If you enjoy Indian cinema, or are just somewhat curious, Tumbbad is one of those films you simply have to see. It most assuredly cannot be counted among the average musical Bollywood films. Rather, it revels in something that can only be described as a darkly thrilling and visually dense experience unparalleled in Indian cinema thus far. Here’s why Tumbbad stands out as one of the finest films ever made in India.
1. A Story Like No Other
At its core, the film Tumbbad is a horror fantasy film, but it is not a run of the mill ghost story. A deep dive into Indian mythology and folklore, it tells an incredible narrative that unfolds a story about greed, desire, and devastating effects of unchecked ambition. Instead of the cheap fright, it creates an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that ensnares one at the very beginning.
It is a tale as inspired by the myth of Hastar and an evil treasure kept within the village of Tumbbad, an eerie village. The plot unfolds in such a haunting and reflective manner that it becomes much more than an average horror movie.
2. Took 6 Years to Make
You won’t believe this but Tumbbad took six years to make! The filmmakers became so enamored of shooting the scene exactly to their taste that they only filmed during the monsoon season. Why? According to this myth in the film, it rains all the time in Tumbbad, so they were staying true to the story by waiting for actual rain to capture that eerie, wet atmosphere. This kind of dedication is hard to find, but it’s just one of the many reasons Tumbbad stands out. The weather has such a hold on the mood of the film. It’s like the rain incessantly fuels the eerie atmosphere, almost like it’s from another world.
3. A Visual Masterpiece
Tumbbad – visually beautiful, much like painting, light strokes while painting with camera, the initial darkish mood of the shabby little village portrayed with photographs; every shot standing as if one were to pause at any moment and have an exquisite fine art photo. Coupled with non-stop rain and gloomy backdrop, the movie carried a creepy atmosphere, almost mythical itself.
A cinematic effort clearly marked by a great attention to details, from the aged old mansion, the fabric, the costumes, and all other minute details of the period, giving a depth richness to narration.
4. Undeniable Performances
The lead is played with subtlety and humility by Sohum Shah. He is nothing less than marvelously powerful. He acts out the greed and ambition of the character in such a manner that one can’t help but feel disdain and empathy at the same time. In fact, the entire supporting cast is equally impressive as each one delivers their roles with tremendous zeal and authenticity that they become an integral part of Tumbbad’s eerie world.
5. A film without genre
One of the elements that ensure that Tumbbad is such a memorable film is that it doesn’t place itself under any single genre. It is a blend of horror, fantasy, drama, and even a wee bit of historical fiction. This does appeal to a vast section of moviegoers across the globe. Mythologies or a horrid darkness surrounding fantasy, or would someone just savor a good long story, Tumbbad has it all.
6. Global Success
Despite its strong Indian cultural and mythological symbolism, Tumbbad has reached a broader audience worldwide. The broad themes of greed, ambition, and the dark side of man’s nature are something which basically connects all of us; hence it is not surprising that it received critical acclaim in India and throughout the world to emerge as one of the most important Indian films in recent times.
7. The Music That Will Linger
Essentially, it is the pulse of the mood in any film. Tumbbad did that. The composing of sound, Jesper Kyd came hauntingly atmospheric to accompany the visual, particularly the dark tone of the film. One those soundtracks which makes you remember long after the movie’s over adds to the haunting of the entire experience.
Final Thoughts
Tumbbad is a film of sheer cinematic brilliance cut out from the sea of commercials. It means originality and good storytelling. You don’t watch it; you experience it. If you are an ardent fan of horror or fantasy or fabulous filmmaking, then you absolutely have to watch this film. Undoubtedly, one of the best films to have come out of India in recent times.
And given the fact that it has taken six years to make the film, with every shot timed to the monsoon season, the end product is pure magic. So if you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the perfect time to grab that packet of popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into the eerie world of Tumbbad. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
