New Delhi: The spine-chilling world of Sohum Shah’s ‘Tumbbad’ has once again captivated audiences as the film made a gripping return to theaters on September 13, 2024. Known for its atmospheric storytelling and eerie imagery, this re-release is accompanied by exclusive, unseen footage revealing the meticulous craftsmanship behind the most haunting character – Daadi.
The makers of ‘Tumbbad’ recently took to their social media handle to share this rare behind-the-scenes glimpse. Their post rightly declared, “The face of fear in #Tumbbad wasn’t born overnight… Watch Daadi’s terrifying transformation unfold in these exclusive behind-the-scenes! Experience the magical world of #Tumbbad once again, running now in cinemas.”
The unseen footage is nothing short of mesmerizing, showcasing the extensive efforts required to bring Daadi’s grotesque visage to life. The transformation process, primarily driven by advanced prosthetics, stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of the special effects team. Each layer of makeup, each meticulously applied prosthetic, highlights the lengths to which the team went to ensure an authentic and terrifying presentation. Intriguingly, the same young actor who portrayed the character of Pandurang also stepped into the nightmarish role of Daadi, displaying remarkable versatility and talent well beyond his years.
Released originally in 2018, ‘Tumbbad’ is a Hindi-language folk horror film directed by Rahi Anil Barve, with Anand Gandhi as the creative director, and Adesh Prasad as the co-director. The film is written by Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi, and produced by Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah. Sohum Shah also stars in the lead role of Vinayak Rao, delivering a compelling performance that anchors the film’s dark and immersive narrative.
Over its initial run, ‘Tumbbad’ garnered widespread acclaim, receiving eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards. It triumphed in three categories: Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. The film’s exceptional production values were praised by critics, who lauded its engrossing story, outstanding production design, and striking cinematography. It etched a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week Section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival, further cementing its reputation on an international stage.
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The ensemble cast of ‘Tumbbad’ also includes notable performances by Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar, both of whom are integral in enriching the film’s atmospheric and haunting narrative. Their contributions, alongside that of lead actor Sohum Shah, add depth and texture to the story, making the supernatural elements even more compelling and believable.
Returning to the unseen footage, it is impossible not to be fascinated by the detailed process of Daadi’s transformation. The team deployed a vast array of prosthetics and special makeup techniques, capturing each stage of the evolution to the final, horrifying visage. This level of detail is crucial in horror storytelling, where visual authenticity can significantly amplify the fear factor and immersive experience for the audience.
The young actor’s dual portrayal as Pandurang and Daadi is a stunning revelation. It underscores his incredible range and ability to dive deep into contrasting roles, bringing a disturbing and poignant reality to Daadi, the fearsome old woman. This dual role exemplifies the high-caliber performances and dedication pervasive throughout the ‘Tumbbad’ crew.
The arduous endeavors of the makeup and prosthetic team have not gone unnoticed. Fans and film enthusiasts have flooded social media with praises and commendations, acknowledging the unparalleled artistry and hard work that went into creating one of Indian cinema’s most memorable horror figures. This enthusiastic response reflects public appreciation for the unseen, often grueling work behind the scenes that transforms imagination into cinematic reality.
As ‘Tumbbad’ continues to cast its spell on new audiences with its re-release, the behind-the-scenes footage serves as a poignant reminder of the artistry involved in filmmaking. It provides a window into the laborious efforts required to craft characters that resonate viscerally with viewers, leaving lasting impressions through their haunting appearances and gripping stories.
In essence, the re-release of ‘Tumbbad’ and the unveiling of Daadi’s transformation process celebrate not only the film’s creative triumph but also the collaborative spirit and artistic dedication of all who brought this nightmarish world to life. The haunting magic of ‘Tumbbad’ thus remains a testament to the boundless potential of Indian cinema, continuously pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects.
