New Delhi: Lighting up the silver screens once again, the re-release of the 2018 folk horror film ‘Tumbbad’ has been met with considerable success at the box office. Released again in theatres on September 13, 2024, this haunting tale of greed and mythology has struck a chord with audiences across India, amassing an impressive total of Rs 30.4 Crores. Over its three-week theatrical run, ‘Tumbbad’ has lasted well beyond initial expectations, captivating both loyal fans and new viewers who have been eager to experience its eerie narrative once more on the big screen.
During its third weekend, the film saw robust collections, pulling in Rs 2.8 Crores between Friday and Sunday, followed by a respectable Rs 1.9 Crores from Monday through Thursday. This consistent box office momentum highlights the film’s enduring appeal, buoyed by word-of-mouth praise that has invigorated its audience. The first week of its re-release garnered a staggering Rs 13.44 Crores, with the momentum carrying into the second week with an additional Rs 12.26 Crores. This financial trajectory underscores the film’s powerful resonance among audiences and showcases its persistent allure years after its original release.
Originally released in 2018, ‘Tumbbad’ is a cinematic masterpiece directed by Rahi Anil Barve. With Anand Gandhi taking on the role of creative director and Adesh Prasad as co-director, the film quickly earned acclaim for its unique storytelling and remarkable production values.
. The screenplay is the joint effort of Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Rahi Anil Barve, and Anand Gandhi. Sohum Shah not only produced the film, alongside Aanand L Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah, but also stars in the lead role of Vinayak Rao—a character whose pursuit of an ancestral treasure forms the heart of the film’s compelling tale.
The atmospheric shadowplay and nuanced storytelling of ‘Tumbbad’ did not go unnoticed at the 64th Filmfare Awards, where it received eight nominations. The film triumphed in three categories, achieving accolades for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. These elements have been crucial to the film’s success, with critics heralding its gripping narrative and stunning visuals as not just pieces of quality filmmaking, but as singular enhancements to its folk horror status.
‘Tumbbad’ also holds the distinction of being the first Indian film to premiere in the prestigious Critics’ Week Section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival, a significant milestone that attests to its international appeal and artistic depth. Additionally, the magnetic performances by Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar have enriched the film’s storytelling, layering it with an immersive and haunting dimensionality that captivates viewers and draws them deeper into its eerie world.
The re-release of ‘Tumbbad’ has demonstrated that five years after its initial run, the film’s grip on audiences remains as potent as ever. The blend of mythological dread and dramatic exploration of human greed found in its narrative continues to attract viewers, leading to its strong performance in recent weeks. Social media buzz and critical reverence further fuel this resurgence, inspiring theatrical revisit requests from cinephiles and horror enthusiasts.
As the third week draws to a close, ‘Tumbbad’ continues to be a mainstay in conversations around India’s cinematic landscape. The re-release has not only bolstered the film’s financial achievements but has solidified its status as a modern Indian classic, with reports of its success spreading far and wide. With its distinct narrative allure and powerful imagery, ‘Tumbbad’ proves that quality storytelling, especially one wrapped in the husk of horror folklore, has an enduring place in cinema, captivating audiences anew no matter how many years have passed since its first whisper in the corridors of film history.
