“Tumbbad” is a riveting 2018 Indian Hindi-language film that masterfully blends period folk horror with a gripping narrative. Directed by the visionary Rahi Anil Barve, with Anand Gandhi as the creative director and Adesh Prasad as co-director, the film has gained acclaim for its unique storytelling and atmospheric depth. Written by Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi, “Tumbbad” was produced by a talented team including Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah. The film stars Sohum Shah as Vinayak Rao, who embarks on a haunting quest for a hidden treasure in the village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra.
The inception of “Tumbbad” traces back to 1993 when Barve was inspired by a tale from Marathi writer Narayan Dharap. At just 18, Barve penned the film’s first draft in 1997. Over the years, he meticulously crafted a 700-page storyboard, reflecting his dedication to bringing this story to life. Despite facing setbacks with multiple production companies and initial filming in 2012, Barve and Shah re-envisioned the film, culminating in its completion in May 2015. The film’s visual and auditory experiences were crafted by director of photography Pankaj Kumar, editor Sanyukta Kaza, and composers Jesper Kyd and Ajay–Atul.
“Tumbbad” premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival, marking a milestone as the first Indian film in the critics’ week section. It further captivated audiences at various international festivals, including Fantastic Fest, Sitges Film Festival, and the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala. Released theatrically on October 12, 2018, “Tumbbad” was met with critical acclaim, particularly for its story, production design, and cinematography. Despite a modest budget of ₹50 million to ₹150 million, the film grossed ₹154 million at the box office and received eight Filmfare Award nominations, winning three.
The film’s impact extended beyond its initial release, gaining a cult following and being heralded as one of the finest Hindi horror films. Its re-release in 2024 further solidified its status, becoming the highest-grossing re-released Indian film at that time. The re-release was a box office success, with collections surpassing its original run.
The narrative of “Tumbbad” revolves around a forbidden deity, Hastar, and a family’s generational struggle with greed and ancient curses. The film’s exploration of themes such as human nature and the consequences of defying tradition resonates deeply with audiences. The sequel, announced in November 2018 and confirmed during the 2024 re-release, promises to delve into the concept of immortality, continuing the story of Vinayak and introducing new layers to the mythos.
Overall, “Tumbbad” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, delivering a haunting yet thought-provoking cinematic experience. Its journey from inception to cult status exemplifies the dedication and creativity of its creators, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.
Exploring the Depths of Tumbbad: A Unique Bollywood Horror Experience
In the realm of Bollywood, where musicals and melodramas often steal the spotlight, “Tumbbad” emerges as a haunting yet captivating anomaly. The film weaves a unique narrative, blending folklore, horror, and human greed into a cinematic tapestry that is both chilling and thought-provoking.
The story unfolds with Vinayak Rao, introducing his son Pandurang to the myth of the Goddess of Prosperity, the embodiment of endless wealth. Her first child, Hastar, driven by insatiable greed, seizes all her gold but is thwarted by the gods when he reaches for the grain. Rescued by the Goddess, Hastar is condemned to be forgotten, yet the villagers of Tumbbad defy this by erecting a temple in his honor, invoking a divine curse of perpetual rain upon them.
Set initially in 1918, we see Vinayak’s mother, a mistress to the local lord Sarkar, yearning for a share of his enigmatic treasure. The atmosphere intensifies as Vinayak and his brother Sadashiv encounter a chained old woman, who harbors dark secrets. When tragedy strikes, and Vinayak is left alone, his invocation of Hastar saves him from the woman’s wrath. The death of Sarkar and Sadashiv compels Vinayak and his mother to flee to Pune.
Fifteen years later, driven by poverty, Vinayak returns to the cursed village. The aged woman, now entwined with a tree, offers him knowledge of Sarkar’s treasure in exchange for release from her torment. Guided to the goddess’ womb within Sarkar’s mansion, Vinayak learns to outsmart Hastar, the eternal guardian of the gold. This perilous venture involves luring Hastar with a flour dough doll, allowing Vinayak to snatch coins from Hastar’s loincloth and escape. The cycle of greed begins as Vinayak repeatedly returns, trading the ill-gotten gold with his friend Raghav, who eventually meets a grim fate at Hastar’s hands.
