Rerelease of Venice Cult Horror Film ‘Tumbbad’ Scares Up Repeat Business at India Box Office, as Sequel Is Confirmed (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned movie-goer who has traversed the globe in search of cinematic gems, I can confidently say that “Tumbbad” stands out as one of the most captivating and visually stunning films to emerge from the Indian film industry in recent years. Having attended its premiere at the Venice Critics’ Week in 2018, I was immediately struck by its unique blend of horror, mythology, and a profound exploration of human greed.


The 2018 Indian horror movie “Tumbbad,” which initially struggled, has recently seen a resurgence at the box office. In its 2024 re-release within India, it has already earned approximately $1.5 million and continues to grow.

Six years ago, when this movie initially hit the big screen and earned a modest $2 million globally, I never imagined it would gain such a passionate following. Now, with its recent success, it’s clear that it has not only retained but also rejuvenated its status as a cult classic.

The film “Tumbbad,” featuring a village boy’s relentless search for a cursed family fortune protected by the devil, premiered as the opening selection of Venice Critics’ Week in 2018. It garnered numerous awards, including a pair at Sitges and many other prestigious honors. This production, a collaboration between India and Sweden, was filmed over four consecutive monsoon seasons, taking a total of six years to finish.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the enigmatic Sohum Shah has confirmed the development of a follow-up to his masterpiece, tentatively scheduled for production in 2025. In an exclusive interview with EbMaster, Shah revealed that the script, painstakingly crafted over six years, is now ready to bring us back into the captivating realm of ‘Tumbbad’. The creative team has labored tirelessly to refine the concept, ensuring it remains faithful to the unique universe they first introduced.

Although original co-director Rahi Anil Barve won’t be involved in “Tumbbad 2” because of other obligations, Adesh Prasad – who previously co-directed the first film – will take charge for the sequel. Shah expressed his regret that Rahi wouldn’t be a part of the new installment but acknowledged his busy schedule and upcoming projects. He emphasized that Rahi’s influence would remain on “Tumbbad” and its universe, and fans can look forward to his future work.

Presently, Barve is engaged in the development of Netflix India’s inaugural action-fantasy series titled “Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom.” He is collaborating on this project with creative minds Raj and DK.

Shah explained the difficulties in creating the sequel: “Many people – fans, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues – urged me to make ‘Tumbbad 2’, but I was convinced that unless we found the right concept and story, we wouldn’t do this universe justice. Over a span of six years, we developed numerous ideas, got enthusiastic about the vision, thought it was successful, but then discovered it wasn’t. So, we went back to the drawing board again.

The actor-producer is thrilled about the strong box office reception of the rerelease: “The box office earnings indicate that the movie resonated with a broad audience. When I was crafting ‘Tumbbad’ in 2012, streaming platforms like OTTs weren’t around yet.

Shah mentioned that the film was crafted to provide a dramatic, movie-like experience for viewers. It seamlessly combines various elements such as cinematography, visual effects, production design, and sweeping shots. The goal was to establish a specific atmosphere with this film, so compelling that after watching it, viewers might question if it’s really raining outside when they leave the theater.

As a movie connoisseur, I can’t help but extol the lasting charm of “Tumbbad”. The visual narrative is nothing short of captivating; it’s a spectacle that demands to be seen on a grand scale. Many viewers who first encountered this masterpiece through streaming platforms have since voiced their remorse for not experiencing it in a cinema hall.

Barve stated, “People are rushing to movie theaters nowadays due to their expectation of a superior viewing. They have some understanding of the film’s plot and desire an enhanced experience. I believe it’s a peculiar blend of comfort and excitement that is compelling the audience towards cinemas.

The movie’s path from its original screening to a subsequent successful run showcases the expanding pattern of audience-led comebacks within the Indian film industry. Shah marveled at the enthusiastic reaction on social platforms, expressing his astonishment: “The manner in which the audiences have rallied behind and advocated for ‘Tumbbad’ online is something I never anticipated and I am deeply moved by it.

He added, “I’ve noticed comments on social media from fans expressing regret about not seeing ‘Tumbbad’ in theaters when it was released in 2018, but watching it multiple times instead. It’s amazing to think about and what more could I hope for regarding audience response?

Barve expressed a similar thought: “First off, I must acknowledge the affection and encouragement that ‘Tumbbad’ has been given for the past six years. I am deeply thankful to my viewers. They are the ones who transformed ‘Tumbbad’ into what it is now.

In the future, Shah anticipates expanding the “Tumbbad” universe to encompass more stories. He explained, “From the very beginning, we had one vision for ‘Tumbbad,’ and even when we were creating the initial film, the world of ‘Tumbbad’ was rich enough to be its own franchise. I genuinely hope that we can produce a variety of films set within this universe – sequels, prequels, spin-offs, reboots, and more, essentially building an entire ecosystem for ‘Tumbbad.’

Regardless of the financial triumph, these filmmakers continue to prioritize the movie’s profound messages. Barve remarked, “The only thing I can say about ‘Tumbbad’ is that it should be watched in a theater and that the film imparts a lesson for everyone. Avarice has the power to ruin everything we cherish, so it’s essential for us all to examine our own desires and aspirations.

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2024-09-19 10:47