Shraddha Kapoor: How she was almost cast in Munjya — director Aditya Sarpotdar’s revealing interview
Shraddha Kapoor and the Munjya backstory
When Munjya released, it surprised many with its cast and story — and it turns out the film looked very different on the page. Director Aditya Sarpotdar recently revealed that Munjya was originally conceived as a female-centric story and that Shraddha Kapoor was one of the actors nearly finalised for the pivotal role of Bittu. This revelation has fans imagining Shraddha in a part that ultimately went to Abhay Verma.
What the original script looked like
According to Sarpotdar, the original screenplay — written by Yogesh Chandekar — focused on a female protagonist. In that incarnation, Bittu would have been a girl in love with her best friend; the storyline explored her emotional isolation and the way she defends that relationship when supernatural danger arrives. Shraddha Kapoor reportedly completed a look test and was “nearly done” before the film’s perspective shifted.
Why the change happened: director’s creative choice
From female-centric to dual-male narratives
Aditya Sarpotdar explained that when he joined the project he felt the film’s core would be stronger with a more focused single emotional thread. He reworked the story to centre on two male perspectives — a decision driven by storytelling clarity and audience readability, not by any single performer’s suitability. That creative pivot is why Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma eventually led the film instead of Shraddha Kapoor or Alia Bhatt.
Practical implications for casting
Changing the protagonist’s gender and emotional trajectory naturally required recasting. Shraddha Kapoor’s near-finalisation shows the producers and writers had considered mainstream female stars, but the narrative shift prompted a move toward fresh faces who fit the revised male-led arcs. Multiple outlets confirm that both Shraddha and Alia Bhatt were approached during early development.
What this says about Shraddha Kapoor’s appeal and typecasting
Shraddha Kapoor as a horror-comedy fit
Shraddha Kapoor has a track record with Maddock Films — notably Stree — and her association with the studio and the horror-comedy genre made her a logical option. Directors often consider actors with proven chemistry in a genre when shaping new projects; Shraddha’s name appearing in early plans underlines her continued pull in this space.
Not just star power — the right tone
Casting a well-known actor like Shraddha Kapoor changes audience expectations. Sarpotdar’s statement suggests he wanted a different tonal balance for Munjya — one that might have felt diluted with an already established female star leading the narrative. That choice reflects how directors weigh star persona against tonal consistency.
Could Shraddha still be part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe?
Crossovers and future possibilities
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) — anchored by titles like Stree, Bhediya and Munjya — has shown appetite for crossovers and interlinked characters. Aditya Sarpotdar has previously spoken about interesting connections across these films, which leaves room for actors to appear in other capacities even if they miss a lead role. So while Shraddha Kapoor didn’t play Bittu, her future involvement in the MHCU in a cameo or larger role cannot be ruled out.
How fans reacted — the social media and press response
Imagination + “what ifs”
News that Shraddha Kapoor was almost cast prompted a flurry of “what if” posts. Fans debated whether the emotional weight of the original female-centered story would have made Munjya a different cultural moment. Reaction ranged from excitement at the imagined casting to appreciation for the final film’s unexpected casting choices. Coverage across mainstream outlets highlights both curiosity and relief that the creative team made a deliberate choice rather than a rushed casting decision.
What this casting trivia means for Bollywood storytelling
Directors, narratives and risk
This episode shows how fluid film development can be. A movie that begins with one emotional center can evolve dramatically with a new director or a new creative brief. For readers tracking Shraddha Kapoor’s career, the takeaway is twofold: studios value her for genre work; and directors will pivot on casting to protect a story’s core.
Final takeaway: Shraddha Kapoor remains a sought-after name
Shraddha Kapoor’s near-casting in Munjya underscores her standing in the industry — a bankable, genre-savvy performer who gets considered for major projects. Even when a project changes course, the fact that she was “nearly done” speaks to her continued relevance. For fans and industry watchers, the episode is a reminder that development is often messier than the final credits suggest, and that big choices about narrative focus can redirect even near-confirmed casting plans.
