The world of Bollywood was taken aback by a poster released on 4th July 2018, titled “Tumbbad”. The poster set motion a slew of speculations and anticipation that ended when the trailer was released this 24th of September. The trailer featured the story of a family set in the city of Pune during the early 1920s era and revolves around 3 members specifically.
Here are 5 Reasons why it should be on your watchlist this month
1- Visual Treat
Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, the movie is a visual treat, thanks to its elaborate and beautiful sets. The team behind the creation ended up structuring the whole city of Pune, as it would have looked during the early 1900s of the country.Apart from the sets, thanks to the brilliant acting of the actors, the movie sets a mysterious tone for itself. The colour palette consists mainly of blacks, tans and reds which has resulted in a rather eerie looking domestic India that is sure to give you chills down your spine.
2- The Acting
The movie stars some well known actors alongside Producer, Actor; Sohum Shah in the lead. Accompanying him are Harish Khanna and Ronjini Chakraborty in the supporting roles. First impressions of the movie based on the trailer reveal a rather mature cast very well adapted to the story. Most characters in the movie embody subtle nuances that help bring out different layers of each character. Sohum Shah sets a constant yet mysterious tone with his straight faced and determined look throughout the trailer.
3- The Production
Apart from Rahi Anil Barve, Anand Gandhi is a part of the making process as well, featuring as the Creative Director. Mr. Gandhi is known for his award winning movie ‘Ship of Theseus’ starring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead. Tumbbad is produced by Anand.L.Rai who is another famed producer and director well known for movies like Tanu weds Manu and Ranjhana. Such a big ensemble is another reason to expect something new and exciting when you the nearest multiplex forTumbbad.
4- The Production Time
Tumbbad is a project of perseverance and determination on Rahi Anil Barve’s part. With more than 15 years spent in production, Tumbbad is an underdog you need to watch out for. The director first came across the story in 1993 when a friend recited an extract to him in Nagzira. Although the film was shot and produced back in 2012, it did not turn out to be the way Barve wanted it to. Long story short, thanks to Anand Gandhi’s intervention the film was rewritten and reshot in 2015.
The director was quoted saying “we shot in the rain at age-old locations, where no human had ventured for at least a 100 years. For me, Tumbbad’s locations, the feel of its stuffy air, and the lonely rainy atmosphere that defies the feeling of time’s passage is as central as its characters”.
5- Bollywood’s Horror Comeback
Bollywood is often ridiculed for its take on horror with movies like 1920, Creature and other such movies. But thanks to better scripts and wiser production choices we have had a recent slew of amazing spectacles like Pari, Ghoul and Stree. Tumbbad is another rare marvel which looks to be the same if not better than its recent contemporaries. The movie features excellent art direction alongside some errie and creepy set design. If you have been cringing at the sight of every Bollywood horror film, Tumbbad just might make you change your mind.
If you haven’t watched the trailer it is linked below. Feel free to share your thoughts on the movie in the comments below.