Before diving into the film we need to know the connection between “Stree,” “Munjya,” and “Bhediya.” Is there any connection between all the three?

Earlier, a film that emerged from a Marathi background and transformed Indian cinema is “Tumbbad.” It was an incredible horror and fantasy film that shot straight to number one.

Now, another film from the same Marathi culture, “Munjya,” is here to shine.

But the question is Will it repeat the magic of “Tumbbad,” or will Bollywood disappoint the audience again? Let’s talk in detail about “Munjya,” which has a solid pressure to please horror fans because we have dreamed of an entire desi horror universe.

I’ll give you an honest answer—100% there is a solid connection between these three films But before reaching to the point, you need to understand “Munjya” appropriately.

Okay, answer honestly.. Do you believe in aliens?

Yes or no?

Well, I think you probably do because science might find proof of them. So, what’s the problem in believing in demons, especially when there’s proof of their existence?

Here, we will go heart-to-heart about Munjya movie.

Table of Contents

• The Story of Munjya the Demon
• Who should watch Munjya?
• What’s the connection between Stree, Bhediya and Munjya?

The Story of Munjya ‘The Demon’

“Munjya” does not tell the tale of a female witch; instead, it unfolds the narrative of beings like Brahmarakshas, demonic entities trapped in a cycle of existence due to past sins.

Do you know about them?

Brahmarakshas are kind of demons who are cursed to never attain liberation from the cycle of life and death due to sins committed at a young age. You wouldn’t believe it; this boy can be called the brand ambassador of ghosts and spirits 70 years ago.

In a dark forest, in front of a strange tree, a boy practices black magic at night. Black magic is extremely powerful but it comes with a condition: to gain something, you must lose something.

Munjya’s life’s mission is to get married to Munni. He doesn’t know what it’s going to take in return. But that’s the past. In the present, a boy is returning to his village with his family, or it can be said that his village is calling him back.

In this quiet village by the sea, a body with a twisted neck is found, something no human could do. Have you guessed? Yes it’s Munjya, who is making a comeback in the present, hanging upside down on that same scary tree for the past 70 years.

The crucial question is, why has Munjya returned, and the more interesting question is, why can only this boy see him? Don’t take it lightly. The boy who used black magic as a child and turned from human to demon can easily reach your home. Look out all over.. Be Aware!!

Here’s my advice for those insisting on booking tickets thinking “Munjya” is a proper horror film. Don’t do it. Listen carefully, Munjya’s ghost won’t scare you one bit, but it will teach you why ghosts exist and how they are created. The film focuses more on detailing the ghost’s backstory rather than showcasing the horror part. This is not a perfect film for a family comedy night.

Who should watch Munjya?

The topic of the film is somewhat childish and might not interest the family much. “Munjya” pretends to be a proper horror-comedy, reminding 90% of people of “Stree.” The tagline of “Stree” movie was “Men will feel pain,” indicating a better-quality topic, however “Munjya” is just the story of one character. “Stree” was mature in its storytelling, while “Munjya” is its exact opposite, resembling a grandmother’s bedtime story meant to scare children. Now, who would be scared by that?

So, who should watch this film? It’s for anyone who wants to see something new in Bollywood. You must buy a ticket. Maddock films don’t just make movies; they innovate. They don’t remake old stories but create fresh ones, like “Stree,” “Bhediya,” “Hindi Medium,” and now “Munjya.”

Box office numbers aside, when you go home after watching “Munjya,” you may not know if you liked it or not, but you will surely feel that you watched something different.

Do not expect “Tumbbad” level of magic from this one, set your expectations low. “Munjya” is a one-time watch that’s good for passing time, but if you want to watch real horror, you can watch “Pari” at home.

The connection between Stree, Bhediya and Munjya?

As I promised that I will reveal the connection between “Stree,” “Bhediya,” and “Munjya.” Here’s a slight spoiler hint, but don’t worry, it won’t disclose much about the films.

In my perception, the common thing among these films in the horror universe is that they all revolve around incomplete love stories and end with open endings, leaving room for the story to come back to life.

Trust me, “Stree 2” will be the first film where characters from different movies will meet in a crossover. This has already been hinted at in the climax of “Bhediya,” but that was just a start. In the second part of Stree, “Stree 2,” anyone from any movie can appear, and Munjya can become a proper villain in this desi horror universe.

I am not saying that it is necessary for the other actors to return, but Munjya’s character will definitely be used again.

I am giving three stars out of five to the film.

Firstly, it brings a new concept and trying something different without taking the shortcut of copying. Secondly, it has surely connected the public to the story with real-life elements like Brahmarakshas and black magic.

Another best part of the movie was excellent visuals, especially the forest and a tree scene, along with Abhay’s strong acting.

Now, come to the low parts, you’ll need to search for Sharvari in the film as she rarely got the screen time.  In trying to match “Stree,” Munjya is not a proper horror movie and not even a complete comedy suitable for anyone beyond children.

Lastly, they missed a huge chance to properly introduce people to the horror universe. It’s all in their minds but should have been brought to the screen.

So, for theatres, “Munjya” is not a perfect theatre movie for me, but it will surely turn green on OTT. However, if the tickets are cheap, you can book them during weekends with friends..

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is “Munjya” about?

A:”Munjya” is a Marathi-origin horror-comedy film that revolves around the legend of a Brahmarakshas named Munjya. Cursed and unable to find liberation, Munjya returns after 70 years to haunt a village, with only one boy able to see him. The film explores themes of black magic, demons, and the consequences of past sins.

Q: Is “Munjya” a proper horror film?                

A: No, “Munjya” leans more towards a horror-comedy genre rather than a pure horror film. It focuses heavily on Munjya’s backstory and the mythology surrounding him, rather than on jump scares or intense horror sequences.

Q: Who should watch “Munjya”?

A:”MunjYa” is recommended for those interested in unique storytelling within Bollywood. It offers a fresh take on supernatural elements with a cultural twist. However, viewers expecting scares similar to “Tumbbad” may be disappointed, as the emphasis is more on narrative and folklore.

Q: What is the connection between “Stree,” “Bhediya,” and “Munjya”?

A: All three films “Stree,” “Bhediya,” and “Munjya” are part of a developing desi horror universe. They share mutual themes such as unfinished love stories and open-ended conclusions. There are hints of a crossover among characters in future sequels, with “Stree 2” potentially uniting characters from these films.