The acclaimed 2018 Hindi-language folk horror film ‘Tumbbad,’ directed by Rahi Anil Barve with Anand Gandhi as the creative director and Adesh Prasad as co-director, is set to make a significant comeback to theaters on September 13. This anticipated re-release offers both long-time fans and newcomers a chance to experience the gripping cinematic masterpiece on the big screen once again. Known for its mythical narrative set in the fictional village of Tumbbad, the film combines elements of supernatural horror with an enchanting tale of greed and ancestral curses.
Sohum Shah, who played the lead role of Vinayak Rao, recently ignited excitement among fans by sharing the ‘Tumbbad’ poster on his Instagram feed. The post has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from netizens. The re-release has elicited a wave of nostalgia, with many viewers eager to revisit the haunting and visually stunning world crafted by the filmmakers. Actor Vijay Varma expressed his admiration in the comments, quoting, “What a film!”—a sentiment widely echoed by many other cinema aficionados.
A closer look at ‘Tumbbad’ reveals its remarkable journey and achievements. Released in 2018, ‘Tumbbad’ is a Hindi-language folk horror film co-written by Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi. It was produced by Sohum Shah alongside Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah. Featuring Sohum Shah in the lead role, the film also stars Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar, who played pivotal roles in elevating the narrative’s atmospheric depth and immersive experience.
The film was a critical success, earning eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards and winning three: Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. Critics praised ‘Tumbbad’ for its exceptional production values and its ability to tell a riveting story grounded in Indian folklore and mythology. Notably, ‘Tumbbad’ was the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival, cementing its status as a cinematic gem on the global stage.
As ‘Tumbbad’ returns to theaters, this event isn’t merely a second chance to appreciate the film; it’s a rare opportunity to rediscover the spellbinding blend of greed, mythology, and horror that enthralled audiences six years ago.
. It’s noteworthy that ‘Tumbbad’ will not be available on OTT platforms throughout 2024, making this theatrical release on September 13 a highlighted event for cinephiles and casual viewers alike.
Reflecting on the film’s impact, Sohum Shah has expressed immense gratitude for what ‘Tumbbad’ has done for his career. He recollects the creative journey, “…all that we imagined while shooting is what we were able to bring onscreen. The movie played a huge role in boosting my career; I didn’t just manage to impress fans in the nation but also got global recognition. I still receive praises for my role in the film.” Shah acknowledges the international acclaim he received as a result of ‘Tumbbad’, further underscoring the film’s significant contribution to his professional and creative growth.
The re-release of ‘Tumbbad’ serves as an invitation for audiences to relive—or discover for the first time—its rich, dark narrative that delves into the greed and ambitions of its flawed characters set against a visually arresting backdrop. The meticulously crafted set designs, combined with an eerie and captivating score, elevate the film, making it a must-watch. The central tale revolves around a mythical treasure guarded by a demonic entity, with the story’s roots deeply embedded in Indian folklore—providing a unique flavor of horror that sets ‘Tumbbad’ apart from mainstream horror films.
In essence, ‘Tumbbad’ stands as a masterpiece of modern Indian cinema, where artistic storytelling meets outstanding technical prowess. The re-release on September 13 promises to be more than a cinematic viewing; it promises an experience—a journey into a world where myths come to life and where human greed meets its supernatural consequences.
With theaters set to showcase ‘Tumbbad’ once again, fans of the genre and of Indian cinema will not want to miss the chance to immerse themselves back into this evocative narrative. As we inch closer to the re-release date, the excitement continues to build, making ‘Tumbbad’s’ return one of the most eagerly awaited cinematic events of the year.
