Manoj Bajpayee continues his streak of memorable performances with Raam Reddy’s Jugnuma (The Fable), a film that seamlessly blends magical realism with the rawness of everyday existence. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Himachal Pradesh, Jugnuma is not just a story—it’s an experience that lingers in the mind, weaving together fables, emotions, nature, and unanswered questions.

A Story Rooted in Everyday Life

At its heart, Jugnuma tells the tale of Dev (Bajpayee), an orchard owner living a peaceful life with his wife and children. Their quiet routines take a dark turn when part of the orchard is suddenly set ablaze. Suspicion falls on the villagers responsible for guarding the land at night, and the narrative flows from this disruption.

Unlike fast-paced thrillers, Jugnuma moves at its own rhythm, absorbing the audience in its world. Events unfold gently, often accompanied by dreamlike sequences that allow space for reflection. Reddy’s storytelling does not rush; instead, it prioritises mood, atmosphere, and meaning.

Magic Realism at Its Finest

Raam Reddy, known for his distinctive visual style, employs magical realism in a way that feels organic rather than forced. Early in the film, Dev builds a pair of massive wings and flies across the sky—an image that encapsulates the film’s spirit. Magic in Jugnuma is not a departure from reality but an extension of it, a lens to view human struggles and aspirations in a fresh light.

One of the most striking elements is how ordinary objects transform into symbolic tools. A video camera, first introduced as a toy in the hands of Dev’s child, later becomes a haunting witness to the family’s fate, leaving viewers with ambiguous yet evocative clues.

A Visual and Emotional Masterpiece

Shot on film stock, Jugnuma’s grainy texture instantly transports the audience to the 1980s. In an era dominated by glossy digital visuals, this choice creates authenticity and enhances the fable-like quality of the narrative. Cinematographer Sunil Borkar crafts frames that are both breathtaking and unsettling, capturing Himachal’s natural beauty while also hinting at underlying tensions between man and environment.

The film also raises themes of ecological balance, human greed, and the fragile relationship villagers share with their surroundings, subtly reminding viewers that folklore often stems from deeper truths of survival and co-existence.

Stellar Performances From the Cast

Manoj Bajpayee delivers a career-defining performance as Dev, immersing himself so deeply in the role that the line between actor and character disappears. His portrayal is delicate yet powerful, making Dev’s joys and sorrows profoundly relatable.

Priyanka Bose, as his wife, adds strength and emotional depth to the narrative, complementing Manoj’s quiet intensity. Deepak Dobriyal, playing Dev’s manager and the story’s narrator, balances both humour and gravitas in equal measure. A unique decision in the casting—using real villagers trained for the screen—adds an irreplaceable layer of authenticity to the film’s world.

In the end, Jugnuma becomes more than a fable—it is a meditation on life, loss, and the coexistence of wonder and struggle. Raam Reddy’s craft ensures that the imagery stays long after the credits roll, leaving audiences with unanswered questions, fleeting visuals, and an emotional resonance that feels timeless.

Jugnuma is not just cinema; it is poetry on screen, a haunting reminder of how magical and tragic everyday life can be.

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