Tumbbad, the critically acclaimed horror-fantasy film, has made a historic mark upon its re-release. Initially earning ₹1.65 crore on its opening day, the film saw a significant increase in revenue on the second day, amassing ₹2.65 crore. This surge brought the film’s total to ₹4.3 crore in just two days, making it the highest-grossing re-release in Indian cinema history. The success of the re-release led to the announcement of Tumbbad 2 by the filmmakers.
What sets Tumbbad apart is its unique blend of Indian cultural elements with a fresh narrative style. Set in 20th-century India, it delves into the myth of Hastar, a greed-driven god whose forbidden treasure haunts the village of Tumbbad. The film captivates not just through its compelling plot but also through its seamless integration of myth, greed, and horror, delivering an experience that feels genuinely authentic.
The film’s visuals are a standout feature, crafting an atmosphere that is damp, gritty, and deeply immersive. The constant rainfall in the cursed village, achieved by shooting over four monsoons, adds to the film’s sense of dread and isolation, pulling viewers into its eerie world. To maintain period authenticity, most locations are real, set in ancient villages, avoiding any modern structures.
The Production of Tumbbad
The making of Tumbbad was a lengthy process marked by dedication and a pursuit of perfection. The film was initially shot in 2012, but director Rahi Anil Barve and lead actor-producer Sohum Shah were not satisfied with the final product. They believed it didn’t fully capture the essence of the story. As a result, the film was re-written, re-shot, and completed over six years, with final shooting wrapping up in 2015. This meticulous approach is evident in every frame, reflecting the filmmakers’ relentless effort.
Tumbbad stands out in Indian cinema by focusing on the theme of greed, a universal concept that is rarely explored in Indian horror films. Unlike many Bollywood horror movies that centre around supernatural elements like monsters and ghosts, Tumbbad takes a different approach. Echoing Guillermo del Toro’s sentiment that “the scariest things in my stories, in my opinion, are the humans,” the film presents human greed as the central villain. This gives the narrative a deeply philosophical edge, exploring how unchecked desire can devastate lives and generations.
