**Jugnuma – The Fable: Manoj Bajpayee on the Mystical New Film**
*Jugnuma – The Fable*, starring Manoj Bajpayee and directed by Raam Reddy, is set in 1989 and tells the story of a family living in the hills whose peaceful life is disturbed by mysterious fires breaking out in their orchards. The film is currently running in theatres and features a talented cast including Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, and Tillotama Shome.
There is a hint of mystical elements woven into the narrative, notably with Manoj Bajpayee’s character acquiring wings and flying off into the sky, adding a magical dimension to the story.
In an exclusive phone interview, Manoj Bajpayee shared insights about his involvement in the film, his thoughts on the supernatural, and more.
**How did you get associated with Jugnuma?**
Ram offered me the script, and when I read it, I was completely taken in by the unique world he created on paper. The story also touched on certain existential issues that resonated deeply with me, as I was personally searching for similar answers.
**What really made you say yes to the script? Was it Anurag, Guneet, Ram, or a combination of all three?**
Guneet came on board much later, after the film was completed. After watching it, she decided to be part of the project. Anurag saw the film in New York and immediately wanted to help take it as far as possible. However, during the making of the film, it was just Ram and me. I said yes because of Ram’s talent as a filmmaker and the script itself, which I found to be unique, mesmerizing, and magical.
**The mysterious fires and magical elements — is the story loosely based on any true incidents?**
I’m not entirely sure. Ram would be the best person to answer that. What I do know is that the inspiration came from reports of fires in jungles and mountains, which Ram then used as a springboard for his imaginative story.
**Do you believe there’s another world out there — a supernatural one?**
Sort of. Honestly, you’ll have to watch the film to really understand what it’s about. Personally, I do believe in God and in powers beyond our mental comprehension. Even though we can’t see these forces, there’s a reason why the natural world around us moves with such precision, almost like on autopilot. With our naked eyes, we perceive this presence through nature, but there has to be someone—or something—designing, protecting, and sometimes even devastating this world.
*Jugnuma – The Fable* promises to be a beautifully crafted narrative blending reality, mysticism, and human emotions. Don’t miss it in theatres now.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/manoj-bajpayee-on-whether-he-believes-in-the-supernatural-world-jugnuma-anurag-kashyap-and-more