Director Aditya Sarpotdar has revealed that the 2024 horror comedy Munjya was originally written from a female perspective, with Shraddha Kapoor and Alia Bhatt approached for the lead role. Shraddha was nearly finalised and even completed a look test for the character of Bittu, who was initially conceived as a young woman in love with her best friend. The story focused on a lesbian character struggling with acceptance. However, when Sarpotdar joined the project, he suggested changing the narrative to focus on contrasting male perspectives on love. The final version starred Abhay Verma as Bittu, a boy who loves an older girl and is willing to sacrifice himself, set against Munjya, a spirit who would kill for love. This creative shift transformed the entire direction of the film, which became the third installment in Maddock's Horror Comedy Universe.
Original Script Featured Female Lead and Different Story
Writer Yogesh Chandekar originally crafted Munjya with a female protagonist named Bittu, a young woman in love with her best girlfriend. The character was written as a lesbian who confided only in her grandmother, Ajii, about her feelings. The plot revolved around how Bittu defended her best friend when the spirit Munjya entered their lives. Shraddha Kapoor was nearly confirmed for this role, with her look test completed and production moving forward. Alia Bhatt was also considered for the part. However, director Aditya Sarpotdar believed the narrative needed a single core focus rather than multiple themes, leading to a complete reimagining of the story before filming began.
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