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Munjya (film)

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Munjya
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAditya Sarpotdar
Screenplay byNiren Bhatt
Story byYogesh Chandekar
Produced byDinesh Vijan
Amar Kaushik
Starring
CinematographySaurabh Goswami
Edited byMonisha R. Baldawa
Music bySachin–Jigar
Production
company
Distributed byPen Marudhar Entertainment
Release date
  • 7 June 2024 (2024-06-07)
Running time
121 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Box officeest. ₹11.61 crore[2]

Munjya is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language supernatural comedy horror film directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films. It is the fourth film of Maddock Supernatural Universe starring Sharvari, Mona Singh, Abhay Verma and Sathyaraj. The film centers on the legend of Munjya, inspired by Indian folklore and mythology.

The film was released on 7 June 2024.[3]

Synopsis[edit]

A young man's visit to his native village unveils a family secret and a vengeful spirit, Munjya, who wants to get married. Now the young man must fight to protect himself and his love from Munjya's clutches leading to a humorously chaotic and terrifying adventure.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

Inspiration[edit]

Talking with Mid-Day, Bhatt discussed the traditional four stages of life in Hinduism: Brahmacharya (student life), Gṛhastha (householder life), Vanaprastha (retirement), and Sannyasa (renunciation). He mentions the Upanayan ceremony known as Munjya in Marathi, which marks the beginning of the student phase, and the Sod Munjya ceremony, which marks the transition from student life to householder life. Essentially, he's explaining the significance of these ceremonies in the context of life's stages according to Hindu tradition. If a man passes away without getting married after his munja ceremony but before his Sod Munja, he transforms into a Munjya—a spirit dwelling in peepal trees or close to wells. Peepal trees emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide after nightfall, and the apprehension of encountering Munjya deters people from sitting under them after sunset. According to Bhatt, Munjya is perceived as a creature that is both monstrous and childlike due to dying at a young age. Munjya tends to trouble people to fulfill its desires, often fixating on marriage. Munjya's are not usually malevolent; rather, they are seen as immature and petty nuisances. They have a peculiar fondness for throwing stones at individuals standing beneath trees.[5][6]

Development[edit]

Bhatt states that the tale initially entered their sphere through Yogesh Chandekar, who introduced a renowned figure from his region to Maddock Films. Bhatt and Kaushik spent three years to developing the story, conducting research by exploring numerous wadas and orchards in the Dapoli and Ganpatipule regions where Munjya's are said to have been "tied down".[5] Munjya is acclaimed as inaugural CGI film starring an animated character.[7] The film is helmed by Aditya Sarpotdar, explores the legendary creature from Indian folklore, according to a statement from the makers.[8] Sarpotdar and his team, in collaboration with DNEG, spent nearly a year to crafting the eerie and mischievous main character entirely through computer-generated imagery. Sarpotdar explained in an interview with PTI, "Half of the film's budget went into VFX, a significant allocation underscoring its importance. We meticulously developed a CGI creature through extensive research and development to ensure accuracy".[9] The teaser was released on 21 May 2024[10] and the trailer was released on 24 May 2024.[11]

Casting[edit]

Abhay Verma has been selected to star alongside Sharvari in the film. Describing her role, Sharvari mentioned, "I play a contemporary woman determined to pursue her dreams above all else, a sentiment many can identify with in today's world. Her dating experiences add to the relatability of the character, resonating with numerous women."[12][13] The film features Mona Singh, Sathyaraj in other pivotal roles supported by Suhas Joshi. The Marathi actress Rasika Vengurlekar was seen in the teaser is playing a supporting role in the film.[4]

Filming[edit]

The film was shot in Konkan region.[12]

Release[edit]

The film was released on 7 June 2024.[3]

Music[edit]

Sachin–Jigar will composed music and score for the film and one song is co-composed by Skeletron.[14] Lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Taras"Jasmine Sandlas, Sumonto Mukherjee, Sachin-Jigar3:09
2."Tainu Khabar Nahi"Arijit Singh, Sachin-Jigar3:08
3."Hai Jamalo" (co-composed by Skeletron)Nakash Aziz, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Jigar Saraiya2:29

