After a celebrated festival run and a well-received theatrical release, Jugnuma: The Fable has finally made its way to OTT, giving audiences another chance to experience one of Manoj Bajpayee’s most unusual and talked-about performances in recent years.
Directed and written by Raam Reddy, the film blends surrealism, fantasy, and emotional drama, standing apart from conventional Indian cinema with its striking imagery and allegorical storytelling.
About The Film
Set in 1989, Jugnuma: The Fable unfolds against the breathtaking yet isolating backdrop of the Himalayan region. The story centres on Dev, a wealthy orchard owner portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee, whose life takes an extraordinary turn when he begins crafting handmade wings — driven by a deep, almost obsessive desire to fly.
What follows is not a literal fantasy but a poetic exploration of freedom, power, ambition, and inner conflict. The act of flight becomes a metaphor, blurring the line between reality and imagination, and inviting viewers to interpret Dev’s journey through their own lens.
Raam Reddy’s direction leans heavily into symbolism and atmosphere, creating a film that prioritises mood and meaning over linear storytelling.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Performance
At the heart of Jugnuma: The Fable is Manoj Bajpayee’s commanding performance, widely praised for its restraint and emotional depth. Playing a character torn between privilege and yearning, Bajpayee brings quiet intensity to Dev, making his inner struggles as compelling as his outward actions.
Critics and audiences alike highlighted how the actor carries the film almost single-handedly, using silence, physicality, and subtle expressions to convey Dev’s psychological descent and longing for transcendence.
Festival Journey And Critical Recognition
Jugnuma: The Fable enjoyed a remarkable international festival run, placing Indian cinema firmly in the global spotlight.
- The film world-premiered at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 16, 2024, screening in the prestigious Encounters section
- It became only the second Indian film in the last three decades to compete in a major competitive category at Berlinale
- The film went on to make history by winning Best Film at the 38th Leeds International Film Festival in the UK
- It also received the Special Jury Award at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024
These accolades cemented the film’s reputation as a bold and unconventional piece of storytelling.
Theatrical Release And Audience Response
Jugnuma: The Fable released theatrically in India on September 12, 2025, where it found appreciation among cinephiles and festival-film enthusiasts. While not positioned as a mainstream commercial release, the film earned praise for its originality, visual language, and Bajpayee’s immersive performance.
Audiences described it as thought-provoking and haunting, with discussions often centred on its symbolism and open-ended narrative.
Where To Watch Jugnuma: The Fable On OTT
For those who missed the film in theatres, Jugnuma: The Fable is now available to stream on OTT, allowing viewers to experience its layered storytelling from the comfort of home. The OTT release is expected to introduce the film to a wider audience, particularly viewers who appreciate arthouse and experimental cinema.
Why Jugnuma: The Fable Is Worth Watching
- A rare blend of surreal fantasy and emotional drama
- One of Manoj Bajpayee’s most distinctive performances
- Critically acclaimed on the global festival circuit
- A visually rich, metaphor-driven narrative that rewards attentive viewing
Jay-Ho Radar
Jugnuma: The Fable is not a film that offers easy answers or straightforward entertainment. Instead, it invites viewers into a meditative, symbolic world where ambition, freedom, and identity collide. With its OTT release, the film now has the chance to find a broader audience — one willing to embrace cinema that challenges, unsettles, and lingers long after the credits roll.
