Sarpotdar skillfully merges folklore and cinema to tell a gripping and thrilling story. It’s surreal to see myths come to life on screen, drawing viewers into a world where the unbelievable becomes believable. Sarpotdar masterfully maintains a balance of horror and comedy, effectively connecting with the audience. The jump scares and the meticulous build-up to the creature’s reveal are executed with great finesse, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Sarpotdar also strikes the right balance with comedic elements, delivering situational humour that keeps the audience entertained without relying on heavy jokes.

Background score: The background score by Justin Varghese elevates the storytelling to another level. His music intensifies the horror sequences, delivering chills and thrills while maintaining a perfect balance. The soundtrack is expertly crafted for the horror genre, exuding spooky vibes that significantly enhance the film’s atmosphere.

Visually appealing cinematography:

Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography brilliantly captures the eerie allure of Chetukwadi, transforming its locales into a visual feast that is bound to give you chills. His masterful use of wide-angle shots not only highlights the stunning landscapes but also intensifies the atmosphere, making each frame captivating and mesmerising.

Equally impressive is Monisha R Baldawa’s editing. She skillfully weaves together the visual narrative, ensuring that the film remains true to its script while enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Her editing is both crisp and cohesive, allowing the story to flow seamlessly and keeping the audience engaged throughout. The synergy between Goswami’s cinematography and Baldawa’s editing results in a cinematic experience that is both visually and narratively compelling.

What’s not

While the film boasts Saurabh Goswami’s mesmerizing cinematography and Monisha R Baldawa’s skilful editing, the storytelling flow falters in some parts. Aditya’s inclusion of a romantic song, though well-intentioned, feels oddly placed and disrupts the narrative’s rhythm. Additionally, the story’s demand for heavy VFX results in some sequences appearing patchy and inconsistent, detracting from the overall visual experience.

Story and script analysis

This is probably the third movie of this year where the story deals with the concept of black magic. We have seen the concept being explored in movies like Ajay Devgn starrer Shaitaan and Shreyas Talpade’s Kartam Bhuktam (which was disastrous). Writer Niren Bhatt tells us a folklore story that revolves around black magic but the horror and comedy mixture makes the movie worth watching. It is a lesser-known story and Aditya cleverly connected that to the modern days. Though the story talks about the creature named Munjya, Aditya seems to have lost track of the story in between. It goes a little haywire.

Apart from that, Aditya also tries to convey the message that love is freedom and understanding the partner. In one of the scenes, Bittu even tells Munjya that if he has asked Munni about liking him. And you that it so relevant in today’s time. It also subtly shows the sweet bond between a grandmother and grandson while loudly asserting the patriarchal world in the village. He even captures the dynamics of friendship and sibling bond which is true to your heart. Moreover, the sweet romance between Bittoo and Bela in the movie looks pure and genuine and it gets conveyed to you through their eyes instead of showing intense intimacy. But we liked how their love angle added so much weightage instead of making it full of cliches. Aditya keeps everything raw and genuine, keeping the essence of the story. Yes, Niren Bhatt’s writing gets a little predictable right before the interval. You know what is going to happen next but it is Aditya’s direction that keeps you engaged throughout.

Performances

Abhay Verma brings a new level of maturity to his craft and performance. Beyond his cuteness and boyish charm, Abhay captivates the audience with his portrayal of Bittu. He excels in both the emotional and horror scenes, making his character compelling as the story revolves around him. Abhay is undoubtedly a promising rising star.

Sharvari Wagh looks stunning in every frame and takes on a more significant role in the second half of the movie, showcasing her acting skills. She adds a lively and dynamic quality to her character, capturing the audience’s attention effectively. Sharvari shines as the love interest caught in the supernatural web.

Mona Singh is terrific as Bittoo’s mother. She embodies the quintessential mom, making her character relatable to the audience. Despite its simplicity, Mona infuses her role with unique charm, making it both adorable and interesting.

Sathyaraj, though seen for a shorter screentime, makes his presence felt. While his character may not be the most impactful, it adds value to the story. His quirky and eccentric portrayal will surely leave a smile on your face. He brings a formidable presence as a knowledgeable exorcist.

Taran Singh who essays the role of Spielberg Singh is simply amazing. His expressions and comic timings are so natural that you instantly start liking him. Despite being a sidekick, he shines on his part and has put up a lovely act in Munjya. This new kid has the potential to impress you.

Conclusion

Overall, Munjya starring Abhay and Sharvari is entertaining and hysterical. The movie will keep you hooked throughout. If you do get scared of horror movies, you might want to take someone along with you. There are no hardcore scenes but the jump scares and the intense background score can give you all the right kind of spooky vibes. A movie that can be enjoyed with friends and family as you will leave the theatre with a smile on your face.

The direction, screenplay and cinematography are meticulously crafted, offering a visually stunning and narratively compelling experience. The performances are top-notch, with Abhay Verma and Mona Singh delivering particularly notable performances.

P.S. Please do not leave the theatre till the credits roll at the end. You don’t want to miss the best post credit scene that happens during the Taras song. You’re in for a sweet treat.

Watch the trailer of Munjya after the review

Also read: Bad Boys: Ride or Die REVIEW: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s bromance has magic but lacks in the action department