Jugnuma movie review with full details – story, cast, critics’ reviews, IMDb rating, BookMyShow stars, and audience feedback.
Introduction
Released in September 2025, Jugnuma: The Fable has quickly become a talking point in Indian cinema. Directed by Raam Reddy, the film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2024 and later won awards at international festivals. Blending magical realism with ecological and psychological themes, it has generated significant discussion for its artistry and Manoj Bajpayee’s powerful performance.
Storyline Overview
Set in 1989 in the Himalayan orchards, Jugnuma: The Fable follows Dev (Manoj Bajpayee), who manages his estate after a series of mysterious fires destroy trees. As suspicion grows among villagers and staff, the narrative explores superstition, class struggles, and ecological change. Magical realism seeps into the story, with surreal imagery merging everyday life and folklore, making the film both unsettling and poetic.
Cast & Performances
The movie stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role as Dev, an orchard owner caught between superstition and harsh realities. His performance has been hailed as one of his career bests, portraying both vulnerability and a mystical aura. Priyanka Bose as Nandini and Hiral Sidhu as Vanya bring emotional resonance to their roles. Tillotama Shome and Deepak Dobriyal add nuance in supporting parts, while young actor Awan Pookot shines as Juju. The ensemble cast grounds the surreal elements in believable performances.
Direction & Screenplay
Director Raam Reddy is known for his contemplative filmmaking, and Jugnuma is no exception. His vision embraces a slow-burn narrative that blends folklore, philosophy, and psychological undertones. The screenplay maintains intrigue while weaving in ecological and human conflicts, though some viewers may find the deliberate pacing challenging. Dialogues are crafted with a poetic tone that enhances the mystical atmosphere.
Cinematography & Technical Aspects
Cinematographer Sunil Borkar captures the Himalayan orchard landscapes with breathtaking imagery, making nature a central character. Contrasts of light and shadow, life and decay, enrich the thematic depth. Editing maintains a meditative rhythm, reflecting the film’s tone, though some audiences might find it slow. Sound design supports the surreal mood, and minimal but effective visual effects heighten the sense of magical realism.
Music & Songs
The background score emphasizes atmosphere over melody, using subtle instrumentation to create tension and emotional depth. Rather than commercial songs, the music underscores the narrative’s dreamlike tone. While the soundtrack avoids mainstream appeal, it resonates strongly with the film’s mystical and contemplative mood.
Audience Reaction & Box Office Buzz
Audience reactions have been divided. Cinephiles and festival-goers praised its artistry, performances, and magical realism, while mainstream viewers found the pacing slow and abstract. Social media discussions frequently highlight Manoj Bajpayee’s performance as transformative. At the box office, the film opened modestly but is expected to benefit from strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim.
Critics’ Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter India (Rahul Desai): Called the film a “myth‑busting triumph of beauty and curiosity.”
- The Indian Express (Shubhra Gupta): ★★★½ / 5 – Described it as piercing when gentle, weaving magical realism into the everyday.
- Hindustan Times: ★★★ / 5 – Highlighted Manoj Bajpayee’s captivating performance and Raam Reddy’s dreamlike storytelling.
- Times of India (Renuka Vyavahare): ★★★★ / 5 – Termed it a tender love letter to the mountains with fantasy‑driven mystery.
- NDTV (Radhika Sharma): ★★★ / 5 – Praised the visuals and atmosphere while noting the slow narrative pace.
- India Today: ★★★ / 5 – Commended the originality and visuals but critiqued the rushed climax.
Ratings Summary
| Platform / Critic | Rating / Stars | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | ⭐ 8.6/10 | Based on early audience votes |
| BookMyShow | ⭐ 7.9/10 | User reviews mixed |
| The Indian Express | ⭐ 3.5/5 | Strong on atmosphere, magical realism |
| Hindustan Times | ⭐ 3/5 | Praised Bajpayee, noted dreamlike tone |
| Times of India | ⭐ 4/5 | Called it a tender, fantasy‑driven drama |
| NDTV | ⭐ 3/5 | Strong visuals, slower narrative |
| India Today | ⭐ 3/5 | Visuals praised, climax criticized |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Fresh rating (limited reviews) |
Final Words
Jugnuma: The Fable emerges as a unique cinematic blend of magical realism, ecological commentary, and human drama. Not intended for mass commercial appeal, it resonates with audiences who value layered storytelling and artistic expression. With Manoj Bajpayee’s acclaimed performance and Raam Reddy’s vision, the film may well grow into a cult classic, continuing to spark conversations about cinema’s power to merge myth and reality.
References:
- The Hollywood Reporter India: Jugnuma Review
- The Indian Express: Jugnuma Review by Shubhra Gupta
- Hindustan Times: Jugnuma Review by Monika Rawal Kukreja
- Times of India: Jugnuma Review by Renuka Vyavahare
- NDTV: Jugnuma Review by Radhika Sharma
- India Today: Jugnuma Review