Drawing from a Konkan myth, “Munjya” centers on the spirit of an adolescent boy who dies prematurely and returns to fulfill his unachieved desires.
The film “Munjya” hails from the creators of “Stree” and “Bhediya,” aiming to blend comedy with supernatural horror. While “Stree” succeeded more effectively in this mix than “Bhediya,” both films left a notable impression.
Unfortunately, “Munjya” struggles to deliver on both fronts, failing to elicit laughs or genuine fear despite frequent jump scares and a CGI ghost.
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Drawing from a Konkan myth, “Munjya” centers on the spirit of an adolescent boy who dies prematurely and returns to fulfill his unachieved desires. The film’s first thirty minutes are captivating as Bittu (Verma) visits his ancestral village with his mother (Mona Singh) and grandmother (Joshi), where they encounter the ‘munjya.’ This promising start quickly gives way to a disappointing decline.
The allure of supernatural stories often lies in their ability to hint at hidden depths and the unknown. Suspense is built through suggestive clues and glimpses of darkness, culminating in a significant revelation. However, after an initial twist, the menace of the ‘munjya’ is downplayed, becoming more irritating than frightening and diminishing the story’s impact.
Attempting to evoke a “Casper the Friendly Ghost” or “Gollum from The Lord of the Rings” vibe, “Munjya” misses the chance to craft a genuinely unique antagonist. The film’s effort to be family-friendly results in a lackluster experience, failing to fully satisfy any genre expectations.
Following a strong beginning, the plot loses focus. The hero’s Sardar best friend (Taran Singh) appears mainly for comedic relief. The narrative includes an exorcism led by a Jesus-loving godman (Sathyaraj) and a romantic subplot involving Bittu’s old friend Bela (Sharvari) and her clumsy foreign boyfriend. While the film attempts to address themes of patriarchy through the ‘munjya,’ it falls short of making a significant impact.
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Despite these flaws, Verma portrays the confused and earnest Bittu effectively. Joshi shines as the grandmother, and the Konkan landscape provides a picturesque backdrop.
However, Mona Singh, as the supportive mother, is underutilized and could have benefitted from stronger writing, given her potential for delivering a more compelling performance.