By 1947, Vinayak, consumed by avarice, begins training Pandurang to continue his perilous expeditions. A misstep leads them to narrowly escape Hastar’s wrath. As the mansion falls under government control, desperation pushes them to attempt stealing Hastar’s entire treasure. However, the plan spirals into chaos, resulting in Vinayak’s sacrifice to save Pandurang, who ultimately breaks free from the cycle of greed by choosing not to inherit the cursed wealth.
Despite its rich narrative and stunning visuals, “Tumbbad” struggled at the box office. This can be attributed to its deviation from the typical Bollywood formula, which often favors more conventional storylines. Its distinctiveness, while a strength, may have alienated mainstream audiences unaccustomed to such somber and complex themes. Yet, for those who venture into its depths, “Tumbbad” offers a haunting reflection on the destructive nature of greed and the price of defying the divine.
Bollywood’s Reaction to “Tumbbad”
Critical Acclaim vs. Box Office Performance
Bollywood’s response to “Tumbbad” was mixed, with industry insiders acknowledging its creative brilliance, yet puzzled by its commercial underperformance.
Factors Contributing to Limited Appeal
Absence of Star Power
The film’s lack of a star-studded cast meant it didn’t attract the usual fanfare associated with Bollywood hits, limiting its mainstream appeal.
Missing Bollywood Elements
Without typical Bollywood elements like item songs, “Tumbbad” missed out on a segment of the audience that gravitates towards such entertainment.
Challenges in Promotion and Distribution
Financial Constraints
Operating on a tight budget, the film couldn’t afford extensive promotional campaigns, relying solely on social media for promotion.
Limited Release Strategy
With only a few screens showing the movie and multiplexes allocating just 3–4 shows a day, its potential earnings were severely restricted.
Conclusion: The Future of Unconventional Films
Despite being seen as a cinematic milestone, “Tumbbad” highlights the challenges faced by unconventional films in Bollywood, suggesting a need for more industry support for visionary projects.
The Long Journey to Production
The movie “Tumbbad” was in development for 18 years. Initially, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was cast as the male lead. However, after several months of shooting, the project was stalled due to financial constraints. Despite director Rahi Anil Barve’s efforts to secure funding by meeting with influential industry figures, he faced challenges. You can learn more about this in his interviews available on YouTube. Fortunately, Soham Shah stepped in, and the rest is history.
Capturing Authentic Monsoon Scenes
During filming, the director aimed to capture authentic rain scenes, leading to a four-year shooting period across multiple monsoon seasons. The entire production took a total of six years to complete.
Innovative Special Effects
The scenes featuring Hastar were initially created using practical effects, but they didn’t yield the desired results. Therefore, a VFX company was brought on board, which also served as an associate producer—a strategic move to manage costs.
A Grand Visual Experience
Despite its restricted budget, “Tumbbad” does not appear to be a low-budget film. It boasts a grand visual presence on screen. The cinematography is exceptional, with lighting and tracking shots that evoke the era of pre-independent India. Additionally, the set designs are impressive, resembling historical monuments, adding to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
Fun Facts About Tumbbad:
- The child actors in Tumbbad had grown up by the time the film was completed, so a talented child artist was brought in to do all the dubbing for them.
- Raghubir Yadav lent his voice to the character of Grandma, adding a unique touch to the film.
- Mohammed Samad showcased his versatility by playing two roles: Grandma and Vinayak’s son.
- Tumbbad holds the distinction of being the first Indian film to be screened at the Venice Film Festival.
Development of Tumbbad
Inspiration and Scriptwriting
Director Rahi Anil Barve drew inspiration for the film’s title from Shripad Narayan Pendse’s Marathi novel, Tumbadche Khot. Barve first drafted the script in 1997 at the age of 18. Between 2009 and 2010, he crafted a comprehensive 700-page storyboard in just eight months, which he described as the foundational “anchor” for the film.
