Movie Review: Tumbbad (2018)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (9.0/10)
| Director | Rahi Anil Barve, Adesh Prasad |
| Cast | Sohum Shah, Jyoti Malshe, Anita Date |
| Genre | Horror, Fantasy, Thriller |
| Runtime | 1h 44m |
Plot Overview
Tumbbad tells the haunting story of Vinayak Rao and his dangerous quest for a legendary treasure hidden in the cursed village of Tumbbad. The film is based on themes of greed, Indian mythology, and the dark consequences of human desires. It paints a gripping picture of the relentless greed of a man in pre-independence India who encounters an ancient demonic entity called Hastar, the cursed god of greed. Through its eerie atmosphere and creepy visuals, Tumbbad weaves a horror story in which folklore blends seamlessly with horror stories.
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (9.0/10)
Overall Verdict:
Tumbbad is a visually stunning and thematically rich film that takes Indian horror films to new heights. With its eerie atmosphere, deep mythology, and profound commentary on human greed, this is a must-watch film. Though the pace can feel slow at times, the film’s originality and striking visuals make it an unforgettable experience.
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Visuals & Cinematography | 9.5/10 | Tumbbad beautifully displays its rain-soaked, eerie aesthetic outdoors, using natural lighting and intricate sets such as a womb-like pit. The descent into Hastar’s lair is a visual highlight, blending horror and fantasy beautifully. |
| Story & Screenplay | 8.5/10 | Tumbbad, a unique horror film based on Indian mythology, depicts the themes of greed and desire. The myth of Hastar is very different, although the pace of the middle part is slow. |
| Acting | 8/10 | Sohum Shah portrays Vinayak’s moral degradation brilliantly, while Anita Date adds depth as his frightened mother. The strong acting adds depth to the dark atmosphere. |
| Music & Sound Design | 9/10 | The eerie music adds to the tension, especially in the scenes involving Hastar. Every creak and gust of wind is used to heighten the horror. |
| Themes & Symbolism | 9/10 | The film criticizes uncontrolled greed, which is symbolized by Hastar’s insatiable hunger. The underground pit represents endless desire, making it a powerful metaphor |
| Audience Reaction | 8.5/10 | Fans of mythological horror and atmospheric storytelling will love it. The climax between Vinayak and Hastar leaves a lasting impact |
Audience and Critic’s Respons
| Platform | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 8.2/10 | Great |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 87% (Critics) | Excellent |
| Metacritic | 75/100 | Good |
| Google Audience | 4.4/5 | Superb |
| Letterboxd | 4.1/5 | Great |
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Tumbbad?
Overall, Tumbbad is a must-watch for fans of mythological horror and atmospheric storytelling. Its strong performances, stunning visuals, and compelling themes of greed and desire make it a great debut in Indian cinema. While it has slight pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots, the film’s powerful narrative and visual mastery make it a memorable experience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Plot Summary | A man and his son encounter a legendary demon while searching for hidden treasure in 19th-century India. |
| Producer | Amita Shah, Mukesh Shah, Sohum Shah |
| Screenwriter | Adesh Prasad, Rahi Anil Barve, Mitesh Shah, Anand Gandhi |
| Distributor | Eros International |
| Production Company | Film i Väst, Filmgate Films, Colour Yellow Productions, Sohum Shah FIlms |
| Genre | Horror, Fantasy |
| Original Language | Hindi |
| Release Date (Theaters) | October 12, 2018, Limited |
| Release Date (Streaming) | January 16, 2019 |
| Runtime | 1h 44m |
| Sound Mix | Dolby Atmos |
| Awards | 17 wins & 26 nominations |
FAQs
1. Where to Watch Tumbbad?
Answer: You can catch Tumbbad on OTT- Amazon Prime Video, At present Tumbbaad is not on OTT, but You can watch it in theaters now.
2. Is Tumbbad a real story?
Answer: No, the film is inspired by Indian folklore and is completely fictional.
3. How many awards has Tumbbad won?
Answer: 17 awards
4. Is Tumbbad a horror movie?
Answer: Yes, it is a horror, Fantasy, and Thriller movie.