Tumbbad (2018) User Reviews

Definitely original a masterpiece

[avinash_me_28 · 9/10 · 12 October 2018]

Tumbbad

With this movie , indian film making has definitely gained a certain level of maturity . I have lost my faith in horror cum thriller zone movies which are produced in india, in past all they do is cut copy paste. This movie is definitely original. They do not use sudden creepy sound effects or the old tricks of moving camera over the shoulder. The director completely relies on the story to work and it works. The camera lenses are well used to portray the claustrophobic scenes . The production value is top notch , totally uplifts the movie. Most of the scene includes rain , the greens and a dark environment which works superbly . Director duo do not try to scare you through formula film making methods. They don't even try to do that ,it's the story and the environment which worked for them. Most of the scenes are designed in low light conditions but the contrast is high enough to attract your eye's attention towards the character. Actors have pulled there character successfully specially Soham Shah who is also the producer. A thousand year old myth , greed, deep dark corner of a humen's psyche , a monster (within and out too), ajay atul's precise background score , the spellbound scenic value and a world class direction . There is so much more this movie has to offer. The masala movie watcher may not able to appreciate the movie as it must be but this movie definitely deserves a sensible class of audience.

"The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed."

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 31 October 2021]

I have to say, that old grandmother was more horrifying than just about any movie monster you can think of, and I'm including Godzilla and Freddie Kruger in that statement. That was one ugly make-up job. The demon Hastar was no slouch either, but I did have to laugh the first time it defecated gold coins out it's butt. That was just a bit too outlandish. The film appears to be a cautionary tale about what greed does to a person, and as sins of the father are passed down to the son, the avarice has the tendency to perpetuate itself through the ages. The story is told in three chapters set about fifteen years apart, beginning around 1918 in the Western India village of Tumbbad, from which the movie takes it's name. It takes a doll made out of dough to summon the creature Hastar, which also has the tendency to distract it long enough to gather up the gold coins it produces. Multiple dolls suggest the distraction will last longer thereby allowing additional time to collect more gold coins, but instead, the surplus dolls summon an equal number of surplus demons. Another outcome of unintended consequences. I've seen over a dozen films out of India but this was the first true horror picture from that country. It was quite original in execution, with spectacular if terrifying imagery that's bound to cause nightmares for the more timid.

Not really Bollywood

[samyaksambuddha · 9/10 · 19 October 2018]

This was something that may give may give 'goosebumps' to the makers of Hollywood movies. This is a movie that will add to the Indian cinema a tons but unfortunately Indian cinema is not prepared for it. The viewers are not prepared for it. We are still into watching that regular melodrama and item songs. I was fantasized for the making of Stree and acting and drama that made it. But after watching this I can proudly appreciate the concept and depth that this movie offers. This shows us what a thriller can be like. The biggest attraction of the movie was the story that was very symbolic of the human craving. Human craving takes you into darkness is the message of the movie . Sohum Shah has played his part powerfully and so has Anita Date. The direction was not orthodox and was original. This is the first movie of its type and definitely Hollywood can learn from it. This is a much an improvement over the Hollywood stories like Annabelle, Conjuring. A must entertainment for all. Watch it, especially if you are not into watching the regular drama that Indian cinema offers like Race 3

A movie we needed, but we don't deserve.

[yash-back-in-black · 10/10 · 14 October 2018]

We dont deserve movies like Tumbbad. There is no khan in this movie, no item songs, and no big stars. Do yourself a favor by watching #Tumbbad this week. Brilliant direction and breathtaking cinematography. Breaks my heart to see an empty theater on day 2. Contribute to meaningful cinema by watching it in theaters or keep complaining about movies like race3.#TumbbadWinningHearts

A Welcome Maturity In Indian Horror

[CinemaClown · 12 January 2020]

Original, unsettling & enveloped with a dreadful aura, Tumbbad is a wicked blend of fantasy & folklore that makes fab use of its rich & riveting mythology to deliver a dark, delirious nightmare, and is all the more strengthened by its claustrophobic set pieces, ominous camerawork & unrelenting score.

Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, the most impressive bit about his first feature is that it is devoid of the awful gimmicks that destroy most Bollywood horrors. It retains its Indian roots, relies on its chilling ambience to ratchet the tension, and doesn't go overboard with most elements, thus keeping the interest alive until the end.

The remote location, period setting, dilapidated sets, perpetual rain & pitch dark alleys contribute plenty in creating a sense of apprehension that keeps us riveted throughout. The sophisticated camerawork & menacing score further amplify the unsettling vibe. Performances, however, are a bit overdone and certainly could've used some restraint.

Overall, Tumbbad is a welcome entry in Bollywood horror with a level of maturity that most of its counterparts lack. Scoring high marks on storytelling & technical fronts, it is a polished piece of work that puts greater emphasis on atmosphere to derive the chills instead of resorting to tiresome clichés, and is neatly executed by the debutant filmmaker. Definitely worth a shot.

Imagine if this film got more publicity...

[Puroo · 10/10 · 21 May 2021]

Would you believe me if I tell you the budget of this film is just 5 crores (nearly $700k)? Before you let that fact sink in, would you believe me if I also tell you that this is the director's first ever film? Rahi Anil Barve - remember this name. You might need to speak it when someone asks you who your favourite Bollywood director is. This film was made for 6 years. Keep reading, I will tell you why it took so long.

Tumbbad is set in the village of the same name in Maharashtra. The story is set during the colonial period, and also some of it just after the independence. Though the village exists in real, it is nothing like what has been described in the film. According to the film the village has been cursed for writing the name of Hastar, a demon son of a Goddess who gave birth to 160 million gods. Because of the curse it is always raining in Tumbbad. Since the budget of this film was so low, the filming was only done during monsoon season when it was actually raining in the village. That's how low the budget of the film is - they couldn't even afford fake rain so they had to wait for 6 years to complete the filming.

In spite of the low budget, it does not give the feeling of being cheap at all. In fact if I didn't know better, I'd think this is a very expensive film. The actors aren't popular, but I don't see where the problem is over there. How many of us knew the names of all the actors from Baahubali? Still we watched it, right? So I'd think this is also a regional film. The acting is phenomenal. The horror scenes absolutely give me the creeps. It's perfect in every sense. Even the ending is left on an ambiguous note, enough to leave a shrill down anyone's spine. The posters of this film are also very good, and it's a shame to say that the worst one has been used over here. Look up for the other posters on Google Images.

The reason why Tumbbad failed to cross a huge commercial mark is because it wasn't advertised at all. If I hadn't read an answer on Quora that said it should have been sent to the Oscars instead of Gully Boy, I'd have never even known about its existence. There was literally no talk of it. Sure it has a low budget for making the film, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't spend in the marketing at all. It was so awesome, I for one would have definitely seen it if I had heard about it before. Also the only way to watch it now is through Prime, which will show you this film only if you type the correct spelling in the search box. It's a shame that you can't watch this film unless you know specifically what you're looking for.

I really admire the dedication of the director to make this film. He clearly knew this film wasn't going to be earning those big bucks, yet he continued to make it. This is what happens when you have directors who treat their work not as products but rather as works of art. I really aspire to be a filmmaker of that type. This film will be a very big lesson to me. I wish Rahi Anil Barve a very successful and prosperous career in the future.

Making Indian film proud.

