New Delhi: The cinematic gem ‘Tumbbad’ has made a striking re-entry into theaters, capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike over the past three weeks. This 2018 Hindi-language folk horror film, originally directed by Rahi Anil Barve with creative insights from Anand Gandhi and the co-direction of Adesh Prasad, has accumulated a commendable total of Rs 30.4 Crores in India’s Net Box Office Collection (NBOC) since it reappeared on the big screen on September 13, 2024. Its continued run is a testament to the film’s lasting appeal, as evidenced by its third-week earnings of Rs 2.8 Crores from Friday to Sunday and another Rs 1.9 Crores between Monday and Thursday. The overwhelming reception has given new life to the film, allowing both longtime enthusiasts and fresh viewers to indulge in its cinematic experience once more.
The film’s re-release commenced with an impressive start, collecting Rs 13.44 Crores in its first week, and further carrying this momentum into the second week with earnings of Rs 12.26 Crores. Such robust performance underlines the film’s resonance with the audience, propelled further by a positive word of mouth that continues to circulate around its unique narrative and haunting visuals.
Upon its initial release, ‘Tumbbad’ broke new ground with its gripping storyline, outstanding production quality, and striking cinematography by Pankaj Kumar, which received accolades not just from the domestic sphere but international circuits as well. In particular, ‘Tumbbad’ was distinguished as the first Indian film to be featured in the Critics’ Week Section at the prestigious 75th Venice International Film Festival.
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The film’s narrative follows Vinayak Rao, played by producer and lead actor Sohum Shah, as he navigates through a tale steeped in myth and horror. Alongside Shah’s compelling portrayal, Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar make significant contributions to the film’s atmospheric and chilling storyline. Their performances have been pivotal in wrapping the audience in a shroud of mystique and fear, true to the folk horror tradition that the film so masterfully embodies.
‘Tumbbad’ was a critical darling and also a favorite at the 64th Filmfare Awards, where it garnered eight nominations, ultimately winning three major awards for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. The film’s return to the limelight through this re-release not only highlights its technical brilliance but also reiterates the power of storytelling that draws viewers into its richly imagined world.
The film was a creative collaboration at its finest, with the narrative penned by the collective minds of Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Rahi Anil Barve, and Anand Gandhi. Behind the scenes, the production saw the joint efforts of Sohum Shah in collaboration with Aanand L Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah, forming a robust team that brought ‘Tumbbad’s’ vision to life.
Sohum Shah, whose hard work and dedication to the project spanned several years, shared through his social media platforms his gratitude and excitement over the film’s renewed success. A recent post shared by Sohum Shah Films on Instagram hinted at the joy and anticipation surrounding ‘Tumbbad’s’ re-emergence, acknowledging the loyal fan base that has stood by the film over the years, as well as the broader audience now exploring its depths for the first time.
This re-release of ‘Tumbbad’ stands as a remarkable occasion within the Indian film industry, drawing in substantial revenues while reaffirming the movie’s status as a beloved cinematic masterpiece. As it continues to enchant and captivate new and old audiences, ‘Tumbbad’s’ journey from a sleeper hit to a re-released phenomenon is a glowing reminder of cinema’s timeless capacity to thrill and inspire. With its stunning visuals and eerie narrative still fresh in cine-goers’ minds, ‘Tumbbad’ demonstrates the enduring allure of stories that challenge, mystify, and open up new dimensions of imagination.
