In an unexpected turn of events, the horror-comedy ‘Munjya,’ starring Abhay Verma, Sharvari Wagh, and Mona Singh, has made a significant impact at the box office on its opening day. Despite lacking a major star cast and having limited pre-release promotions, the film managed to collect over Rs 4 crore, a substantial figure that took industry insiders and audiences alike by surprise.
‘Munjya,’ which released in theatres this past Friday, belongs to the horror-comedy genre, a category previously popularized by films like ‘Stree’ and ‘Bhediya.’ Directed by debutant Aditya Sarpotdar, ‘Munjya’ aligns itself with these earlier hits, but its achievements on the first day are particularly noteworthy due to the film’s modest promotional campaign and absence of high-profile actors.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh highlighted the film’s success through a post on his social media platform, X, stating, “WHEN NUMBERS DO THE TALKING…⭐ No stars to magnetise audiences ⭐ Devoid of popular music ⭐ Limited pre-release promotions. Clearly, the CGI ‘actor’ has opened BIGGER than most star-studded films.” Adarsh’s enthusiasm was evident as he further added, “#Munjya springs the biggest surprise of 2024… Embarks on a FANTASTIC START on Day 1… Fri [includes Thu midnight screenings] ₹ 4.21 cr. #India biz. #Boxoffice. The affordable ticket pricing at several properties has also helped generate footfalls… With a solid Day 1 in the kitty, #Munjya needs to cement its status over the weekend [Sat – Sun].”
The film’s unexpected success is bolstered by its innovative use of CGI and a storyline packed with humor and surprise twists. Leading actor Abhay Verma expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Creating something which has never been done before is always something I’ve been inclined towards. Munjya is a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience with unexpected twists combined with a heavy dose of humor. Leading a love story like this feels like a dream coming to life.”
Reflecting further on the project’s uniqueness, Verma added, “To be a part of something unprecedented in Bollywood is special.
. You always want to be part of love stories in Bollywood, and I’m extremely grateful to Lord Ganesha for a love story this wicked yet loving!”
Producer Dinesh Vijan also shared his thoughts on the film, emphasizing its core narrative and technological advancements. “At the heart of it, this is Munjya’s love story and it’s about his first love – Munni. However, he doesn’t get her! If you’ve ever had an obsessive lover or obsessed over anybody, you will understand his POV. If not his, Munni’s for sure,” Vijan joked. “Munjya is technologically the most advanced CGI actor out there in India, and we are very proud of it. It is definitely going to be a spectacle for children, the next generation, and the whole family.”
The film’s production team, including debutant director Aditya Sarpotdar, took a calculated risk by employing advanced CGI and focusing on narrative depth over star power. This approach appears to have paid off, as indicated by the strong initial box office numbers and positive audience reception.
The significant earnings can also be attributed to the strategic use of affordable ticket pricing at various theatres, which made the film more accessible to a wider audience. This pricing strategy, along with word-of-mouth promotions and social media buzz, was critical in ensuring a strong first day for ‘Munjya.’
As the weekend approaches, industry analysts and fans alike will be closely monitoring the film’s performance. With a promising start, ‘Munjya’ has the potential to solidify its status as a surprise hit of 2024, appealing not just to horror-comedy aficionados but also to mainstream audiences looking for a fresh cinematic experience.
In summary, ‘Munjya’ has defied industry expectations with its impressive opening day collection and has set a new benchmark for horror-comedies in India. With its blend of innovative storytelling, advanced CGI, and effective marketing strategies, ‘Munjya’ is poised to continue its successful run, possibly influencing future projects within the genre. As the film progresses through its opening weekend, all eyes will remain on this unlikely victor of the box office.
