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Munjya Review: A Faltering Step
From the creative minds behind ‘Stree’ and ‘Bhediya’ emerges ‘Munjya,’ a film that attempts to blend humor with the chills of supernatural horror. While its predecessors struck a chord with audiences, ‘Munjya’ falters, failing to evoke the intended laughter or fear despite its generous use of jump-scares and a computer-generated specter.
The narrative draws from a Konkan legend of ‘munjya,’ a young boy whose untimely death leads to his restless spirit seeking to satisfy unfulfilled yearnings. The film grips us initially, as Bittu (portrayed by Abhay Verma) revisits his roots, only to encounter the ‘munjya,’ resulting in unforeseen tragedy. However, the intrigue quickly dissipates.
The Heart of ‘Munjya’: Where Comedy Meets Ghostly Lore
The allure of supernatural stories often lies in the unknown—what secrets lurk beneath our reality? ‘Munjya’ teases us with glimpses into the darkness but ultimately diminishes its own menace, rendering the ‘munjya’ more irksome than intimidating.In its quest to be family-friendly, ‘Munjya’ misses the chance to craft a memorably malevolent character. The ‘munjya’s’ corrupt longing for an older woman, which has sustained it for decades, is lost in the film’s indecisive tone.
A Spirited Performance in a Tangled Tale
As the story unfolds, the plot loses its way. Comic relief arrives in the form of Bittu’s Sardar friend (Taran Singh), while a clichéd exorcism scene, led by a Christian priest (Sathyaraj), feels out of place. The film’s commentary on patriarchy is evident but lacks impact.
Bittu, with his Harry Potter-like charm, elicits sympathy. Verma’s portrayal is sincere, and Joshi’s role as the traditional grandmother is noteworthy. The verdant Konkan backdrop is visually pleasing, yet the character of Bittu’s mother (Mona Singh) yearns for more nuanced writing.
A Genre-Bender That Couldn’t Find Its Balance
Shifting to contemporary Pune, we find Bittu, a cosmetology student, grappling with his family’s dark past. A wedding triggers a confrontation with ‘Munjya,’ thrusting Bittu into a fight for survival.Bittu’s struggle against ‘Munjya’ to protect his love, Bella (Sharvari), forms the crux of the film. The performances of Abhay Verma and Mona Singh stand out, with Sharvari portraying a strong love interest. Sathyaraj’s exorcist adds depth to the climax.
Final Verdict
Director Aditya Sarpotdar’s vision, along with the cast’s efforts, positions ‘Munjya’ as a unique cinematic experience, albeit one that struggles to find its footing in the realm of genre-defying films.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, ‘Munjya’ promises a mix of laughs and scares, but its execution leaves us wanting.
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