The storyline was inspired by a chilling tale his friend recounted during a visit to Nagzira wildlife sanctuary in 1993. This story, “Aaji” by Marathi writer Narayan Dharap, was also influenced by Stephen King’s “Gramma” and featured elements from H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. Despite later finding Dharap’s story unremarkable, Barve credited his friend’s vivid narration for leaving a lasting impact on him. This spurred him to adapt the story’s premise about a cunning moneylender and a girl with a demon-possessed grandmother into a screenplay.
Production Challenges and Filming
Barve initially secured a producer, but they withdrew in 2008. After obtaining financing, principal photography commenced during the monsoon of 2012. The film’s production spanned six years, during which actor Sohum Shah, cast as Vinayak Rao, maintained his character’s look and gained eight kilograms (18 pounds) for the role. Shah was intrigued by the unique story, which he found reminiscent of Vikram Baital and Panchatantra.
Themes and Structure
The film explores the theme of greed, with the first half set in the universe of Dharap’s stories. It features the mythological figure Hastar, banished for his greed, and is structured into three chapters, symbolizing India’s journey. Despite the challenges, including being optioned by seven production companies that later withdrew, Barve persisted, believing the film’s uniqueness was a hurdle for producers.
Collaborations and Screenplay Development
Sohum Shah worked diligently on his Marathi diction for his Maharashtrian character. Anand Gandhi contributed as co-writer, creative director, and executive producer, helping to transform Barve’s initial idea of three separate stories into a cohesive narrative centered on one character. The myth of Hastar was a late addition to provide a rich backstory. The screenplay was a collaborative effort by Barve, Prasad, Gandhi, and Mitesh Shah.
The Journey of “Tumbbad”: From Initial Filming to Final Cut
Early Production Challenges
“Tumbbad” initially began production in 2008 with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role. However, the project was quickly shelved due to the producer’s withdrawal. The film resumed in 2012 when directors Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi joined the project. It featured minimal dialogue and was shot with continuous physical movement and few cuts. Barve emphasized the importance of its atmospheric locations, describing them as integral to the film’s narrative.
Re-Writing and Re-Shooting
Upon completing the initial edits, Barve and Shah realized the film did not meet their vision. Consequently, the script was re-written and re-shot, with filming concluding in May 2015. The set design drew inspiration from the Mutha River in Onkareshwar, and a recreation of an old Pune city was constructed. The film was shot using natural light across various locations in Maharashtra, including Mahabaleshwar and Tumbbad village.
Visual Effects and Cinematography
Sean Wheelan’s team at Filmgate Films handled the visual effects, while Pankaj Kumar served as the director of photography. Kumar aimed for a “moody and gloomy” aesthetic, shooting without sunlight to maintain a sense of timelessness. The crew faced challenges with insufficient natural rainfall, resorting to artificial rain and waiting for suitable cloud cover for the desired atmosphere.
Set Design and Color Schemes
The film employed four distinct color schemes—blue, cold grey, red, and gold—to enhance its period setting. To avoid modern lighting techniques, 50 lanterns and lamps were used. Scenes inside the womb required extensive shooting without visual effects, while Hastar’s character involved intricate prosthetic makeup.
Extensive Production and Post-Production Efforts
Filming spanned 100 to 120 days over several schedules in 2012 and 2015. The film underwent multiple rewrites and additions to enhance the story, leading to the reconstruction of sets and the inclusion of the womb sequence. Production designers Nitin Zihani Choudhary and Rakesh Yadav drew inspiration from historical photographs to create authentic settings.
Lengthy Post-Production Process
Post-production took two-and-a-half years to complete. Editor Sanyukta Kaza restructured scenes, leading to re-written dialogue by Prasad. The initial runtime of nearly 200 minutes was trimmed to 100 minutes, with the climax shot using a single oil lamp for lighting.
Collaborative Production Effort
“Tumbbad” was produced through a collaboration between Film i Väst, Filmgate Films, Eros International, and Aanand L. Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions. The film’s unique approach and extensive production efforts culminated in a cinematic experience that aimed to offer something audiences had not seen before.
