Munjya Director Reflects On Stree's Legacy And Its Influence On Horror-Comedy

Munjya, featuring Abhay Verma and Sharvari, has achieved remarkable success at the box office. This film is the fourth instalment in Dinesh Vijan's (Maddock Films) horror-comedy universe, following Stree, Roohi, and Bhediya. While Stree was a massive hit, Roohi didn't perform well, and Bhediya had average earnings. However, Munjya has now become a blockbuster. Films in this genre are often compared to Stree.

Filmibeat recently spoke with Munjya director Aditya Sarpotdar about these comparisons. When asked if he believes Munjya can surpass Shraddha Kapoor's Stree at the box office, he said, "When Stree came that phase was different. It was a pre-pandemic era that time was different, and the time that Munjya has come that is different. You cannot compare both the films because the subjects are very different. But, Stree definitely is a film that has set a standard; a very high standard in this horror-comedy universe. For me, before Stree, the only film I knew in the genre was Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and later Stree came and the sequel to Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and now even its third part is coming. So, slowly this genre is being build, and I that Stree plays a very important role in building up this genre. So, you cannot compare a trendsetter to a film that is still trying to be a part of that world."

Munjya has so far amassed Rs. 104 crore at the box office. In comparison, Stree collected Rs. 129 crore. Although it seems challenging for Munjya to exceed this figure, Aditya Sarpotdar's direction has already made it a blockbuster.

Discussing box office figures further, Aditya remarked on how post-pandemic audience behaviour affects movie attendance. He noted that recent releases have struggled with numbers due to fewer people visiting theatres. He stated: "When it comes to quality comparisons, Munjya and Stree are very different. Stree is a trendsetter and Munjya is following that trend. If we talk about numbers, post-pandemic people are not going much to the theatres. Movies that were released after Munjya, you can see their numbers. Even before that April and May were dead at the box office. So, at this time, a film like Munjya which doesn't even have a single star, and does a 100 crore, it keeps the film at another level, and that's why I don't want to do any comparison. The love that Munjya has received is more than our expectations. Instead of comparison, I would say that as a team we are celebrating."

The director emphasised how different times affect movie performance by saying it's unfair to compare them directly due to varying circumstances like pre- and post-pandemic eras.

Aditya also highlighted how genres evolve over time with new entries like Bhool Bhulaiyaa sequels contributing significantly alongside trendsetters like Stree.

The success of Munjya without major stars underscores its unique achievement during challenging times for cinema attendance.