Film enthusiasts and fans of the critically acclaimed horror fantasy ‘Tumbbad’ were met with surprising news this week. Rahi Anil Barve, the creative force behind the original film, announced that he will not be involved in the upcoming sequel of the franchise. This development comes shortly after Sohum Shah, the lead actor and producer of the film, confirmed that a continuation of the ‘Tumbbad’ story is in the works.
Barve’s statement followed closely on the heels of the re-release of ‘Tumbbad’, which graced cinema screens once again on September 13, rekindling the fascination of audiences with its dark and mythological narrative. The original film, first released in 2018, made a significant impact both critically and commercially, earning a special place in the annals of Indian cinema for its unique storytelling and atmospheric depth.
In his announcement, Barve elaborated on his current and future projects, which include an ambitious trilogy that delves into various intense themes. The trilogy is comprised of ‘Tumbbad’, ‘Pahadpangira’, and ‘Pakshitirtha’. Barve described this body of work as his personal exploration of profound and often unsettling subjects.
“For decades I worked on this insane trilogy with many producers changing in between. First was the greed of patriarchy. My personal and much darker version of father, son and the holy ghost. Second deals with the dawn of feminism and holier than holy satipratha – ‘Pahadpangira’. Third, the end of this trilogy will be ‘Pakshitirtha’. That’s all I have to say for now,” he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday night.
Adding a note of camaraderie, Barve extended his best wishes to Sohum Shah and co-director Adesh Prasad, expressing confidence in their ability to carry forward the legacy of ‘Tumbbad’. “I wish Sohum and Aadesh all the best for ‘Tumbbad II’; I have no doubt it will be an outstanding success,” said Barve.
Sohum Shah graciously acknowledged Barve’s announcement and took to social media to offer his congratulations and best wishes for Barve’s upcoming endeavors.
. “Congratulations mere bhai for Gulkanda and Raktabrahmand or jaldi Sai shuru kar de pahadpangira. Maza aayega (sic),” he wrote, indicating another layer of projects that Barve has lined up.
In a warm exchange, Barve responded, “I am always there for you. thanks for everything,” to which Shah replied, “Likewise,” showcasing the mutual respect and support between the two creators.
Barve also revealed his timeline for future projects. He plans to commence production on ‘Pahadpangira’ in March 2025. Before initiating this new venture, he will be wrapping up work on ‘Gulkanda Tales’ and ‘Raktabramhand’, which are also anticipated to be significant contributions to Indian cinema.
‘Tumbbad’, produced by Sohum Shah Films, stands as a benchmark in the genre of horror fantasy. The narrative revolves around Vinayak Rao, portrayed by Sohum Shah, as he spirals into the depths of greed and obsession while seeking out a mythical treasure guarded by the malevolent entity, Hastar. Set against the backdrop of a village in Maharashtra, the film’s exploration of themes related to avarice and human folly has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
The re-release of ‘Tumbbad’ has reaffirmed its strong fan base. By Friday, the film had amassed an impressive Rs 13.44 crore net in its re-run at the domestic box office, a significant boost from its original collection in 2018. This remarkable achievement underscores the film’s enduring appeal and Barve’s craftsmanship in weaving a story that continues to captivate new and returning audiences.
With Barve charting a new artistic journey and offering fans another layer of intricate narratives through his upcoming trilogy, the anticipation for ‘Pahadpangira’ and ‘Pakshitirtha’ is already building. Meanwhile, the continuation of the ‘Tumbbad’ franchise under the helm of Shah and Prasad promises to be an exciting new chapter in the annals of Indian horror fantasy cinema.
