New Delhi: The thrilling and gripping trailer of Tumbbad has been released, leaving everyone astonished and reviving nostalgia for this folk horror film. As the film is all set to return to theaters on 13th September, it brings the audience a fresh opportunity to immerse themselves in the chilling world of Tumbbad, a unique blend of horror and fantasy set in a fictional, mythological village.
Amid the rising excitement for its re-release, actor Sohum Shah has further piqued interest by sharing images of the enigmatic character Hastar, documenting the arduous journey of its creation and the unparalleled efforts that went into delivering the terrifying figure seen on screen.
Initially envisioned differently, the haunting figure of Hastar went through significant transformations before becoming the monstrous entity audiences remember. Sohum Shah took to social media to reveal unseen pictures of the character, who was originally envisioned with a black color palette rather than the iconic red we see in the final film. Additionally, the initial design lacked the now-famous womb detail.
A post shared by Sohum Shah (@shah_sohum) highlighted this creative evolution, showcasing the ground-breaking and labor-intensive process behind Hastar’s design. The original shoot sequences were eventually discarded as they did not meet the filmmakers’ high expectations. “The team reshot the entire Hastar sequence multiple times until we got it right,” Shah said. “It was a meticulous and sometimes grueling process, but the end result was worth every ounce of effort.”
Tumbbad was notable not just for its haunting storyline but also for its exemplary production values. Despite the initial challenges, the dedication paid off. The film garnered eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards and won three, including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. It also had the distinct honor of being the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival.
Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and co-directed by Adesh Prasad, with Anand Gandhi serving as the creative director, Tumbbad represents a unique collaboration of talent.
. The screenplay was a collaborative creation by Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Rahi Anil Barve, and Anand Gandhi. The film was produced by Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah.
Through revealing these behind-the-scenes glimpses and recounting the efforts of the team, Shah brings fans closer to the passion and intensity that fueled the making of Tumbbad. “When I look back at those early versions of Hastar, it’s a stark reminder of the importance of persistence and refining one’s vision,” Shah shared on his Instagram.
The narrative of Tumbbad is set against the backdrop of a torrentially rain-soaked village, where a mythological treasure is secreted away. Sohum Shah stars as Vinayak Rao, whose relentless greed leads him to uncover the horrifying secrets of Tumbbad. Alongside Shah, the film features strong performances by Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar, contributing to the story’s emotional depth and gripping tension.
For fans and newcomers alike, the re-release promises an immersive cinematic experience that showcases the film’s rich visuals and atmospheric storytelling on the big screen. Despite being unavailable on any OTT platforms, this return to theaters provides an unmissable chance to witness the haunting tale of Tumbbad in all its glory.
As anticipation builds, these newly revealed images and insights into Hastar’s creation serve as a testament to the dedication and high standards that were pivotal in shaping the film. The meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of perfection that characterized Tumbbad’s production journey is something that creators and fans alike can take pride in.
This re-release will once again invite audiences to step into the ominous and enigmatic world of Tumbbad, showcasing an unparalleled blend of mythical horror and dark fantasy that has captivated audiences since its initial release. It’s a reminder of the power of thoughtful and dedicated filmmaking in creating timeless tales that resonate with audiences worldwide.
New Delhi waits with bated breath as Tumbbad prepares to haunt theaters once more on 13th September, promising a spine-chilling and thrilling journey through the eerie depths of a tale that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian cinema.
