Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi, 'Tumbbad,' co-produced by and featuring Sohum Shah in a leading role, stands out as a distinctive horror film. It can aptly be described as "hauntingly beautiful."
Credit is due to cinematographer Pankaj Kumar, whose exceptional work brings the horror to life in a visually stunning manner. To put it in rather cliched terms, every frame in 'Tumbbad' unfolds on the big screen as if it were a mesmerizing painting. The village where the film was shot seemed untouched by any movie crew for a century, lending an aura of authenticity to the setting.
The creation of Hastar, the film's antagonist, deserves its own accolades. Rarely has Hindi cinema witnessed a character so lifelike, eerie, and spine-chilling in the horror genre.
Understanding the extensive and painstaking efforts that went into the making of 'Tumbbad,' spanning six long years, one can appreciate why every aspect of the film comes together so seamlessly. Even the rain sequences were shot across four monsoons, emphasizing the dedication to maintaining authenticity without resorting to cinematic trickery.
In terms of the narrative, 'Tumbbad' draws heavily from India's rich oral and folk traditions, as reflected in its folklore-style storytelling. According to an IMDb trivia note, "Tumbbad, the city actually exists but the folklore is not present anywhere, which is consistent with the theory that Hastar, the god demon, would never be written about.
If you assumed 'Tumbbad' to be a stylized, arty horror film that might not be as effective at delivering scares as other horror movies, you'd be in for a surprise. Actor-producer Sohum Shah and his team skillfully balance artistry and genuine scares. Sohum Shah even recounted a humorous anecdote from the Venice screening where his mother, who was watching the film, found it so terrifying that she fell asleep. She later scolded him for making such a frightening movie.
While 'Tumbbad' may not have broken box office records, it undeniably left an indelible mark on the Hindi horror genre. This genre had, for the most part, been overlooked in the Indian film industry, but 'Tumbbad' bestowed upon it the respect it deserved. It approached the genre with sincerity and came away with a remarkable result. The six-year labor of love undeniably paid off.
'Tumbbad' is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, offering an opportunity for new audiences to experience this cinematic masterpiece.
