New Delhi: Horror and fantasy aficionados are on the edge of their seats as the spine-chilling trailer for the re-release of Tumbbad drops, leaving a haunting echo in the hearts of its audience. Slated for a theatrical return on the 13th of September, the re-release of Tumbbad gives moviegoers another chance to be engulfed by the eerie atmosphere of its mythological setting.
At the heart of the buzz surrounding Tumbbad’s re-release is actor Sohum Shah, who has tantalized fans with previously unseen images of the character Hastar. Unlike the blood-soaked red creature that audiences came to both dread and admire, early designs showcased a black iteration of Hastar, devoid of the disturbing womb that became iconic.
Through social media, Sohum Shah shared these rare snapshots, providing a window into the painstaking process behind Hastar’s creation. Initially, Hastar wore a completely different look—black and menacing, but without the final film’s terrifying inclusion of a womb. Dissatisfied with this early portrayal, the creative team decided to revisit and ultimately reshoot the entire sequence to align with their exacting standards.
In his Instagram post, Sohum Shah recounted the arduous journey to perfect Hastar. The first version, although fearsome, did not live up to the team’s high aspirations. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, they continued to refine Hastar until they achieved the nightmarish figure that sent shivers down our spines.
The relentless effort paid off spectacularly. Tumbbad received wide critical acclaim, bagging eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards and clinching three prestigious awards for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. Notably, Tumbbad also etched its name in history as the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section at the 75th Venice International Film Festival.
The cinematic triumph of Tumbbad can be credited to the collective brilliance of its creators. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and creatively led by Anand Gandhi, with Adesh Prasad co-directing, the movie is a testament to collaborative storytelling. The screenplay, shaped by Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi, is as intricate and fascinating as the visuals that accompany it.
Sohum Shah’s contribution went beyond his role as the producer; his portrayal of the protagonist earned him accolades.
. The cast also included notable performances by Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar, whose roles brought depth to the eerie narrative.
Tumbbad’s production ensemble was notable not just for its talents but also for the synergy among them. Alongside Shah, producers Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah brought their vision to life, fabricating an unforgettable cinematic experience that blended deep-rooted mythology with gripping horror.
Despite its success and acclaim, Tumbbad remains a rarity in that it is not available on any Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. Thus, the upcoming re-release holds significant importance for horror cinema fans. It serves as a reminder of the tangible, communal thrill that only a theater setting can offer. This limited re-release, with its meticulously crafted narrative and striking visuals, is an event ardently awaited by the audience.
The essence of Tumbbad lies not merely in its scares but in its exploration of greed, destiny, and the dark corners of mythology. The character of Hastar, fraught with layers of superstition and symbolism, is the epitome of this dual nature—terrifying yet irresistibly intriguing.
In retrospect, the journey of Hastar from an initial, discarded concept to the fearsome figure that haunts the film is emblematic of Tumbbad’s overall commitment to storytelling. Every scene, every frame, is the result of a relentless pursuit of perfection, capturing the gothic essence of the story without compromising on artistic vision.
As the date for the re-release nears, fans are eagerly preparing for another rendezvous with Hastar. This theatrical encore promises not just to thrill but also to invite viewers to delve deeper into the creation of this modern myth.
To sum it up, the return of Tumbbad to theaters is more than just a movie screening; it is a celebration of groundbreaking Indian cinema. The newly unearthed images of Hastar shared by Sohum Shah act as both a teaser and a tribute to the tireless efforts of the entire team, reminding us of the complexities involved in creating a cinematic masterpiece.
Mark your calendars for September 13th; an unmissable journey back into the dark, enthralling universe of Tumbbad awaits!
