“Jugnuma” is a magical realist film from award-winning filmmaker Raam Reddy that beautifully blends myth, dream, and reality in a poetic journey. Set in the late 1980s Himalayas, the story follows Dev, played by Manoj Bajpayee, an orchard owner troubled by the mysterious burning of trees overnight. His quest to uncover the truth reveals hidden family secrets and local folklore. The film has received critical acclaim, winning Best Film at the Leeds International Film Festival 2024 and the Special Jury Prize at MAMI, and it premiered at the Berlin Film Festival.
The movie is shot entirely on film, giving it a timeless visual quality that enhances its magical realist theme. The cast includes notable actors such as Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, Tillotama Shome, Hiral Sidhu, and Awan Pookot. The film’s crew features Sunil Ramkrishna Borkar as the Director of Photography and Raam Reddy himself as editor alongside Siddharth Kapoor. The production design, costume design, sound, and visual effects teams contribute to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
Produced by Pratap Reddy, Sunmin Park, Raam Reddy, and Juhi Agarwal, the film also boasts executive producers including Guneet Monga Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap. The movie will be released across theaters in India on September 12, 2025. It promises to be a captivating and unique cinematic experience combining elements of fairy tales with elements of fear.
“Jugnuma” offers a fascinating tale set against the mystic backdrop of the Himalayas, appealing to fans of art-house cinema and magical realism alike. The film’s storytelling depth, combined with strong performances and artistic direction, makes it a highly anticipated release this year.
