New Delhi: The unveiling of the enigmatic and tantalizing trailer for the much-anticipated re-release of “Tumbbad” has left audiences in sheer awe, igniting a wave of nostalgia for this captivating folk horror masterpiece. Scheduled to return to theaters on September 13th, the film promises a rejuvenated cinematic experience, inviting viewers once again into the eerie and fantastical world of Tumbbad—a unique blend of horror and myth set in a fictional, ancient village.
As excitement mounts, the fervor surrounding the film is augmented by Actor Sohum Shah, who is bringing fans closer to the creative process behind the film by sharing rare and unseen images of the character Hastar. These images, depicting Hastar in an early black form, capture the painstaking journey the film’s team undertook to perfect the creature that horrified audiences on screen.
Using his social media platforms, Sohum Shah posted several previously unseen images of Hastar from the film’s initial shoots. In these early depictions, Hastar was black rather than the final film’s blood-red monstrosity and featured no womb, a significant aesthetic change that came later. This insight sheds light on the exhaustive efforts and creative decisions that the crew of “Tumbbad” endured to create a visually and thematically compelling horror figure.
The process of bringing Hastar to life was no easy feat. Initially built through rigorous testing and extreme difficulty, the first sequence of Hastar was shot and edited entirely, only to be discarded for not meeting the high standards set by the creative team. Dissatisfaction with the initial results led the team to reshoot the scenes, culminating in a terrifying creature drenched in blood, whose red hue struck fear into the hearts of audiences.
The complexities in perfecting Hastar underline the meticulous craftsmanship invested in “Tumbbad,” contributing to its eventual acclaim. Upon its original release, “Tumbbad” captured the hearts of both critics and movie-goers alike, earning widespread recognition and numerous accolades. The film garnered eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards, winning three prestigious awards for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. It also achieved a historic milestone by being the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival.
Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, with Anand Gandhi serving as the creative director and Adesh Prasad as co-director, “Tumbbad” boasts a strong creative team. Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi collaboratively penned the screenplay, while the film’s producers included Sohum Shah, Aanand L.
. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah. The film features notable performances from Sohum Shah, Jyoti Malshe, and Anita Date-Kelkar, bringing the haunting story to life through their remarkable portrayals.
Despite its critical success and considerable fan base, “Tumbbad” remains unavailable on any OTT platforms, making the impending theatrical re-release a rare and valuable opportunity for both long-time fans and new viewers to experience the film. This return to the big screen is set to reinforce the film’s cult status and remind audiences of its unique contribution to the horror genre.
Sohum Shah’s recent activities have stirred curiosity and excitement further. He recently shared rare behind-the-scenes content, offering a glimpse into the intricate process of film creation. In particular, his posts featuring the initial black version of Hastar have captivated the audience, revealing the evolution of the character and the lengths to which the film’s team went to achieve perfection.
Initially, Hastar’s appearance was markedly different. The team experimented extensively with the character’s aesthetics, and despite completing the initial sequences, they chose to reshoot when the final product did not meet their high standards. This rigorous process involved not just another round of shooting but continuous refinement until they were satisfied with Hastar’s depiction as the blood-drenched, fearsome entity that fans know today.
The resonance of “Tumbbad” extends beyond its horror elements, presenting a visually rich and thematically intricate narrative that explores themes of greed, mythology, and human frailty. This complexity played a significant role in the film’s accolade-filled journey, affirming its place in cinematic history and setting high expectations for its re-release.
In conclusion, the re-release of “Tumbbad” on the 13th of September offers a fresh chance for audiences to delve into the dark and mesmerizing world of this folk horror classic. With the revival of nostalgic memories and the unveiling of behind-the-scenes secrets by Sohum Shah, fans are eagerly anticipating this re-immersion into the chilling tale of Hastar and the terrifying village of Tumbbad. The film’s return to theaters is not just an event but a celebration of its critical success and a testament to the beauty of cinematic perseverance and artistry.
