Nearly seven years after its release, Tumbbad remains one of India’s most celebrated horror films. Starring Sohum Shah, the film follows a man’s dangerous search for a mythical treasure.
By blending folklore, greed, and horror, Tumbbad has earned cult-classic status over the years.
Now, with Tumbbad 2 on the horizon, fans are once again revisiting the film. Here are seven fascinating facts behind the making of the iconic horror classic.
From Four Monsoons to the Oscars: The Making of Tumbbad
Bringing Tumbbad to life demanded years of patience and perseverance. The makers spent six years filming the movie. They also waited through four monsoons to capture real rain instead of relying on artificial effects.
To enhance its realism, much of the film was shot in the remote village of Tumbbad in Maharashtra. Its weathered houses and ancient caves provided the perfect backdrop for the haunting story.
Moreover, because rain dominates much of the film, the makers reportedly dubbed it four times. This ensured the dialogues sounded natural across multiple language versions.
Director Rahi Anil Barve first conceived Tumbbad in 1996. However, it took 22 years to secure funding, refine the screenplay, and finally bring the film to theatres in 2018.
One of the film’s most unforgettable moments – the haunting climax featuring Sohum Shah – was filmed using the light of a single lantern. As a result, it became one of the production’s biggest technical challenges.
Eventually, the years of hard work earned global recognition. Tumbbad became the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival. It later represented India as its official submission for the 91st Academy Awards.
From surviving four monsoons to spending more than two decades bringing its story to life, Tumbbad proves that extraordinary cinema demands extraordinary commitment.
With Tumbbad 2 on the horizon, the legacy of Sohum Shah and the entire cast continues to draw audiences back into the mysterious world of Hastar.
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