Bollywood’s recent fascination with horror-comedy continues with Munjya, a film that brings together ancient Konkan folklore, supernatural chills, and a generous dose of laughs. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and featuring Abhay Verma, Sharvari Wagh, Mona Singh, and Sathyaraj, Munjya is the latest addition to the Maddock Films’ “Stree-verse” after Stree, Roohi, and Bhediya. But does this blend of scares and giggles work, or does it get lost in the woods? Let’s find out.

Plot: When the Past Refuses to Die

Munjya opens in 1952 in the Konkan village of Garge. Gotya, a young boy obsessed with the much older Munni, turns to black magic to win her love. His plan goes horribly wrong: in a botched ritual meant to sacrifice his own sister Gita, Gotya accidentally kills himself and becomes a restless, vengeful spirit-Munjya-tied to a peepal tree in the haunted Chetukwadi jungle.

Decades later, in present-day Pune, we meet Bittu (Abhay Verma), a mild-mannered young man who works at his mother Pammi’s (Mona Singh) beauty salon. Bittu is haunted by nightmares of the peepal tree and is secretly in love with his childhood friend Bela (Sharvari Wagh), who has just returned from the US with her boyfriend Kuba. Bittu’s life is upended when his family travels to their ancestral village for a cousin’s engagement, and he finds himself drawn to the very tree that haunts his dreams.

Ignoring warnings, Bittu visits the tree and unwittingly awakens Munjya, who latches onto him. Munjya’s demand is simple but terrifying: help him find Munni and arrange their marriage, or Bittu’s loved ones will suffer. As Munjya’s antics escalate, Bittu discovers that Munni is none other than Bela’s grandmother, and Munjya now wants to marry Bela instead.

What follows is a madcap adventure involving possessions, exorcisms, mistaken identities, and a wild plan to trap Munjya’s spirit in a goat. The stakes rise when Bela herself is possessed, and Bittu must race against time-with the help of his cousin Spielberg, exorcist Elvis (Sathyaraj), and the ghost of his grandmother Gita-to save Bela and put Munjya to rest.

Performances: New Faces, Strong Impressions

Abhay Verma shines as Bittu, capturing the awkwardness and vulnerability of a young man caught between supernatural chaos and unspoken love. His comic timing and ability to convey fear without overacting make him a relatable protagonist.

Sharvari Wagh brings freshness and charm to Bela, especially in scenes where she’s possessed by Munjya’s spirit. Her transformation from level-headed love interest to possessed victim is handled with surprising finesse.

Mona Singh is a delight as Pammi, the no-nonsense mother who anchors the family with both humor and heart. Her chemistry with Abhay Verma adds warmth to the film’s emotional core.

Sathyaraj as Elvis, the quirky exorcist, is a scene-stealer. His deadpan delivery and comic timing provide some of the film’s best laughs.

The supporting cast, including the eccentric cousin Spielberg and the grumpy uncle Balu Kaka, rounds out the ensemble, each adding their own flavor to the family chaos.

Direction, Writing, and Tone: Walking the Tightrope

Director Aditya Sarpotdar juggles horror and comedy with varying degrees of success. The film’s first act, set in the 1950s, is atmospheric and genuinely creepy, establishing Munjya’s tragic backstory and the eerie lore of the Konkan region. The switch to present-day Pune and the introduction of Bittu’s family bring in the laughs, with witty dialogues and situational humor.

However, the film sometimes struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The scares are more playful than terrifying, and the comedy occasionally undercuts the tension. Still, the script keeps the pace lively, and the non-linear narrative-jumping between past and present adds intrigue.

The screenplay cleverly weaves in Indian folklore, making Munjya’s motivations both absurd and oddly sympathetic. The idea of a vengeful spirit obsessed with marriage is mined for both laughs and pathos, and the film never takes itself too seriously.

Visuals, CGI, and Music: Folklore Meets Modernity

The film’s visual effects are a mixed bag. Munjya, rendered through CGI, is more cartoonish than scary, which works for the film’s comedic tone but may disappoint those seeking genuine horror. The haunted peepal tree and the misty Konkan landscapes are shot with flair, creating an atmospheric backdrop for the supernatural antics.

The music, blending folk tunes with modern beats, complements the film’s quirky energy. The background score heightens both the spooky and slapstick moments, and the songs are catchy enough to stick with you after the credits roll.

Themes: Family, Folklore, and Facing Your Fears

At its heart, Munjya is about the baggage we inherit-be it family secrets, unresolved love, or literal ghosts from the past. The film explores how generational trauma and unspoken truths can haunt families, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

Bittu’s journey is one of self-discovery and courage. He learns to confront his fears, stand up for his loved ones, and embrace his own desires. The film also pokes fun at traditional beliefs and rituals, showing how superstition and folklore shape our understanding of the world.

Humor and Horror: A Balancing Act

Munjya leans more toward comedy than horror, with much of the humor arising from the absurdity of the situation. Scenes where Bittu tries to reason with a ghost, or when the family attempts a botched exorcism, are genuinely funny. The film doesn’t rely on jump scares, instead opting for situational gags and witty banter.

That said, the horror elements-especially in the flashbacks and possession scenes-are effective enough to keep the stakes real. The film’s ability to switch between laughs and chills is its biggest strength, even if the balance isn’t always perfect.

Standout Moments

• The Opening Sequence: Gotya’s tragic transformation into Munjya sets a haunting tone, blending folklore with genuine pathos.

• Bittu’s Possession: The scenes where Munjya torments Bittu are both hilarious and unsettling, showcasing Abhay Verma’s range.

• The Goat Exorcism: A madcap plan to trap Munjya in a goat leads to chaos, mistaken identities, and belly laughs.

• Bela’s Possession: Sharvari Wagh’s performance as a possessed Bela adds a layer of menace to the comedy.

• The Climax: The final showdown at the peepal tree, with Bittu guided by his grandmother’s spirit, is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent Tone: The film sometimes struggles to balance horror and comedy, with some scenes feeling too silly or too safe.

• CGI Limitations: Munjya’s cartoonish appearance may underwhelm viewers hoping for a scarier ghost.

• Predictable Plot Beats: The story follows familiar horror-comedy tropes, with few surprises in the second half.

• Underdeveloped Side Characters: Some supporting roles, especially family members, could have been fleshed out more.

Strengths

• Fresh Setting and Folklore: The Konkan backdrop and Marathi legends give the film a unique flavor.

• Strong Performances: Abhay Verma, Sharvari Wagh, Mona Singh, and Sathyaraj elevate the material.

• Witty Dialogue and Situational Comedy: The script delivers plenty of laughs without resorting to slapstick.

• Emotional Core: The film’s focus on family, love, and courage gives it heart beyond the horror-comedy formula.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Folkloric Ride

Munjya is a welcome addition to Bollywood’s growing horror-comedy universe. It may not deliver edge-of-your-seat scares, but its blend of folklore, family drama, and humor makes for an entertaining watch. The film’s biggest strength is its ability to find laughter in the face of fear, and to remind us that sometimes, the ghosts we carry are of our own making.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, spooky adventure with a dash of Indian tradition, Munjya is worth your time. It’s not perfect, but it’s packed with enough charm, wit, and heart to keep you engaged- and maybe even leave you looking over your shoulder the next time you pass a peepal tree.