Munjya (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – Makers of Stree bring to you #Munjya, the perfect blend of comedy and horror to beat the summer heat for Gen Z, kids, and the whole family.

My Take – With plenty of Indian folklore to take inspiration from, the Maddock Supernatural Universe, which consists of Stree (2018), Roohi (2021), and Bhediya (2022), continues to expand with this latest addition which is centers on the legend of Munjya.

Helmed by director Aditya Sarpotdar (Zombivli) with story by Niren Bhatt (Bhediya, Bala) and a screenplay by Yogesh Chandekar (Andhadhun), the Konkani folk tale tells about a Brahmin boy who died within ten days after his thread ceremony, and transformed into a demon. With his spirit, bound to the grove where he died, he seeks to find solace only by fulfilling his desire of marriage by any means necessary.

Featuring a CGI character in the titular role, in line with the other films in the series, this one too seamlessly blends horror with comedy, delivering enough of a fresh take to captivate the audience.

Sure, in comparison it lacks the great laughs of its predecessors and tends to rely on jump scares when the real fear could have come from the story under all the chaos. Yet, it manages to be an interesting one time watch as it tackles a cocktail of themes like love, obsession, black magic, and horror altogether.

And despite so many elements present, it never manages to drift away from its primary premise. While it may not satisfy hardcore horror fans, it promises to be a fun and thrilling ride for those who enjoy a good laugh with their scares. P.S: Watch out for the post-credit scene, even if that means sitting through the dance number at the end of the film.

Beginning in 1952, when a young Brahmin boy named Gotya obsessed with marrying a girl named Munni, who is seven years elder to him, dies tragically while performing a black magic ritual, and is buried under a tree. In the present day, the story follows Bittu (Abhay Verma), a timid and geeky college student who works at a salon with his mother Pammi (Mona Singh), and enjoys sweet moments back home with his grandmother (Suhas Joshi).

He has also been in love with Bela (Sharvari Wagh), his childhood friend and college senior, for a while now, who oblivious to his feelings has friend zoned him and is instead in relationship with an English man, Kuba (Richard Lovatt). Throughout his life, Bittu has been haunted by the mysterious absence of his father, about whom both his mother and grandmother refuse to speak about, and has continues nightmares about a particular Banyan tree situated on a cursed land.

Opportunity to explore comes when he heads back to his village to attend the engagement ceremony of his cousin, Rukku (Bhagyashree Limaye), however, what he didn’t expect was to be hit by a sudden tragedy, a long buried revelation and an entrapment from the demon dwelling on the Banyan tree. What follows is a humorously chaotic and terrifying adventure.

Here, director Sarpotdar ensures a seamless flow of the narrative, keeping the audience entertained with a mix of spooky sequences and laugh-out-loud moments. With Bittu’s predicament being the most unique and entertaining element. Along with Bittu’s interactions with Munjya, his comedic attempts to woo Bela, and his misadventures while trying to exorcise the spirit.

Yes, the script is a little scattered and predictable too, but the plot keeps you on the edge. The jump scares, the screams, the chase, everything feels nail-biting.

The film’s CGI character, Munjya, is also a highlight, praised for its seamless integration into the story and contributing to the film’s visual appeal. That cracking voice, screams, haunting dreams, and Munjhya’s eagerness for marriage, all those things keep you pretty hooked up and entertained.

Director of photography Saurabh Goswami and Editor Monisha R Baldawa also work together to create the atmosphere for the film. From foreboding shots to scenes that only reveal what they must, the film is definitely a visual experience.

There are, however, places where everything feels ‘too much’. The overwhelming background score doesn’t do the film any favors as it is too overbearing to create the atmosphere it needs to. In order to remain a lighthearted viewing, it glosses over some potential dark material. Also the character of Munjya could have been portrayed as a bit more dangerous and sharp-minded, but also humorous.

Performance wise, Abhay Verma fits the character he is portraying, and he showcases a fine blend of being scared and courageous. His geeky looks and an air of being perpetually confused go well with the character he portrays. There’s an eerie camaraderie between Bittu and Munjya, and while some scenes between them are disturbing, there’s something about these two that works.

Sharvari Wagh, adds charm and wit to her role, creating a strong on-screen chemistry with Verma. She comes alive particularly in the second half, when she encounters Munjya. Mona Singh is a delight as always and showcases some typical traits.

Suhas Joshi brings warmth to her character. Taran Singh and Bhagyashree Limaye provide commendable support, while Sathyaraj is hilarious and deserves to return in another installment of the franchise. On the whole, ‘Munjya’ is a decent blend of horror and comedy, marking another fun addition to the growing Maddock Supernatural Universe.