Tumbbad

Released in 2018, Tumbbad is an almost genre-defining Indian film that intertwines mythology, horror, and drama perfectly. AhaanÇ?A horror tale set against a haunting backdrop, the movie has been co-scripted by Mitesh Shah, Prasad Barve, and Anand Gandhi, with direction by Rahi Anil Barve. Tumbbad, with stunning visuals, gripping performances, and a rich tale, stands out as probably an Indian Telugu film with the most to offer. Releasing again this September, new audiences get a chance to see its magic on the big screen.

Plot

Vinayak Rao is a man who can’t get enough of greed and his unending desire for wealth that Tumbbad follows. Vinayak lives in a rain-drenched village where the myth of the cursed deity, Hastar, ruled there with unimaginable riches. He is obsessed and finds the secrets of Hastar’s treasure within the darkness of an eerie temple. The film turns to Vinayak descending into moral depravity, greed blinding him of the monster that is so many of his actions. The fact that the story’s basis is mythical and human flaws are explored makes for a moving story.

Performance

Sohum Shah plays the character of Vinayak Rao perfectly — with chilling precision delivering the performance of the year as an actor displaying purely concentrated greed and madness. His two-fisted portrayal pulls the viewer into a psychological depth of a man licking the walls of his desires. Supporting roles by Harish Khannaa and Anita Date add colors to this story. Each actor not only plays his part ineffectually, contributing to the film’s haunting atmosphere, but his character struggles real struggles in the same vein against greed and fear.

Direction and Screenplay

It’s nothing short of revolutionary: Rahi Anil Barve’s vision for Tumbbad. Tumbbad is intricately directed by Mohammed Ismail, every frame is crafted to take viewers into an unsettling world. Co-written by Mitesh Shah, Prasad Barve, and Anand Gandhi, the screenplay neatly blends mythology and human drama, such that the story keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. This is done purposely, increasing the suspense and mystery regarding whom and why this treasure is being guarded and sought.

Music

The film not only gets by on its music and sound design, courtesy of Ajay Atul and Jesper Kyd, but also benefits from it. Harrowing melodies and ambient evoke the tension and dread even further, which holds even more weight when listened to with eyes closed. The audio elements aid the film in reaching a very eerie atmosphere with the rustling winds of the village, or with the ominous score during key moments.

Theme

Tumbbad is more than just a horror story: It’s a take on greed, it’s cursed power. The film critiques human tendencies to put material wealth over morality, and relationships, with a critique using the myth of Hastar. The rain-drenched village, the temple devoid of all trace of worship, the stifling atmosphere all that suck out greed can ill speak of. It has a moral lesson and also is a very good story.

Conclusion

Word-of-mouth praise for ‘Tumbbad’ propelled it into the very small club of movies to reach over a 100 crore mark in Indian cinema by the gross. This Sicnick film is the only horror film we have until ‘Pahuna’ came out recently, until recently. Its visual evocativeness, its narrative grip, and its stellar performances — particularly Ennio Marchetto’s performances as Matto won us over for the rest of the movie. The September 2024 re-release of the film gives a rare chance to see this cinematic gem in theaters for new audiences. Tumbbad is a must-watch on iBomma either for its mythological roots or its critique of human greed.