Grabbing eyeballs with Munjya’s unexpected success, leading man Abhay Verma recalls how his character was initially written as a woman, set to be portrayed by popular actresses Shraddha Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. What truly defines a movie’s success? Is it the towering box-office figures or the overflow of congratulatory messages received during the release weekend? For Abhay Verma, both metrics have been lighting up his world in the past few days. His phone has been ringing ceaselessly since Munjya, his debut on the big screen, unexpectedly became a sleeper hit, sparking conversations all over Bollywood and beyond.
“When you receive a text from Karan Johar that tells you, ‘You are a phenomenal performer,’ it feels like a monumental validation,” Verma beams, as he reminisces about this remarkable accolade. For someone who reveres Johar as a visionary in the industry, such praise is likened to receiving high commendation from one’s own parents.
Director Aditya Sarpotdar’s horror comedy, filled with unexpected laughs and spine-chilling moments, raked in over INR 24 crore within its first four days of release. This impressive feat stands out particularly in a period where both big-budget blockbusters and medium-sized films are finding it challenging to achieve respectable box-office numbers. For Verma, who previously appeared in the Sara Ali Khan-led “Ae Watan Mere Watan” and the second season of “The Family Man,” Munjya is a testament to how destiny can surprise you in the most unexpected ways.
“My character was initially scripted as a female lead,” reveals Verma. “It was supposed to be played by Shraddha Kapoor, and before her, Alia Bhatt was considered. The character underwent multiple transformations over a span of four to five years. I think I am the only male actor who has replaced female leads!” Verma chuckles at the sheer serendipity of his casting journey.
Verma’s luck didn’t end at casting but extended into his fortunate collaboration with producer Dinesh Vijan, whose films Verma adored since watching “Cocktail” in 2012. “I couldn’t have imagined I’d be part of Vijan’s horror comedy universe,” he shares. The actor was chosen after exhaustive auditions spanning between eight to ten months. “The director wanted to see how I handled fear on screen,” Verma explains. “Horror comedy is incredibly nuanced; when you’re scared, it needs to generate laughter among the audience.
. Dinesh sir told me, ‘We don’t believe in just hiring stars. We believe in making stars, and you will become one after Munjya.’”
Reflecting on his journey, Verma notes the incredible influence of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “I grew up in Panipat and came to Mumbai six-and-a-half years ago with dreams of making it big in films. I wasn’t doing particularly well in school exams and was pretty disheartened,” he recalls. “Then I saw ‘Ram-Leela’ in 2013. I went into that theater feeling like a failure but came out inspired, feeling like a winner. That movie changed me; it made me realize my dream of entertaining people. I moved to Mumbai driven by the artistic splendor of Bhansali’s work.”
The rise to fame for the Panipat-born actor reads like a page from a film script—rife with unexpected turns and glorious triumphs. From envisioning himself as a Bhansali-esque hero to finding his niche in horror comedy, every step of Verma’s journey underscores how unpredictable and rewarding the path to stardom can be.
The actor’s anecdotal recounting highlights broader realities in the movie industry where script evolutions and casting changes are far from uncommon. However, for Verma, his big break embodies a curious blend of luck, talent, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. His performance in Munjya not only marks his successful debut but also fortifies his belief in the power of perseverance and destiny.
As Munjya continues to win over audience hearts and box-office milestones, Abhay Verma stands as a living testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding trajectory of following one’s passion in the cinematic universe. His story serves as an encouraging narrative for aspiring actors everywhere—showcasing that sometimes, even in an industry filled with variables and uncertainty, the right opportunity can change everything.
In a world where cinematic success stories often seem scripted, Verma’s real-life experience reminds us that the realm of movies is sometimes even more magical and unexpected than the tales they tell.
