Maddock Films, known for its innovative storytelling, is set to release its latest horror-comedy 'Munjya' on June 7th, 2024. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and starring Sharvari, Abhay Verma, and Mona Singh, 'Munjya' draws inspiration from a popular Konkan folktale about a mischievous spirit called "Munjya," believed to haunt peepal trees.

The story revolves around the spirit of a man who died unmarried before a specific ceremony called "Sod Munja." Writer-director duo Niren Bhatt and Amar Kaushik, the creative minds behind hits like ‘Stree’ and ‘Bhediya,’ have delved deep into this legend. Bhatt explains, “In a man's life, there are traditionally considered to be four stages: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retirement), and Sannyasa (renunciation). The Upanayan or Thread Ceremony, known as Munja in Marathi, marks the initiation of a child into the student phase. Sod Munja is another ceremony, usually performed as part of marriage rituals, signifying the end of the student phase and the beginning of the Grihastha phase. If a man dies unmarried after his Munja has been performed but before his Sod Munja, he becomes a Munjya: A spirit who resides in peepal trees or near wells.”

Bhatt and Kaushik's extensive research included visits to Konkan, where they gathered local tales and beliefs about Munjas. Bhatt noted, "Everyone has a Munjya story but has never actually met a Munjya. ‘Kissi ke sarr pe baith gaya; kissi ko pathar se maara (Sat on someone's head; pelted someone with stones).’ A ceremony is conducted to control the bal rakshas (child demon). He is a monster but a child because he died young. He bothers people to fulfill his desires and usually wants to get married. Munjyas aren’t typically malicious; just juvenile, petty nuisances."

In 'Munjya,' the spirit breaks free from the peepal tree and creates havoc, blending horror with comedic elements. This film follows the trend of incorporating regional folklore into mainstream cinema, similar to the success of 'Kantara,' and aims to showcase the rich cultural beliefs of the Konkan region.

Director Aditya Sarpotdar, known for his Marathi horror flick ‘Zombivili,’ is set to helm the project. Bhatt and Kaushik have a track record of integrating local legends and cultural nuances into their films, as seen in 'Stree' and 'Bhediya.' Bhatt emphasizes, "If you see the movies we have worked on, they also tell the tale of the milieu. Stree is from Chanderi; there are over 42 archaeological sites in the vicinity. So her legend is born out of that world. Similarly, Bhediya is from the jungles of North East. Local beliefs and ideas get woven into the film. In Munjya too, there is an attempt to weave in the subculture of the Konkan belt, their fears and beliefs make up the composite of the story we have written."

While the filmmakers hint at the potential for future crossovers between Munjya, Stree, and Bhediya, they emphasize that each film stands alone. Kaushik adds, "If a film works, it has the legs to be more—a sequel, a spin-off, a multiverse. We didn’t write Munjya as the male equivalent of Stree. We didn’t write Bhediya with the potential to cross wires with Stree either. But it’s a good thing that there are cross-connections. The possibilities are endless."

As anticipation builds, audiences can look forward to a unique cinematic experience with 'Munjya,' blending folklore, horror, and comedy in an unforgettable way.