Reception[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 43% of 7 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5/10.[15]

Bhawna Arya of Times Now rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "In conclusion, Munjya appears to be an entertaining film that successfully combines elements of comedy and horror. 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."[16] Ganesh Aaglave of Firstpost rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Film aces in the technical departments, especially in VFX, camera and SFX with crisp editing. Talking about the performances, everyone in the cast has done a splendid job but it’s a VFX character of Munjya, who has stolen the show. Munjya is a theatrical experience and deserves a watch for its novelty and authenticity."[17]

A critic for Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "On the whole, MUNJYA is an entertaining horror-comedy with a gripping second half. At the box office, the film might start slow but it has the potential to pick up due to the genre, word of mouth and connection with the Maddock Cinematic Universe."[18] Dhaval Roy of The Times Of India rated the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "The movie leaves some questions unanswered, and certain elements fail to add up. Nevertheless, the atmospheric setting, hilarious moments, and engaging performances make it an entertaining watch, especially for viewers seeking a horror- comedy experience with a youthful energy."[19]

Rishil Jogani of Pinkvilla rated the film 2.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Munjya has redeeming qualities but the irritating monster, formulaic tropes and the outrageous climax make it the horror show that it doesn't intend to be."[20] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film 1.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Munjya is the sort of film that you want off your back as desperately as Bittu wants Munjya off his! It outlives its welcome well before it is into its second half. It is easy to see that a great deal of effort has gone into its making. What it yields is hardly commensurate."[21]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Munjya (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Munjya Box Office". Bollywood Hungama. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Maddock Films' 'Munjya' gets a release date". The Hindu. 21 May 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b "'महाराष्ट्राची हास्यजत्रा' फेम अभिनेत्रीचं नशीब उजळलं! थेट बॉलिवूड सिनेमात वर्णी, ट्रेलरमध्ये दिसली झलक". Lokmat (in Marathi). 24 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Kokanat-la Munjya". Mid-day. 26 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  6. ^ "'Munjya': Decoding the folklore this horror-comedy is based on and meeting India's first CGI actor". Firstpost. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Teaser of Hindi horror film 'Munjya' starring Sharvari features CGI actor". The Times of India. 21 May 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Maddock Films' Unveils 'Munjya', Movie To Release On June 7". Outlook India. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  9. ^ "50 per cent of 'Munjya' budget spent on VFX: director Aditya Sarpotdar". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  10. ^ "'Munjya' teaser: India's first CGI actor can't get over 'Munni Badnam Hui' - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Munjya Trailer OUT: Sharvari Wagh, Abhay Verma and Mona Singh's spooky comedy looks promising; don't miss out SRK's KKKkiran twist". PINKVILLA. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Sharvari opens up about mouthwatering Konkan cuisine experience on 'Munjya' set". The Times of India. 2 June 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  13. ^ "Actor Abhay Verma on working in a unique project like Munjya, says 'I'm extremely elated'". WION. 30 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  14. ^ "Sachin-Jigar to score music for the upcoming horror-comedy Munjya after Stree and Bhediya". Bollywood Hungama. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  15. ^ "Munjya". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  16. ^ Arya, Bhawna (7 June 2024). "Munjya Movie Review: Sharvari Wagh, Mona Singh Starrer Is A Unique Blend Of Comedy And Horror". Times Now.
  17. ^ "Munjya movie review: A spooky yet entertaining folklore". Firstpost. 7 June 2024.
  18. ^ Bollywood Hungama News Network (7 June 2024). "Munjya Movie Review". Bollywood Hungama.
  19. ^ Dhaval Roy (7 June 2024). "Munjya Movie Review: Offers Entertaining Escapades Despite An Uneven Tone". The Times of India.
  20. ^ Jogani, Rishil (7 June 2024). "Munjya Review: Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma's movie is quite literally a horror show, after a promising start". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Munjya Review: Rarely Spooky Enough To Deliver Jump Scares". NDTV. 7 June 2024.

External links[edit]

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