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Munjya Review: A Blend of Konkani Lore and Lighthearted Horror

Updated on: 09 June, 2024 11:08 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Munjya is a horror-comedy film that mixes elements of Konkani folklore with modern pop culture. It tells the story of Bittu (Abhay Verma), a college student who is plagued by nightmares and strange occurrences. These events are connected to Munjya, a lovelorn ghoul from the netherworld who seeks an unfulfilled desire from his past life.

Also Read: Know the Munjya Cast and Crew

Story and Inspiration

The film takes inspiration from a Konkani legend about a young boy named Goya who dies tragically after a failed attempt to perform a ritual to marry his love, Munni. This unfulfilled desire transforms him into Munjya, a restless spirit who haunts the present day. The story unfolds in two parts:

Past (1952)

We see the tragic backstory of Goya, a young Brahmin boy who falls in love with an older girl named Munni. Societal disapproval and a failed ritual led to his demise.

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Present (Pune)

Bittu, a college student seemingly unrelated to Goya, starts experiencing nightmares and strange happenings. It turns out he is a descendant of Goya, and Munjya has latched onto him, seeking to fulfil his desire through Bittu.

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Munjya’s strengths

The film`s core concept of a lovelorn ghoul seeking fulfilment is unique and blends horror with a touch of sadness. The screenplay by Niren Bhatt, with a story developed by Yogesh Chandekar, offers a fast-paced first half that keeps the audience engaged. Cinematography by Saurabh Goswami captures the beauty of the Konkan setting, with aerial shots of the village and the haunted peepal tree adding a spooky atmosphere.

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Munjya’s shortcomings

While the film aims for a horror-comedy blend, the humour doesn`t always land effectively. The attempt at jump scares also falls short. Compared to other horror comedies like Stree, Munjya struggles to deliver genuine scares. The film relies on rudimentary VFX for the CGI creature Munjya, which has a somewhat impish appearance.

Final word

Munjya offers a unique concept steeped in Konkani folklore. The film has a fast-paced first half and some light-hearted humour, but the overall execution feels uneven. The lack of genuine scares and less-than-impressive visual effects might leave horror fans wanting more. If you`re looking for a film with a fresh horror-comedy concept and a touch of Konkani flavour, Munjya might be worth a watch. However, if you`re expecting a truly terrifying experience, you might want to look the other way.

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Munjya Review: A Blend of Konkani Lore and Lighthearted Horror

Story and Inspiration

Past (1952)

Present (Pune)

Munjya’s strengths

Munjya’s shortcomings

Final word

Are you attending the Diljit Dosanjh concert in Mumbai today?

Are you attending the Diljit Dosanjh concert in Mumbai today?

Are you excited for Musafa: The Lion King?

What's your favourite winter activity?

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