In a move that has sent waves of excitement across the industry, rising star Pratibha Ranta is all set to join the cast of “Munjya 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to this year’s box office blockbuster. Ranta, who earned widespread acclaim for her breakout role in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, will take on the lead female role, expanding the universe of Maddock Films‘ successful horror-comedy franchise. The news comes after the phenomenal success of the first installment, which cemented the genre’s popularity and put the makers on a fast track to producing a sequel.
However, sources confirm that this casting does not mean a replacement for the original female lead, Sharvari. Her character is expected to open up a completely different storyline, offering audiences a refreshing and gripping turn in the film.
The casting of Pratibha Ranta is a strategic choice by the makers to build on the foundation of the first film while also introducing a new narrative thread. While the first film centred on the story of Bittu and Bela’s struggle with the mischievous spirit, the sequel is poised to explore another facet of the folklore, with Ranta’s character at the centre of the new events. According to reports, her character could have a surprising and unexpected connection to the larger horror-comedy universe, which includes other successful films like Stree and the upcoming Stree 2.
A source close to the production noted that the decision to bring in a new lead was aimed at “enhancing the narrative.” “Pratibha Ranta’s character will open up a fresh storyline, giving the audience a new arc to explore within the Munjya universe,” the source stated. This creative choice allows Maddock Films to expand its universe without necessarily having to tie every plot to the original characters.
While Pratibha Ranta leads the new storyline, fans can rest assured that the original lead pair will not be absent from the sequel. Reports suggest that Abhay Verma and Sharvari are set to make short but significant comebacks in the film. Their characters, Bittu and Bela, will play a crucial part in bridging the events of the first film with the new narrative being introduced. This ensures a sense of continuity for the franchise’s loyal fan base, who were captivated by the on-screen chemistry of the original cast.
The return of the two original leads also dispels rumours of any creative differences, reinforcing that the decision to introduce a new character is purely a narrative-driven one. Their brief appearances are expected to be a key highlight, building up anticipation for how their story will intertwine with the new plotline.
The excitement surrounding Munjya 2 is palpable, and the film is already set to go on floors by the end of 2025. Maddock Films, which is currently basking in the massive success of the first film, is wasting no time in taking its horror-comedy universe to the next level. The first installment, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, was a huge success, grossing over ₹100 crore at the box office and proving the genre’s potential to draw in audiences.
Pratibha Ranta’s casting is a significant win for the project, given her recent critical acclaim. Her performance in Laapataa Ladies was widely praised, with many calling her a “show-stealer.” With her proven acting chops and the massive success of the Munjya brand, the sequel promises to be another thrilling ride for audiences, blending horror, humour, and folklore seamlessly. The official announcement of the complete cast and production timeline is awaited, but the news of Pratibha Ranta’s inclusion has already set a high standard for what’s to come.
