New Delhi – A wave of excitement reverberates through the air as fans of the critically acclaimed folk horror film, Tumbbad, rejoice at the release of its thrilling and gripping trailer. Scheduled to return to theaters on September 13th, this re-release offers an exhilarating opportunity to once more immerse in the dark and tantalizing world of Tumbbad, a film that masterfully blends horror and fantasy set against the backdrop of a mythological village.
At the heart of this anticipation stands Actor Sohum Shah, who has ignited further fervor by revealing unseen images of Hastar, the menacing entity that haunts the film. Shah took to his social media to share these behind-the-scenes glimpses, taking fans through the tumultuous journey of Hastar’s creation. In these early images, Hastar is depicted in stark black, quite different from the ghastly red hue that terrorized viewers upon the film’s release.
In his post, Shah detailed how the creative process for Hastar was arduous and filled with numerous trials. Initially, Hastar appeared in a black form, devoid of the iconic womb that became a definitive part of its final appearance. Dissatisfied with the initial creation, the team at Tumbbad reshot the entire sequence multiple times until they achieved the chillingly terrifying version seen in the film. The commitment to perfection saw the team constantly refining and revising Hastar until it met the high standards they aspired to.
The journey of Hastar’s creation echoes the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication poured into Tumbbad, which paid off richly when the film garnered widespread critical acclaim. At the 64th Filmfare Awards, Tumbbad earned eight nominations and triumphed in three categories: Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. The film also achieved the prestigious honor of being the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section at the 75th Venice International Film Festival.
Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, Tumbbad features Anand Gandhi as the creative director and Adesh Prasad as the co-director. The film’s screenplay, crafted by Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Rahi Anil Barve, and Anand Gandhi, weaves a narrative that draws viewers into a world both fantastical and hauntingly real.
. Produced by Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah, Tumbbad stars Sohum Shah, Jyoti Malshe, and Anita Date-Kelkar in pivotal roles.
The film’s unsettling yet mesmerizing depiction of greed, folklore, and supernatural elements has left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike. Despite its success, Tumbbad is notably absent from any OTT platforms, making the upcoming theatrical re-release an event of significant excitement for fans who have yearned to experience its visual and auditory horror on the big screen once again.
Shah’s shared images have not only sparked nostalgia but have also amplified excitement as viewers prepare to revisit the suspense-filled narrative. The actor’s insightful posts offer a deep dive into the creative exploration and relentless effort behind one of the film’s most iconic characters.
As the re-release date draws near, film enthusiasts and horror aficionados eagerly await to step back into the eerie world of Tumbbad, re-living the horror that is Hastar—a character born out of meticulous craftsmanship and unmatched dedication.
Sohum Shah’s engagement with fans through social media underscores the collaborative spirit and sheer determination of the film’s cast and crew. By sharing this creative journey, Shah offers a rare glimpse into the painstaking process that goes into creating a masterpiece. The transformation of Hastar from its initial black form to the final terrifying red entity is a testament to the team’s unwavering pursuit of their artistic vision.
Tumbbad’s return to theaters is not merely a re-release but a celebration of a cinematic masterpiece that redefined Indian horror films. It invites both old fans and new audiences into its fold, promising an immersive experience filled with suspense, fear, and a deep appreciation for the artistry involved in storytelling.
This September, as the lights dim and the first frames of Tumbbad flicker on theater screens, viewers will once again find themselves gripped by the tale of greed, mythology, and horror—a reminder of the exceptional creative journey that culminated in a film that continues to enthrall and scare its audience.
