🌟🌟🌟 (3 out of 5 stars)
Hey there, Bollywood buffs! Buckle up, because Review Rani is here to serve up yet another dose of her sarcastic, side-splitting, and absolutely unsweetened take on the latest flick to hit the big screen – ‘Munjya’. Let’s dive into the haunted woods, shall we?
‘Munjya’ is what happens when a lovesick lad from the past decides to crash into his descendant’s love life with all the subtlety of a wrecking ball. The film, helmed by Director Aditya Sarpotdar, tries to marry horror and comedy, but ends up looking like that awkward couple at a party who can’t decide whether they want to salsa or slow dance.
The story takes us back to the 1950s, where our doe-eyed Romeo, Gotya, dabbles in the darker arts (because chocolates and flowers are so mainstream) to win the heart of his beloved Munni. Unfortunately, his black magic antics backfire and he ends up turning into Munjya, a restless spirit with the temper of a toddler, trapped in a tree for eternity.
Fast forward to the present, where our modern-day hero, Bittu (played by Abhay Verma), bumps into his ghostly ancestor. Munjya, seeing an opportunity, latches onto Bittu like a barnacle on a ship, determined to finally marry Munni. But in a twisted game of musical chairs, he sets his sights on Bittu’s girlfriend, Bela (portrayed by Sharvari). What follows is a roller-coaster ride filled with more chills and chuckles than a haunted house at a carnival.
The film is visually striking, with cinematographer Saurabh Goswami capturing the eerie beauty of the forests and ruins. The CGI-created Munjya is an impressive feat, but towards the end, the spirit-hopping antics become as ridiculous as a clown juggling chainsaws.
Abhay Verma as Bittu delivers a performance that is as enjoyable as a bag of popcorn, while Sharvari as Bela is as refreshing as a chilled soda. The supporting cast, including Mona Singh as Bittu’s fiery Punjabi mom and S Sathyaraj as a comical godman, add a dash of spice to the mix.
The film attempts to thread a social message about consent in love, which is as subtle as a neon sign at a rave party. But hey, kudos for trying! There are plot holes big enough to drive a truck through and a few bits and pieces that just don’t add up. But, let’s be real, we’re here for the laughs and the chills, not a lesson in logic.
In a nutshell, ‘Munjya’ is like a rollercoaster ride – it’s thrilling, it’s fun, but it’s also a bit of a hot mess. But if you’re in the mood for some light-hearted spooks and giggles, give it a go. And remember, stay after the credits for a surprise that’s as unexpected as finding a raisin in your samosa.
Until the next reel rolls, stay tuned, and remember, Review Rani is here to keep it real and reel.
