New Delhi: The thrilling and gripping trailer of Tumbbad has been released, sparking astonishment and nostalgia among audiences for the folk horror film that took the world by storm. As the film is poised to return to theaters on 13th September, it provides a fresh opportunity for viewers to immerse themselves once again in the spine-chilling world of Tumbbad—a masterful concoction of horror and fantasy set in a fictional, mythological village.
The anticipation for this re-release has been further amplified by actor Sohum Shah, who delighted fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes images of Hastar. These never-before-seen photos reveal the painstaking journey of creating the dark entity that haunted audiences’ nightmares and the exhaustive efforts that the cast and crew invested to bring this character to life on screen.
Taking to social media, Sohum Shah shared images showing Hastar in his initial black form. Unlike the final film, where Hastar appears ominous in a red, blood-drenched avatar, the initial version lacked the iconic womb, which viewers recognize from the theatrical release. The shared images capture the essence of the character’s early design stages and underscore the creative evolution and manifold hurdles faced by the team.
Sohum Shah’s Instagram post provided a nostalgic dive into the production process, evoking fascination and respect for the relentless commitment to achieving perfection. The post swiftly went viral, accumulating thousands of likes and comments from fans and celebrities alike who were eager to uncover the meticulous labor behind the eerie character.
What audiences ultimately witnessed in Tumbbad was Hastar, terrifying and soaked in bloodshed, with his menacing red hue that struck fear into the hearts of viewers. However, the creation of Hastar was fraught with challenges. Initially, the team constructed a black version of Hastar, which after extensive shooting and editing, was deemed unsatisfactory. Unwavering in their pursuit of perfection, the filmmakers decided to discard the initial footage and reshoot the entire sequence, eventually shaping the final version that left an indelible impact on the horror genre.
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Tumbbad’s acclaim did not stop at the character of Hastar alone; the film itself became a beacon of critical success, earning eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards and clinching three awards for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. Additionally, Tumbbad held the distinction of being the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section of the prestigious 75th Venice International Film Festival, further establishing its landmark achievements in the global film community.
Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, with Anand Gandhi as the creative director and Adesh Prasad as the co-director, Tumbbad’s production involved an eminent team of writers including Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi. The movie was produced by Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah. Apart from Sohum Shah, who delivered a captivating performance, the film features compelling portrayals by Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar.
Despite its successful run in theaters and film festivals, Tumbbad is notably absent from any OTT platforms, making its upcoming re-release a momentous event for cinephiles who have yearned for another opportunity to experience its atmospheric horror on the big screen. Fans old and new are eagerly awaiting to be transported back to the eerie and mystical world that Tumbbad so hauntingly represents.
As the excitement builds towards the re-release, the team behind Tumbbad continues to garner admiration for their perseverance and artistry. Each frame of the film, and particularly the harrowing scenes involving Hastar, stand testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship and dedication that have defined Tumbbad as a modern classic in Indian cinema’s horror genre.
Come 13th September, audiences will once more have the chance to journey through the mist-laden, forbidding village of Tumbbad, reliving the suspense and horror that made it an unforgettable cinematic experience. With the re-release of Tumbbad, not only is a masterpiece being brought back to theaters, but so too is the spirit of artistic resilience and the sheer force of creative storytelling.
As the curtain is set to rise again, there lies a promise of rekindling the flames of an iconic horror tale, offering a thrilling encore that will captivate and terrify in equal measure.