[facestompu · 10/10 · 13 October 2018]

This movie will definitely be in the conversation of the greatest Indian movies ever made. 50 years from now, people will be referring to this film as an absolute classic and masterpiece in the genre. Sohum Shah, take a bow. Whoever did the VFX and Makeup deserves all the awards. The story is so original and I felt the eerie atmosphere throughout the movie. Also, today's bollywood movies often try to show as much brightness in every scene. The fact that the cinematography of this film is so awesome, that it's dark, in the rain, just immerses you in the plot and the 1900s. I heard it took 6 years of hard work. Thank you for giving the Indian audience this amazing film. A big step for the future of Indian cinema

The constant rain, vivid local landscapes, unique storyline n the amazeballs ending. If only the subject of true horror 'Sati' was explored more.

[Fella_shibby · 9/10 · 3 December 2018]

The film begins with top notch cinematography.

The story is unique, bringing mythology n the moral subject of human greed.

The story is based on the spooky Indian mythology/horror folktale of a demon who is loaded with gold but deprived of food.

One family has been able to revive the demon by building a temple inside an isolated n creepy mansion. Cos of this the family is ostracised.

The mansion is huge with big doors n fort like walls n only the old father resides in the mansion. The wife/mistress do visit the mansion everyday to give the old husband a hand-job n while she gives him the hand-job, she asks him to hurry up, to which the oldie replies in a funny way.

The wife also inquires about a gold coin which is kept near the demon's idol.

The house of the family is walking distance away from the mansion which is inhabited by the wife n her two kids along with the great great grandmother of the old husband who is being cursed to live forever after the bite of the demon n the old hag needs to be fed regularly while she is asleep or she might resort to cannibalism.

The house is a striking image on top a hill, reminding viewers of isolation in the countryside.

There are no close-by neighbors, as the family is on their own after their ostracisation.

There is something very trance like feel in this movie, especially the weather n the locations.

The constant rain and vivid, well filmed local landscapes are characters themselves.

It is dark n claustrophobic with palpable atmosphere.

Kudos to the cinematographer n director, they did a fantastic job in creating a perpetual and palpable sense of tension and fear.

The director also did a nice job of building a concrete, hypnotizing story without ever having to sacrifice pacing.

The story takes place in a span of thirty years n the details r appropriately handled.

If u notice the mansion in the beginning n after fifteen years, u will see all the details.

Attention has been paid in the local ethnic details, the time period, costumes n architecture.

Also the moral subject of greed n lust are handled very well.

The subject of Sati n female subjugation are sprinkled but not explored.

Soham Shah and the kids gave noteworthy performances.

Appreciate Soham n the producers for producing such a good horror film.

Kudos to the director for a fantastic twist ending.

Love to see a prequel or sequel with more emphasis on the true horror Sati n the demon's backstory.

Best bollywood movie ever.

[ramanakshay · 10/10 · 13 October 2018]

I bet you have never seen anything like this before in bollywood. Don't miss it, its a kind of movie you should watch in movie theatre. Best cinematography best vfx best storytelling.

A must watch in theatres

[nikhiludgirkar · 10/10 · 19 October 2018]

Tumbbad is not a common movie. It will leave you gripped to your seat making you think "what would happen next". Whole movie is so beautifully shot no wonder it is shot in natural light and the beauty is visible. This movie is a feast for your eyes with cinematic excellence is on full display. You wouldnt even have time to wander off your mind but watch it with eyes wide open. You won't enjoy it on small screen but have to watch in cinema halls. Mind you this movie took 6 years in making can you believe in the perseverance of the people who clung onto movie for 6 years despite harships.

It's a Good and Unique movie. That's all.

[sanjeevsingh-62886 · 7/10 · 9 September 2021]

You will see a lot of "nationalist" reviews here similar to that you will see on all the other bollywood movies which are merely good when you look past that fact that it's made in bollywood and start judging on its own merits.

The set design, cinematography, and acting do not leave any room for complaints. When you take into consideration the miniscule budget one can't help feel impressed by what they have achieved.

The music is not bad, it gets the job done. Some of the dialogue is unintelligible. I had to rewind to understand what was being said. I liked how they used some Hindi words that have gone out of use nowdays in our daily conversation but seem relevant given the time period.

