Munjya Movie Review: A Refreshing Take on Indian Folklore

Munjya, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, features a unique take on Indian folklore. Starring Sharvari Wagh, Sathyaraj, Mona Singh, and Abhay Verma, the movie starts on a high note but falls short as it progresses. Here's our detailed review of Munjya, now playing in theaters near you.

Plot Summary

In 1952, a boy was forbidden to marry Munni, a girl seven years his senior. His head is shaved, and Munni is married off to another man. That night, the boy performs dark magic under a peepal tree, aiming to sacrifice his sister but ends up dying. He transforms into Munjya, a monstrous spirit that haunts his family, seeking his lost love, Munni. In the present, Bittu (Abhay Verma) works in a hair salon with his mother (Mona Singh). He is plagued by nightmares and harbours an unspoken love for Bella (Sharvari Wagh). A visit to his ancestral village intensifies his encounters with Munjya, leading to a battle between the living and the supernatural.

What Works in Munjya

Munjya has a refreshing take on Indian folklore. Often horror movies are set in ancient eras with the tried and tested trope of urban legends. But Munjya reinterprets this in a modern setting with relatable characters. With a modest budget, the movie’s special effects also play a significant role in setting up the narrative of the story. The music also adds an appeal to the plot with songs like ‘Taras’, ‘Tainu Khabar Nahi’ and ‘Hai Jamale’. The background score is titillating, adding to the film’s eerie atmosphere. The movie is carried on the strong shoulders of some great performances. Abhay Verma as the fearful, young kid delivers a convincing portrayal of his character. Sharvari packs a punch as the female lead but her performance is overshadowed due to a poorly written character. Mona Singh is the surprise pick, as Bittu’s mother. She is witty and her timing is effortless. All the child actors also have delivered an impressive performance that adds depth to the storyline.

What doesn’t work in Munjya

When the film begins, it feels like it's different from every run of the mill horror movie ever made. However, it succumbs to typical horror-comedy clichés, losing its unique edge. There is also the case of underdevelopment of key characters, particularly Sharvari Wagh's Bella and Sathyaraj’s exorcist. The screenplay also becomes absurd in the second half, leaving viewers questioning the logic of the unfolding events. The trope of the monster, Munjya, is poorly executed. The voice acting, in particular, detracts from the horror experience, making the monster more annoying than scary. All this combined, make the film’s climax, chaotic and unsatisfactory at best.