Kakuda: A New Marathi Horror-Comedy Set to Premiere on ZEE5

Introduction to Kakuda

The upcoming film Kakuda, set to debut on ZEE5, is being promoted as a project by director Aditya Sarpotdar, known for Munjya. However, Kakuda was actually completed earlier, in 2022, and is now making its way to audiences thanks to the success of Munjya.

Munjya's Success

Since its release on June 7, Munjya has reportedly grossed around Rs 100 crore. The film, penned by Yogesh Chandekar, draws inspiration from Konkani folklore, telling the story of a young boy who transforms into a demon after being denied marriage to his beloved.

The cast features Abhay Verma, Sharvari, and seasoned Marathi actor Suhas Joshi, with the antagonist portrayed as a computer-generated character.

Kakuda's Theme and Style

Kakuda shares a similar folkloric horror-comedy vibe with Munjya. The film stars Riteish Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha, and Saqib Saleem, revolving around a monster that preys on young men in a Rajasthani village. It captures the comedic essence reminiscent of Maddock Films’ Stree (2018), while Munjya also pays homage to Stree and the Marathi classic Zapatlela (1993).

Despite its modest budget and marketing, Munjya has succeeded where many Hindi films have struggled. This success has elevated Sarpotdar's reputation and indicates that Marathi filmmakers can introduce effective storytelling techniques from their industry into Hindi cinema.

Sarpotdar's Vision and Future Projects

Aditya Sarpotdar is eager to build on the momentum from Munjya. In addition to discussions about a sequel, he is also working on Vampires of Vijay Nagar for Maddock Films. His previous works include Faster Fene (2017), The Sholay Girl (2019), Zombivli (2022), and Unaad (2023), along with the web series The Raikar Case (2020).

In an interview, Sarpotdar reflected on the making of Munjya and shared insights on what Bollywood can learn from Marathi cinema.

Insights from the Director

On the success of Munjya: Sarpotdar admitted that he did not anticipate the film's overwhelming success, noting that it surprised everyone involved. The film attracted families and children, which was his target audience.

On the journey from script to screen: Sarpotdar expressed his long-standing desire to create a film based on Konkani folklore. He credited Yogesh Chandekar for effectively translating their vision into a screenplay.

Casting Choices and Production Challenges

When casting Suhas Joshi, who had not seen success in Hindi films for decades, Sarpotdar was determined to break that streak. The film features a fresh cast, with Abhay Verma and Sharvari making their theatrical debuts.

Significant resources were allocated to visual effects, ensuring that Munjya stood out in terms of technical quality.

Comparing Kakuda and Munjya

Sarpotdar noted that Kakuda was initially intended for a later release but was moved up due to the success of Munjya. He emphasized that Kakuda was designed for OTT platforms, focusing more on humor than horror.

He explained that the viewing experience differs significantly between home and theater settings, which influences how scares and jokes are delivered.

Marathi Cinema's Influence on Hindi Films

Sarpotdar highlighted that Marathi filmmakers are making significant contributions to Hindi cinema, leveraging their ability to produce quality films on smaller budgets. The essence of Munjya is deeply rooted in Marathi culture, showcasing local stories and characters.

He expressed his commitment to continue creating films in both Marathi and Hindi, emphasizing the personal touch of Marathi filmmaking.

Celebrating Success in the Marathi Film Community

Following Munjya’s success, Sarpotdar was celebrated by fellow Marathi filmmakers, showcasing the unity within the community. This camaraderie is increasingly important as more Marathi directors venture into Hindi cinema.

Reflecting on his family's legacy in filmmaking, Sarpotdar shared his journey from a young filmmaker to a recognized name in both Marathi and Hindi cinema.