Why Alia Bhatt Didn’t Star In Munjya? Director Aditya Sarpotdar Reveals: ‘In Love With An Older Girl…’

The movie Munjya, starring Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma, has become a massive success, raking in over 100 crore rupees at the box office. However, the road to this triumph wasn’t straightforward, with the film’s script undergoing a significant transformation and the original choices for the lead roles being Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor.

The film’s director, Aditya Sarpotdar, recently shed light on the initial script, penned by Yogesh Chandekar. The original story revolved around a young woman caught in a complicated love triangle with her teenage best friend. Aditya, however, didn’t resonate with this narrative and felt a disconnect with its social references.

Instead of abandoning the project, Aditya chose to reimagine the story entirely. He envisioned a tale of two young men infatuated with the same older woman. One man, characterized by respect and a belief in consent, formed a stark contrast to the other, whose obsession drove him to dangerous extremes, including contemplating murder.

This reimagined storyline, with its dual narratives of love and obsession, became the foundation of Munjya. Aditya’s vision was clear: to cast young actors to avoid the overused trope of older men falling for younger women. Abhay Verma, with his youthful looks and convincing portrayal, perfectly embodied the character of a 19-year-old navigating the complexities of love and self-discovery.

“I wanted a 19-year-old who believes he’s in love with an older girl,” Aditya explained in an interview. “He’s at a stage where he doesn’t fully understand life, and that’s his journey. Abhay Verma perfectly fits this role; he looks the part and is believable.”

The decision to cast younger actors not only brought freshness to the story but also allowed for a deeper exploration of themes like infatuation, obsession, and the consequences of unchecked emotions.

Moreover, Munjya isn’t just a standalone film. Aditya revealed its integration into a larger cinematic universe, connecting it with other popular horror-comedy films like Stree and Bhediya. This shared universe concept explains the surprise appearance of Varun Dhawan in a scene, replacing the expected cameo of Rajkummar Rao or Shraddha Kapoor from the Stree franchise. This strategic move hints at potential crossovers and integrations in future films, expanding this captivating universe even further.

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The success of Munjya is a testament to the power of creative reinterpretation and a willingness to take risks. By deviating from the original script and choosing a fresh cast, Aditya Sarpotdar has created a film that resonates with audiences, offering a unique blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary. The film’s box office success further solidifies its place as a significant player in the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

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