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Jugnuma: Manoj Bajpayee has revealed that a visit to Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand changed the course of his life and eventually led him to his latest film, Jugnuma – The Fable. The actor, who has been receiving glowing reviews for his performance, said the trip became a turning point during a period of deep uncertainty in his career. For more than two decades, Bajpayee has been recognised as one of India’s finest actors, known for his versatility and powerful screen presence. In recent years, his success on streaming platforms gave him a new wave of popularity.

Manoj Bajpayee, in a conversation with Just Too Filmy, admitted there was a time when he felt restless and even thought his acting career might be over. He recalled how director Raam Reddy suggested they both visit Kainchi Dham before beginning work on Jugnuma. “I was going through a very restless phase,” Bajpayee said. “Just before The Family Man Season 1, I had not worked for a year. I was searching for answers. Raam said, ‘Let’s meet at Babaji’s cave.’ We climbed for almost an hour, meditated there, and something magical happened. As we came down, both of us looked at each other and said, ‘We found the film.’”

 
 
 
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Meanwhile, for The Family Man actor, the visit was not just a location scout but a spiritual awakening. He explained, “That moment gave me the answers I was looking for. It was about detachment, about letting go of attachments. I can’t fully explain it in words, but I felt it deeply.” The actor shared that the themes of Jugnuma detachment, liberation, and peace directly reflect what he experienced at Kainchi Dham. The Gangs Of Wasseypur actor drew a parallel between himself and his character Dev, who also struggles with inner turmoil and loss. “The more attached you are, the more problems you face. But sometimes, when you let go, that’s where liberation begins,” he said.

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About Jugnuma Movie

Jugnuma – The Fable, directed by Raam Reddy, is set in the late 1980s against the backdrop of the Himalayas. The story follows Dev, played by Manoj Bajpayee, who lives with his family in the mountains. His peaceful life is shaken when the orchards he depends on mysteriously begin to burn. The film explores his personal and spiritual journey during this crisis. The cast also includes Priyanka Bose as Nandini, Dev’s wife, Tillotama Shome as Radha, Deepak Dobriyal as Dev’s manager, Hiral Sidhu as Vanya, Dev’s daughter and Gurpal Singh as Doctor Jayant. The project is backed by Prspctvs Productions, Sikhya Entertainment, and Maxmedia, and is presented by Academy Award winner Guneet Monga alongside filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.

Jugnuma Movie Audience reactions

Since its release on 12th September 2025, Jugnuma has been praised for its hauntingly poetic storytelling and stunning visuals. One viewer wrote on X, “Manoj Bajpayee delivers one of his most memorable performances in Raam Reddy’s hauntingly poetic film.” Another described it as “a tender love letter to the mountains and the unhurried life.” Several cinephiles also praised the film’s aesthetics, particularly the breathtaking shots of apple and cherry blossoms, as well as its magical yet haunting atmosphere. Many highlighted how its open-ended finale leaves room for interpretation and discussion.