“Munjya”, the highly anticipated horror-comedy starring Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma, has taken the box office by storm. Debunking pre-release predictions, the Maddock Films production raked in an impressive ₹4.21 crore net on its opening day (Friday, June 7, 2024), according to industry sources.
This phenomenal collection propels Munjya into the coveted position of the 10th biggest opener of 2024, surpassing established names like Crakk (₹4 crore) and Srikanth (₹2.41 crore).
Munjya’s Powerhouse Debut
Trade analyst Sacnilk reports that Munjya enjoyed a decent pre-sales window, initially projecting an opening within the ₹2 crore nett range. However, the film defied expectations with a strong opening day showing.
The casting of fresh talent like Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma piqued audience curiosity. Their performances, along with Mona Singh’s seasoned presence, seem to have impressed critics and audiences alike, based on early reactions.
Munjya opted for a non-premium pricing strategy, making it more accessible to a wider audience. This move proved crucial in boosting ticket sales, particularly in a market where high ticket prices often deter moviegoers.
Expert Opinions and Industry Reaction
The surprising success of Munjya has created a buzz in the film industry. The next few days will be crucial in determining the film’s overall success at the box office, but it’s off to a strong start for a mid-budget film without an A-list star.
This strategic approach, coupled with positive word-of-mouth at the initial screenings, is likely responsible for the strong opening day box office collection.
The horror-comedy genre is no longer niche. Munjya’s box office collection suggests that audiences are embracing well-made films that balance horror and humor.
Aditya Sarpodar’s Munjya, for a supernatural horror comedy, starts off with too many intriguing elements but slowly devolves into a series of comical moments that barely frighten you at the end.
It starts with Marathi folklore set in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and features CGI ghost characters that are not scary at all.
There is a good amount of humour sprinkled throughout the screenplay, which has been largely appreciated, but is the film scary? No. Is it even intended to scare you? Apparently not. It’s mostly funny, but when it isn’t, the loud background music and jump scares make it funny.
Actors’ scorecard
Abhay Verma flawlessly fits the character he is portraying, and he showcases a fine blend of being scared and courageous.
There’s an eerie camaraderie between Bittu and Munjya, and while some scenes between them are disturbing, there’s something about these two that is cute.
From meeting Shah Rukh Khan in Jessi days to working with Aryan Khan, Mona Singh has come a long way.#ShahRukhKhan pic.twitter.com/NhcRh3Ydkr
— ℣ (@Vamp_Combatant) June 7, 2024
The most important Bittu’s friend Diljit (Taran Singh), who adds a heavy dose of laughter with his jokes.
Sharvari delivers a decent performance in the beginning, and gets to shine only in the second half.
Mona Singh is magical as a protective mother. She showcases some typical traits, and when it’s about comic timing, nobody’s matches her. Oh, not to forget the Punjabi touches she brings here that reminded me of Bulbul from Made in Heaven.
Best Entertainer of 2024: Munjya
In a nutshell, Munjya is a heady mix of love, obsession, possession, black magic and horror. Munjya isn’t your perfect horror comedy, but offers you something new, something old and something to laugh about.
Experts are hyped, but they’re also holding their breath. The next few days are crucial for Munjya to see if it can keep the party going.
Do sit back for end credits, the song and the surprise reveal that links Munjya to its cousins in the horror comedy franchise.
If people are raving to their friends after seeing Munjya, that buzz could keep the box office booming.
Munjya’s success is a fangtastic sign for Bollywood! It proves audiences are ready to ditch the usual suspects and embrace fresh stories and actors.
