(19)Movie Review: Munjya [CBFC: U/A 2024 ‧ Horror/Comedy ‧ 2h 3m]

Director: Aditya Sarpotdar  

Cast: Sharvari Wagh, Abhay Verma, Mona Singh, Sathyaraj  

Genre: Horror-Comedy  

Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes  

Overview:

Munjya is the fourth installment in Maddock Films' supernatural universe, blending Indian folklore with a horror-comedy narrative. The film explores the legend of the Munjya, a mischievous spirit tied to Marathi culture, and features an elaborate CGI portrayal of the titular ghost. While it introduces intriguing folklore, Munjya struggles to balance its comedic and horror elements, leaving viewers with mixed impressions.

Strengths:

1. Folklore and Mythology: The film's deep dive into the Munjya myth adds cultural richness, showcasing the lore behind spirits tied to rites of passage in Indian traditions.

2. Performance: Mona Singh as Bittu's protective mother and Sathyaraj as an evangelist provide strong supporting performances.

3. Visual Effects: The CGI for the Munjya spirit is commendable, particularly in nighttime sequences, which evoke a sense of dread.  

Weaknesses:

1. Weak Screenplay: The story often feels rushed, with comedic sequences overpowering the horror, making it more slapstick than scary.

2. Underdeveloped Characters: The romance subplot between Bittu and Bela feels shallow and unconvincing, detracting from the emotional depth of the story.

  

3. Sound Design: The loud background score overwhelms dialogues, making certain scenes unintelligible.  

Plot Summary:

The story begins in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, where a family encounters the spirit of Munjya. Bittu, a college student, discovers buried family secrets linked to a haunted tree. The narrative shifts between comedy and horror, with Bittu confronting the spirit in hilarious yet predictable ways. The film builds toward a CG-heavy climax but fails to deliver impactful stakes.

Conclusion:

While Munjya entertains with moments of humor and cultural significance, its inconsistent tone and underwhelming story make it the weakest entry in the Maddock supernatural franchise. Fans of light-hearted horror-comedies may enjoy it, but it falls short of the charm seen in earlier installments like Stree and Bhediya.  

Watch it on: HOTSTAR

SCREEN SPEAK: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆(6/10)

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