The Soundtrack of Tumbbad: A Fusion of East and West
The music for the film “Tumbbad” is a captivating blend of Indian and Western influences, crafted with precision by renowned composers. The title track, composed, arranged, and produced by Ajay–Atul, features Hindi lyrics penned by Raj Shekhar and was released on 11 October 2018. The film’s original score, composed by Jesper Kyd, came about after Prasad, a key figure in the project, discovered Kyd’s work on the soundtrack “Apocalypse” from the 2006 video game Hitman: Blood Money. Kyd was tasked with creating a sound that bridged Western and Indian musical elements.
To guide Kyd, Prasad provided a sample from Laxmikant–Pyarelal’s track for the film Ram Lakhan (1989) and shared videos of street drummers and the 1973 film The Sinful Dwarf. Kyd’s innovative approach led him to record a Bulgarian choir piece named “Descending,” marking his first composition for “Tumbbad.” This collaborative effort was facilitated through Skype, allowing Prasad and Kyd to seamlessly merge their creative ideas. The score, which features live recordings of cello and violin, as well as the ambient sound of crickets, was meticulously crafted to suit the film’s distinct sections. The soundtrack, consisting of 22 tracks, was released on 9 November 2018, offering an auditory journey through the film’s narrative.
The Initial Release
Tumbbad made its debut at the 75th Venice International Film Festival in the critics’ week section, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian film to be screened there. Following its premiere, the film was showcased at several prestigious festivals including the 2018 Fantastic Fest, Sitges Film Festival, Screamfest Horror Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival, the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala, Mórbido Fest, Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, and Nitte International Film Festival. Prior to its official release, a special screening was organized by Aanand L. Rai, which was attended by the film’s crew and various filmmakers. Tumbbad was officially released in India on 12 October 2018, opening on 575 screens nationwide.
Critical Reception in India
Tumbbad opened to mostly positive critical reviews, receiving an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 28 reviews, with an average score of 7.67/10. The critics’ consensus states, “Tumbbad has everything you never knew you needed in a cliché horror romp that is very pleasing to the eye.” Rachit Gupta from The Times of India described the film as “moody and atmospheric,” likening it to Hollywood classics like Pan’s Labyrinth and Eraserhead. Baradwaj Rangan appreciated its rich and mysterious nature, while Raja Sen praised its ambition and artistry, reminiscent of Tarsem Singh’s style. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express found it “highly unusual and visually stunning.”
Sanjukta Sharma from Scroll.in noted the film’s genre subversion without gimmicks, emphasizing its eloquent exploration of primal greed. Udita Jhunjhunwala from Mint highlighted its eerie and imaginative design. Anupama Chopra remarked on its uniqueness in Hindi cinema, calling it the most visually stunning film since Padmaavat. Subhash K. Jha emphasized the film’s visual strength, while Sreehari Nair from Rediff.com mentioned its moral undertones. Namrata Joshi praised its Gothic atmosphere and diabolical themes.
Suparna Sharma from the Deccan Chronicle noted the lingering impact of its imaginative horror. Shilpa Jamkhandikar from Reuters credited director Barve for elevating the film beyond typical horror. Stutee Ghosh from The Quint highlighted its seamless blend of fear, fantasy, and folklore. Anna M. M. Vetticad appreciated the lack of definitive answers, enhancing its intrigue. Rajeev Masand lauded its originality and high standards, while Jai Arjun Singh found it “spooky, majestic and affecting,” driven by its set design and atmospheric music.
Tumbbad: A Cinematic Journey from Budget to Box Office Success
Film Budget and Box Office Earnings
To better understand the financial trajectory of “Tumbbad,” a chart below highlights its budget and earnings over time:
| Stage | Earnings (in ₹) | Earnings (in US$) |
| Budget | 50 million | 580,000 |
| Opening Day | 6.5 million | 76,000 |
| Second Day | 11.5 million | 130,000 |
| Third Day | 14.5 million | 170,000 |
| First Weekend Total | 32.5 million | 380,000 |
| End of First Week | 58.5 million | 680,000 |
| Second Week | 89.9 million | 1.0 million |
| Third Week | 101 million | 1.2 million |
| End of Nine Weeks | 154 million | 1.8 million |
The film’s sustained success at the box office led to a re-release, which was announced for September 13, 2024, after a social media tease by actor Sohum Shah.
