Neither horror nor comedy! Munjya loses its sheen, fails to impress the OTT audience

The horror comedy genre has seen a notable resurgence in recent years, with films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa and the Stree franchise attracting significant fan bases. So, when Munjya was released in June, many flocked to theaters, drawn by its connection to the Stree/Bhediya universe. Despite a modest budget and a relatively unknown cast, the film managed to earn over Rs 130 crore at the box office¡ªa remarkable achievement.

With the trend shifting towards OTT platforms, where theatrical releases often find their way a few months later, audiences are increasingly divided between those who prefer the big screen and those who wait for digital releases. Some films that floundered in theaters have found new life and appreciation on streaming services, while big blockbusters can receive mixed reviews online. Others, however, succeed on both fronts.

Munjya had high expectations, given that a similar film, Tumbbad, garnered critical acclaim and awards after its OTT release during the COVID era. Personally, I was excited to see if Munjya would deliver the same level of enjoyment. Unfortunately, it pains me to admit that I was left feeling underwhelmed.

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What is Munjya all about?

The story begins with a flashback set in 1952, introducing a young Brahmin boy named Goya. Goya faces stern disapproval from his family for his obsession with Munni, a girl seven years his senior. Despite his family's objections, Goya is determined to marry her and resorts to black magic to achieve his goal. However, his dark rituals lead to his untimely death, and he is buried beneath a peepal tree.

Fast forward to the present day, where we meet Bittu, a shy and reserved college student who works at his mother¡¯s salon and lives with his mother and grandmother (Aaji). Bittu harbors a deep affection for his childhood friend Bella, but she is in a relationship with an Englishman. Bittu begins to experience unsettling nightmares and hears strange, muffled voices emanating from the peepal tree where Goya was buried.

Credit: Trailer

The story takes a turn when Bittu¡¯s family visits their ancestral village for a family event. There, Bittu uncovers long-hidden secrets about his late father and finds himself in Chetuk-baari¡ªthe very location where Goya met his tragic end and transformed into the restless spirit Munjya. As Bittu grapples with these revelations, he becomes ensnared by Munjya, who remains fixated on his quest to reunite with Munni. The unfolding events and Bittu¡¯s struggle to escape Munjya¡¯s clutches form the crux of the narrative.

Is Munjya worth the hype?

In theory, the plot of Munjya has an intriguing premise, centering around the legend of Munjya¡ªa child demon whose tragic death at a young age leaves him both malevolent and childlike. As a supernatural entity visible only to his own family line, Munjya¡¯s relentless desire to marry Munni, which was never fulfilled in life, drives the story. Unlike traditional horror that relies on jump scares and unsettling storylines, Munjya blends spookiness with comedic elements. The CGI used to bring Munjya to life is impressive, capturing the eerie and mischievous nature of the demon.

However, despite its promising start, the film falters as it progresses. The storyline, which initially holds potential, becomes tiresome halfway through. Munjya shifts his focus from his past love, Munni, to Bittu¡¯s current love interest, Bella. Bittu¡¯s attempts to outsmart Munjya become chaotic and lose their appeal over time. The death of his grandmother adds to the film¡¯s melodrama, yet Bittu¡¯s quest to avenge her and end Munjya¡¯s torment feels repetitive.

The supporting characters, including Bittu¡¯s unsavory uncle, helpful cousin, and humorous best friend, contribute to the film but don¡¯t leave a lasting impression. Abhay Verma, playing Bittu, maintains a consistently timid demeanor throughout the film, only breaking away from this mold in the climax when he is expected to confront Munjya decisively.

Overall, Munjya suffers from a flawed narrative and uneven execution. The film¡¯s chaotic progression diminishes its impact, leading to a loss of viewer interest. Despite the rave reviews it received upon release, it appears that many others share a similar sentiment to mine. Taking to X, a number of viewers voiced similar opinions:

Watched Munjya on Disney Plus HotStar. It was neither a Horror movie or comedy movie...not also horror comedy...

¡ª Neel Kamal Kalita (@neelk_kalita) August 26, 2024

Munjya 6/10. Mediocre first act, exemplary second act and a slightly underwhelming third act.

The sequel should be fire though.

¡ª Ayan Banerjee (@_ronty_) August 26, 2024

Saw #Munjya on @DisneyPlusHS having missed it in the theatre¡­to each their own¡­but I cannot for the life of me see how this film crossed 100 crores especially at a time like now when OTT has grown so much and there are better films which have done much less collections

¡ª Shakya18 (@shakyamitra) August 25, 2024

I wasted 2 hours of my life by watching #Munjya

¡ª Samrina (@whysamrina) August 25, 2024

Can't believe movies like #Munjya worked at the box office ...total crap. #MunjyaOnHotstar

¡ª Shubham Sharma (@shubhaihum) August 25, 2024

#Munjya is such a disappointing movie, neither works as comedy, nor horror, it tests your patience to core! How it ended up making 100 cr is beyond me!

More like a Kiddish spoof sold as a horror!!

¡ª Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) August 26, 2024

#Munjya didn't liked the film that much...ok ok film...too overrated

¡ª Subbareddy Salvatore (@SubbareddyLove) August 26, 2024

Munjya can be streamed on Disney+Hotstar.