Manoj Bajpayee’s magical realism Jugnuma shines bright with the janta!

Helmed by National Award winning director, Raam Reddy, the mystical fable is a 'sheer meditative experience' and is 'uniquely absorbing', according to audience reviews on X!

Internationally acclaimed Jugnuma, starring Manoj Bajpayee, landed in theaters last week and is receiving raving reviews from critics and audiences alike. Directed by Raam Reddy of the memorable film Thithi, the movie is set in the Himalayas in 1989, and follows Bajpayee’s Dev, an aristocrat whose life is disrupted when the precious fruit orchards of his estate begin to burn mysteriously. The film, which also stars Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, and Tillotama Shome, weaves realism into a fable and explores the themes of class divide, and the fragile relationship between humanity and nature.

Since its release on September 12, the film has been receiving positive reactions on social media. While viewers are calling the film a magical experience and, praising its near-perfect cinematography and dream-like quality, many have specifically termed Manoj Bajpayee's nuanced performance as one of his most memorable to date.

Also Read: Jugnuma review: This Manoj Bajpayee starrer is a masterclass in nuanced storytelling and restrained performances, exploring magical realism

Check out the reactions here!

Jugnuma - another fascinating film by the director Raam Reddy, who made Thithi earlier. It was a sheer meditative experience, unique and absorbing. Hats off to @BajpayeeManoj saab for a magical performance and Deepak Dobriyal for incredible voice acting 🫡

Must Watch. pic.twitter.com/Vf9Jf6Qg0Q

— Chaitanya. (@illusionistChay) September 14, 2025

Pains of colonialism, ecological concern, sexual awakening, magic-realism, and myth all come together in Jugnuma which looks like a dream and sounds serene, disturbed only by slowly forming fear and mistrust.
Really liked it, wish more saw it. Go if you can pls. pic.twitter.com/l5PpQdCMM7

— Tuhin (@tuhinat221b) September 12, 2025

Finally an Indian movie shot on film 😭😭😭
Looks warm & beautiful. #Jugnuma@BajpayeeManojpic.twitter.com/H5AMrLogOz

— Vishwajeet Singh Shekhawat (@WVish_Official) August 31, 2025

Jugnuma (The Fable) is beautiful! Shot on film in the beautiful foothills of Himalayas, every frame resembled a painting. The story can be a slow burner but it's mystical and pays off well in the end!

It has a limited release but watch it in theatre if possible.
Movie is flat… pic.twitter.com/pSUW1vEJ7F

— udayology (@Uday_kanth) September 13, 2025

Iss saal ki sabse best movie mujhe Raam reddy and @BajpayeeManoj sir ki #JugnumaTheFable lagi hai 🔥

Ye movie oscar me jana deserve karti hai iss saal❤️

Kis kis ne dekhli hai ye movie? 🎥Aur aapko kaisi lagi?#ManojBajpayee#Raamreddy#Jugnumapic.twitter.com/eSH3x1Yynj

— Vinit Kumar (@Nit__Vinit) September 15, 2025

Sometimes films dont just tell a story, they slow down your world. Ram Reddy’s #Jugnuma starring Manoj Bajpayee did that to me. It isnt just a film, its an experience. Calm, comforting and magical.

Each frame and visuals look vintage like the world and films I grew up with. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/doVBDgFuQF

— Abhi (@cinephileabhi) September 14, 2025

#Jugnuma is beautifully shot film. The 16mm really gives the visuals such a pretty texture. Jugnuma never rushes to tell it's story nor does it explain itself completely, has elements of abstraction and magical realism. Basically, it never says, it just lingers, like a secret… https://t.co/sTiuSkgf7ppic.twitter.com/wB1Mm9nhY2

— STOIC 🇸🇧🇸🇯⚔️🗡️ (@GunhaonKaDevta) September 14, 2025

#JustWatched Jugnuma The Fable. I loved the use of analog (16mm) film in Hindi/Indian movies in 2025. I mostly loved everything about it.

The only thing that irked me the most was the blatant ADR and mismatch of dialogues with the lip movements. pic.twitter.com/5JiIDEcyJO

— ak (@xzscnx) September 14, 2025

JugnuMa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Village backdrop, emotional storytelling & powerful performances! 🌾🔥
Heart-touching drama with rooted music & soulful direction. 🎶👏
A simple story, told beautifully with honesty. Must watch! 🎬✨#JugnuMa#MovieReview@BajpayeeManojpic.twitter.com/8U0SbP5lmC

— Bhargav Reddy (@Bhargav86747467) September 13, 2025

Jugnuma by Ram Reddy is a cinematic gem, one for the ages. If only omniscient fireflies could remind us of the fire we lost in the ravages of time! @BajpayeeManoj , ek hi dil hai, kitni baar jitoge? ❤️ This is meditative cinema at its finest, kudos! pic.twitter.com/yFTJEr9IE5

— Subhabrata Banerjee (@Kuttush96) September 13, 2025

Jugnuma is playing in cinema halls near you!