New Delhi: The thrilling and gripping trailer of Tumbbad has been released, leaving audiences astonished and reviving nostalgia for this folk horror masterpiece. The film, renowned for its unique blend of horror and fantasy set in a fictional, mythological village, is all set to return to theaters on 13th September. This re-release offers fans and newcomers alike a fresh opportunity to immerse themselves in the chilling world of Tumbbad.
Amid the rising excitement for its re-release, actor Sohum Shah has drawn the audience closer to the fervor surrounding Tumbbad by sharing unseen images of the black Hastar on his social media. These images encapsulate the arduous journey of Hastar’s creation and the immense effort the team invested in bringing to life the haunting figure seen on screen.
Shah revealed that the initial sequences featuring Hastar, shot in an earlier phase of production, depicted the character in black rather than the blood-drenched red seen in the final version of the film. Additionally, the original depiction of Hastar lacked the womb element that contributes significantly to the creature’s horrifying aesthetic. The team reshot these sequences several times, driven by their commitment to meet the high standards they had set for Tumbbad’s visual and thematic narrative.
The version of Hastar that ultimately struck fear into the hearts of viewers was the result of diligent efforts and numerous refinements. Initially built with extreme difficulty and through various tests, the original sequence was completely discarded after shooting and editing, as it did not align with the filmmakers’ envisioned standards. It was only after multiple reshoots and continuous refinements that Hastar took on the terrifying appearance that captivated and frightened audiences worldwide.
Tumbbad garnered critical acclaim upon its original release. The film received eight nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards and won three, including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. It also holds the distinction of being the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival.
Helmed by director Rahi Anil Barve, Tumbbad also boasts Anand Gandhi as the creative director and Adesh Prasad as the co-director.
. The screenplay is a collaborative effort between Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi. The film was produced by Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah. It also stars Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar alongside Sohum Shah in pivotal roles.
The film’s inability to secure a place on any OTT platform has only heightened anticipation for its theatrical re-release, as audiences yearn to revisit or experience for the first time the horrors of Tumbbad on the big screen.
The story behind Hastar’s creation is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and persistence of the Tumbbad team. The initial black Hastar lacked some key horrifying attributes, prompting the creative team to reshoot the sequences. The decision to depict Hastar in a blood-red hue added an element of sheer terror, striking a chord with viewers and elevating the film’s horror quotient.
This detailed perspective on Hastar’s evolution helps articulate the filmmakers’ relentless pursuit of perfection. Their unwavering dedication is mirrored in the film’s technical aspects, which have garnered widespread recognition and awards.
Being a non-OTT available cult classic, Tumbbad’s re-release is more than just a return to theaters. It is a celebration of the film’s artistic triumph and a homage to the tireless efforts of everyone involved in its creation. With the new trailer rekindling the eerie allure of Tumbbad, audiences are eagerly awaiting to venture back into the dark, mystic world where folklore and horror intertwine.
The anticipation surges as the 13th of September draws near, bringing the chilling tales from Tumbbad back to the silver screen. For horror aficionados and cinema lovers, Tumbbad’s return promises an unparalleled cinematic experience filled with spine-tingling suspense and breathtaking visuals.
