Manoj Bajpayee's critically acclaimed film, "Jugnuma: The Fable," is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This Raam Reddy directorial, which had a theatrical release on September 12, 2025, garnered significant attention for its unique storytelling and stellar performances.
Set against the backdrop of the Himalayan Fruit estate in 1989, "Jugnuma: The Fable" revolves around Dev, a wealthy orchard owner portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee. Dev's idyllic life takes a dark turn when his apple trees are mysteriously charred, disrupting the atmosphere. As Dev's manager, Mohan, played by Deepak Dobriyal, investigates, suspicion falls on him, creating a rift between the two. The film delves into themes of ecological and social decay, exploring the impact of pesticides and societal divisions.
"Jugnuma: The Fable" is a drama that blends mundane realities with magical realism. Dev, in a display of misplaced pride, dons handmade wings to survey his estate, looking for trespassers and testing boundaries. The film uses atmospheric visuals and elements of magical realism to explore the introspection of its characters. As the story unfolds, Dev's wings lose their magic, and the narrative delves into themes of outsiders, insiders, safety, and hazard.
The film boasts a talented cast, including Manoj Bajpayee, Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, Hiral Sidhu, Awan Pookot, and Tillotama Shome. The cinematography, led by Sunil Borkar, captures the beauty and mystery of the hills. Siddharth Kapoor and Raam Reddy served as editors, while the film is produced by Prspctvs Productions, Maxmedia, and Sikhya Entertainment.
"Jugnuma: The Fable" has received praise for Manoj Bajpayee's impactful performance and the film's unique narrative. The film has been lauded for its cinematography, sound design, and visual effects, which seamlessly blend fantasy with reality. The movie won Best Film at the 38th Leeds International Film Festival in the United Kingdom and the Special Jury Award at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024. It also had its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 16, 2024, marking a significant achievement for Indian cinema.
Critics have described "Jugnuma: The Fable" as a meditative exploration of human hubris and guilt, set against a backdrop of ecological and social decay. Some viewers have praised the film's beautiful cinematography and thought-provoking themes. However, some have found the film pretentious or slow-paced.
To watch "Jugnuma: The Fable," viewers need an active subscription to Amazon Prime Video. The film is now available for streaming, offering audiences the opportunity to experience this critically acclaimed drama from the comfort of their homes.
