In a thrilling update for cinema enthusiasts, 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 the co-director, is poised for a much-anticipated re-release in theaters on September 13. This resurgence of the film offers another golden opportunity for both loyal fans and first-time viewers to witness the gripping narrative on the silver screen once again. Celebrated for its mythical storyline within a fictional village, “Tumbbad” has consistently enthralled audiences with its unique fusion of supernatural horror and an engaging tale of avarice.
Sohum Shah, the protagonist of the film, recently generated a wave of excitement amongst netizens by sharing the film’s poster on his Instagram feed. The poster has sparked considerable interest, renewing enthusiasm about the movie’s re-release. This announcement has stirred significant excitement among fans looking forward to reliving the magical and haunting experience that “Tumbbad” delivered initially. Notable personalities such as actor Vijay Varma were quick to express their admiration, with Varma commenting, “What a film!” echoing the sentiments of numerous other cinema aficionados.
“Tumbbad,” a standout in the Indian horror-fantasy genre, initially left an indelible mark on its audience six years ago. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, whose vision brought to life a chilling narrative rooted in folklore and mythology, “Tumbbad” was a collaborative effort involving writers Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi. The film was produced by industry stalwarts Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah, with Sohum Shah courageously embodying the lead character, Vinayak Rao.
Set against the backdrop of early 20th century India, the film narrates the story of Vinayak Rao’s relentless quest for a mythical treasure, guarded by fearsome entities. The tale is deeply ingrained in themes of greed and the dire consequences that follow. Alongside Sohum Shah, the film featured compelling performances by Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar, further enriching the film’s eerie and atmospheric narrative.
The movie’s exceptional production design, striking cinematography, and compelling storyline culminated in its significant success amongst critics and audiences alike.
. “Tumbbad” went on to earn eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards, securing three prestigious awards — Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. Moreover, it was the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival, showcasing its global appeal.
Reflecting on the re-release, Sohum Shah remarked on the film’s profound impact on his career in an interview three years ago. He recounted how “Tumbbad” was not merely a remarkable script but a magnum opus that seamlessly translated visionary concepts from the script to the screen. The film played a pivotal role in catapulting his career to new heights, garnering both national and international acclaim. Shah stated, “Tumbbad was not just a great script but a great work of art in the sense that 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. There are International acclaims that I have got all because of this wonderful film that I am thankful for having worked in.”
The impending re-release is more than just a nostalgic revisit; it represents an invitation for audiences to delve once more into the haunting world of “Tumbbad,” where mythology intertwines with horror in a narrative exploration of greed’s perilous path. As the film will not be available on OTT platforms until 2024, the theatrical re-release on September 13, 2024, stands as the quintessential moment for fans to experience or rediscover this auditory and visual masterpiece in its intended grandeur.
The resurgence of “Tumbbad” signifies not just the revival of a film but the rekindling of a cultural milestone in the Indian cinema landscape. As fans eagerly anticipate, the re-release promises to deliver the same, if not heightened, sense of awe and wonder that made “Tumbbad” a towering triumph in the realm of folk horror and fantasy. Mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by the haunting lore and visual splendor of “Tumbbad” once again.