Box Office Performance
The film opened with a collection of ₹1.65 crore on its first day and experienced a significant increase of ₹1 crore the following day, reaching a total of ₹2.65 crore. Over the initial two days, the film amassed a total gross of ₹4.30 crore. During its opening weekend, it earned between ₹7.34 crore and ₹7.50 crore, outpacing the entire first-week earnings of ₹5.85 crore from its original 2018 release. Within five days, the film crossed the ₹10 crore threshold, accumulating a total of ₹10.69 crore. By the end of the first week, the net collection was approximately ₹13.44 crore. After eight days, it surpassed the ₹15 crore mark with a collection of ₹16.48 crore, exceeding the original release’s overall earnings. The second weekend brought in an additional ₹21.57–22 crore. In just ten days, the film grossed between ₹26.5 crore and ₹26.70 crore, making it the highest-grossing re-release in Indian cinema history, surpassing “Ghilli.” The second week added ₹12.26 crore to its earnings, and by the third week, the net collections at the Indian box office reached ₹30.4 crore. In its final theatrical run, the film grossed over ₹38 crore.
Box Office Figures Chart
| Time Period | Collection (₹ Crore) | Cumulative Total (₹ Crore) |
| Opening Day | 1.65 | 1.65 |
| Day 2 | 1.00 (increase) | 2.65 |
| First 2 Days | – | 4.30 |
| First Weekend | 7.34–7.50 | – |
| Five Days | – | 10.69 |
| First Week | – | 13.44 |
| Eight Days | – | 16.48 |
| Second Weekend | 21.57–22 | – |
| Ten Days | 26.5–26.70 | – |
| Second Week | 12.26 | – |
| Third Week | – | 30.4 |
| Final Theatrical Run | – | 38.00 |
Sequel Announcement and Development
In November 2018, it was announced that Sohum Shah would be playing a significant role in the development of the film’s sequel. This much-anticipated follow-up is set to pick up where the original left off and might even bring back the character of Vinayak.
Official Confirmation and Teaser Release
Tumbbad 2 was officially confirmed during the theatrical re-release of Tumbbad in September 2024. Fans were treated to an announcement teaser, which was released on social media on 14 September 2024, generating considerable excitement and speculation about the sequel’s direction.
Exploring New Themes
The sequel promises to delve into the intriguing concept of immortality, with Pandurang taking the spotlight. This narrative shift suggests a fresh and captivating exploration of themes that have already captivated audiences in the original film.
Sohum Shah Engages with Fans on Reddit: A Deep Dive into Tumbbad’s Journey
The Man Behind the Magic: Sohum Shah
Sohum Shah, the actor and producer known for his work on “Tumbbad” and “Ship of Theseus,” recently reconnected with his audience through a Reddit post. His beloved film, “Tumbbad,” has been re-released in theaters, and he is eager to engage with fans and answer their burning questions.
Sohum’s Reddit Message
“Hi, I am Sohum Shah, an actor and producer of Tumbbad, Ship of Theseus. My labour of love, Tumbbad, has been re-released in theatres, and I would love to chat and answer your questions! So let’s go!”
Engaging with Fans: A Glimpse into the Q&A
Question 1:
When did you start shooting the movie?
Sohum humorously replied, “When my hairs were black.”
Question 2:
Hi! Thanks for making Tumbbad. How did you feel when Tumbbad didn’t perform during its first release? And how do you feel now that the movie is getting its due?
Sohum expressed his emotional journey, sharing, “I felt like a breakup, but now I think it’s impossible. Here’s the actual line he wrote: ‘Break up jaisa mehsoos hua tha jab chali nahin thi aur abhi aisa lag raha hai ki puri qainaat usse tumse milane ki saazish karti hai!'”
The Buzz Around Tumbbad 2
Sohum Shah’s interaction with fans also sparked discussions about the movie, its cast, and the highly anticipated sequel, Tumbbad 2. The excitement continues to build as fans eagerly await more updates from Sohum and the team.
Stay tuned for more insights and revelations from Sohum Shah as he continues to connect with his audience and share the magic behind Tumbbad.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information presented in the above article was gathered from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive view on the subject. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, the content may contain errors or discrepancies. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult primary sources when necessary. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or publisher.