The story has enough to keep you hooked. It's not something extraordinary but good enough. I hope they extend it into a franchise. It has the potential for that.

Sure given the fact that "Tumbbad" has come out of bollywood makes people appreciate it more ( especially Indians ) but I don't deem it fit to give the movie extra points for that reason alone.

RECOMMENDED !

Hollywood may take lessons from this indian flick

[newguytheonlyguy · 10/10 · 12 October 2018]

I have to write a review for this spectacular movie, this i consider as my duty as a true movie fan who watches at least ten movies in theaters every month. I would like to congratulate sohum shah for this movie. Each frame of this movie is like an art piece, and the script is so beautiful, they used very few words to describe it. but those words clear all your doubt and also let you think on the story, people who are saying anything against it are morons, this in once in a life time movie. Tumbbad team you are the best.

Unique but not that scary

[shinrisen · 6/10 · 20 October 2023]

It being October, I'm watching a bunch of horror films, and 'Tumbbad' came unto my radar due to imdb's recommendation system. Since I'm not well versed in Indian cinema, I thought it'd be neat to watch a well-rated Bollywood flick as to subvert any possible expectations.

The story and premise behind this horror/monster flick is pretty good. Ancient legends speak of a goddess who bore another 160 million gods (Indian mythology tends to be like that), the first god borne (named Hastar) is a greedy bastage and wants to take all sustenance (gold and wheat in this case) for himself and is shunned and (sort of) banished to the Goddess' womb for it.

Vanayak is the main character and the plot follows his journey from his youth to his eventual demise. He finds out the actual location of the Godesses' womb and robs Hastar with some trickery throughout the film.

I'd say the actual plot is quite flat, despite the premise. Greed is the obvious theme throughout the proceedings and (almost) every character is thus inflicted with a healthy dose of avarice (exception being the very last scene). And while such characters don't have to be necessarily unsympathetic, I found it hard to sympathize with any of the awful people in the film, which was part of why I didn't enjoy it a lot.

Despite the thin plot and unlikable characters, there's a lot of good to be said about the production design and cinematography. Gorgeous shots of Indian landscapes and architecture keep the visuals interesting and while not all the special effects wowed me, I appreciated the scarcity of CGI.

Perhaps the biggest problem is that it's not really scary, which is the main thing I'm looking for in a horror film. As such, I can't really recommend this as a scary movie, but it's originality and visuals at least made it memorable.

6/10.

The movie is extremely overrated

[birdaheal · 5/10 · 9 April 2022]

I mean the movie is not bad but certainly not top 5 horror movies of all time. Not even close to be more specific. I have a feeling its all paid advertisment for the movie. Either that or indians have a way different sense of what a good horror movie is.

Milestone of Indian cinema

[sauravjoshi85 · 10/10 · 28 July 2019]

Tumbbad is a period horror movie starring Soham Shah, Anita Date, Ronjini Chakraborty and Mohammed samad with Jyoti Malshe and Deepak Damle playing supporting roles. The movie is directed by Rahil Anil Barve and Adesh Prasad.

The movie is probably one of the best and beautiful horror movie of Bollywood. The director duo were so dedicated for the perfection of the movie as it took six years to make this movie but were reshot as the director duo was not satisfied with the movie and Soham shah maintained his look for the entire duration of six years.

The acting is great by all the characters but highlights are Soham Shah and Mohammad Samad.

Cinematography is beautiful and so as the virgin location used in major shooting. Majority of the movie is shot in natural light which gives the realistic impact also the entire movie was shot during the monsoon to give realistic cloudy feel. Background music is superb so as the screenplay. The movie doesn't looses it's plot anywhere and keeps you engaged.

This movie is one of the milestones in the history of Indian cinema and a must watch for every true movie lover.

Absolute Masterclass........

