Tumbbad,the stunning horror-supernatural parable on greed, which was originally released six years ago, opened again last week with better collections than the new Kareena Kapoor Khan release The Buckingham Palace.
In an extensive interview the Tumbbad leading man and co-producer Sohum Shah spoke about the genesis of the project. “The idea of Tumbbad was born from our fascination with folklore and mythology, particularly the darker, lesser-known tales of greed and curses. We wanted to explore something that felt both personal and universal, blending a very Indian story with a global cinematic appeal. We knew it was risky, but we believed that if we could tap into that sense of timeless dread and awe, it would connect with audiences on a primal level. The team’s passion and dedication were immense—we knew we were making something unique, and that belief kept us going through all the challenges.We were very particular about the casting. Each role demanded a certain rawness and authenticity, and we wanted actors who could completely immerse themselves in the world of Tumbbad. For Samad, we needed a child actor who could convey innocence but also handle the darker emotional beats. He was brilliant on set and truly embodied his character.”
Though Tumbbad is not a big-budget venture, it looks rich in texture and design. Speaking of this affluence in austerity, Sohum says, “That’s one of the things I’m most proud of! The richness of Tumbbad was a result of meticulous attention to detail and an incredible team of artists who worked behind the scenes. We may not have had a massive budget, but we compensated with creativity and hard work. From the costumes to the set design, every element was crafted to evoke a sense of dread and beauty. The cinematography, with its interplay of shadows and light, played a huge role in making the world feel larger and more textured than our resources might suggest. Tumbbad was a cinematic marvel, something that pushed boundaries in terms of storytelling and visual spectacle. When it first released, it didn’t reach as wide of an audience as it deserved. But the love it’s garnered over time, from those who discovered it later, proves that it’s one of those rare gems that age beautifully. This re-release feels like a second chance to introduce more people to the magic and madness of Tumbbad.There’s always an element of timing and perception that affects how a film is received. At the time of its original release, Tumbbad was up against certain commercial expectations that didn’t align with its unconventional narrative. Maybe it was ahead of its time or simply misunderstood by the masses. I truly hope that this re-release can correct that. Over the years, the appreciation for atmospheric, genre-bending films has grown, so I believe Tumbbad will get its long-overdue recognition this time.”
Sohum cuts down all comparisons with Stree 2. “While Stree was a fantastic success and definitely pushed the genre forward, I’d like to think that it was Tumbbad that truly pioneered this space in Indian cinema. We were one of the first to blend mythological horror with deeply rooted Indian folklore in such a visually captivating way. Tumbbad set the stage for these kinds of stories to be told, and I believe that with audiences now more open to these unique narratives, Tumbbad can finally get the recognition it deserves. In a way, Stree and Tumbbad both contribute to the growth of this genre, but I’m proud that we took the first leap.”
