Tumbbad (2018) — Story, Cast & Review
Intro
Tumbbad (2018) is a dark fantasy horror film directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi, starring Sohum Shah in the lead role. Set in pre-independence India, the film weaves mythology, greed, and horror into a visually stunning narrative. It stands out as one of the most unique and ambitious Indian films ever made, blending folklore with moral allegory.
Story — Detailed Synopsis
The story unfolds in the village of Tumbbad, where people believe in the myth of Hastar, a forgotten deity who was never worshipped because of his greed. According to legend, Hastar was the firstborn of the Goddess of Prosperity but was cursed for his insatiable hunger for gold and food.
The film follows Vinayak Rao (Sohum Shah), a young boy who grows up in Tumbbad amidst poverty and mystery. His grandmother guards a secret about a hidden treasure connected to Hastar. As Vinayak grows older, he becomes obsessed with finding this treasure.
Eventually, he discovers an underground temple where Hastar resides. By performing dangerous rituals, Vinayak learns to extract gold coins from the god’s body — but at a deadly price. Over the years, his greed grows uncontrollably, consuming his morality, relationships, and ultimately, his soul.
The story of Tumbbad is a haunting parable about the endless hunger for wealth and the self-destruction that follows when humans defy divine balance.
Principal Cast & Characters
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Sohum Shah as Vinayak Rao — the protagonist driven by greed and ambition.
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Mohammad Samad as young Vinayak — portraying innocence before corruption.
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Jyoti Malshe as Vinayak’s mother — symbolizing caution and fear.
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Anita Date and Deepak Damle in supporting roles.
The cast delivers intense and believable performances that anchor the film’s mythical world in human emotion.
Direction, Screenplay & Visuals
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Direction: Rahi Anil Barve and co-director Adesh Prasad create a world that feels both real and mythical. The slow, deliberate pacing builds dread and fascination simultaneously.
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Screenplay: The story is layered with metaphors about greed, power, and the human condition. The minimalist dialogue allows the visuals and atmosphere to speak louder than words.
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Cinematography: Pankaj Kumar’s cinematography is extraordinary — the rain-soaked landscapes, red-hued lighting, and intricate temple sets create a surreal yet believable environment.
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Production Design: Every frame looks hand-crafted, depicting colonial India’s rustic charm and horror with authenticity.
Music & Sound
The background score by Jeskie Sandoval and Ajay-Atul (themes) enhances the sense of dread and mystery. The sound design — creaking floors, thunder, whispers, and dripping rain — becomes a character of its own, amplifying tension throughout.
Themes & Symbolism
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Greed and Corruption: The film’s central theme — greed — is shown as an endless hunger that destroys everything, including family and humanity.
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Mythology and Morality: Hastar represents both divine punishment and human weakness, symbolizing how myths reflect societal truths.
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Cycle of Desire: The story mirrors how one generation’s greed is passed on to the next, warning of history repeating itself.
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Colonial Decay: Set during the British Raj, it subtly critiques the exploitation and moral decay of that era.
Reception & Legacy
Tumbbad premiered at international film festivals before its Indian release and received critical acclaim worldwide. Critics praised its originality, visuals, and strong narrative.
Though not a mainstream box office hit, it became a cult classic, hailed as a masterpiece of Indian horror and fantasy cinema. It redefined how Indian films could blend folklore, philosophy, and genre storytelling.
Memorable Moments
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The descent into the underground womb-like chamber — a visual and emotional climax.
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Vinayak’s first encounter with Hastar — both terrifying and mesmerizing.
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The final sequence, where greed literally consumes the protagonist — an unforgettable ending.
Who Should Watch It
If you appreciate dark, thought-provoking cinema with rich symbolism and stunning visuals, Tumbbad is a must-watch. It’s perfect for fans of psychological horror, mythology, and morally complex storytelling.
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Verdict (Short)
Visually breathtaking, haunting, and deeply philosophical — Tumbbad is a modern Indian classic that explores the true horror of human greed.
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