[madhukar30 · 10/10 · 29 June 2020]

Tumbbad is a Silky visual masterpiece Interwoven in a beautifully filled with suspense, mystery and horror. Only a very few Indian movies can match Tumbbad's Mind boggling artistic appeal, the credit should go entirely to the director and the whole crew of the film. The movie was shot over a period of multiple years and though it was completed in 2012, it was reshot again and completed in 2015 as the director was not completely happy with the first version. The script was in the making for almost a couple of decades and when it was ready many production houses walked out time and again due to the various differences. The final end product that we see today is a dedicated and sustained effort this dedicated core team. The movie is poetry in every department the standout being the Cinematography, editing, costumes design, production design, VFX, Music, shooting locations and layered acting. Though shot on a minuscule budget by today's standards, the work can be compared to the best of the best movies ever made, yes it is that good. I Normally never give ratings over 8 for any movie but this one deserves a full 10/10 for its visual pleasure and the way it works one's mind. This movie is a must for any movie lover all around the world with a disclaimer to be ready to get engulfed into the world of a Mystic Adventure which will be enthralled on your minds forever.

One of its kind

[abhibhintade · 10/10 · 22 October 2018]

Original stories like Tumbbad are rarely heard forget about made into films. The film is bold,dark,atmospheric and unique. This is movie is not like the horror movies which uses jump scares. Rather it cannot be exactly called a horror movie. It is combination of folk,fantasy, adventure,horror which results into a cult. Kudos to the makers for making this brave film!!

Tumbbad is an experience

[jaitleycelina · 10/10 · 13 October 2018]

Finally its here!!! An Indian horror movie with an Indian story and an Indian soul. It has the smell of wet soil..it has the dampness of old house covered with moulds. There are no castles and occulists performing exorcism on white eyed monstrous girl. Instead there is a corrupt feudal lord who exploits a widow, bribing her with gold coins. But when its time to reward her, all he says is"swarn mudra kamaani padti hai." You realise the truth of this statement later in the movie. Instead of righteous protagonist, we have Vinayak who is greedy for wealth which he feels belongs to him. But then he is told, "Virasat mein mili har cheez par dawa nahi karte." He craves for the treasure and fights his fears and finally reaches to it. And boy!!! Once you see how he earns it..you will feel he definitely deserves it. Now for the acting part...Sohum Shah absolutely nailed the role of Vinayak. He has very few dialogues but his eyes do the talking. From lecherous to vengeful in a flash. And now coming to the main hero of the movie...the sets!!! It was hypnotic and beyond words!! The pre independence era has been captured beautifully and to the tee. The walls..the grey canvas...and my favorite part..the locks!! Oh..they just take you back in time. Finally..in one line...Go and watch this movie.It is an experience you will take back home with you. A story that will stay will you to tease you and taunt you.

Its different

[kanishsehdev · 10/10 · 5 October 2018]

This movie is way different than any horror movie ever made in india...it is a perfect blend of mythology, greet, desi atmosphere with exceptional horror. The story setup here is that there is an evil god lurking deep below a broken-down colonial estate located in the rural village of Tumbbad, who has spent an eternity protecting an infinite stash of gold from those who succumb to their own greedy desires.While it could use a little tightening in terms of its story, Tumbbad is a haunting and timeless exploration of just how badly greed can corrupt any of us, and we see that perfectly embodied in Vinayak's journey throughout the film, where he makes some pretty horrendous decisions because of his need to posture as a respected figure in his small community.

Beyond Expectation

[nishantking-42869 · 8/10 · 30 November 2018]

This movie is great,has eye catched VFX, Great & Original Story line .. This kind of cinema should be appriciate by indian audience becuase this kind of movie should be made..& this is only possible if Indian Audiences welcome this kind of different & intellectual & Great cinema ..Hatts of to the Producer.. This movie does not do well in box office & the biggest reason behind this is the Taste of Indian cinema that is so poor & the Movie is very rich in every way.....must watch movie..

"I'll Sing You A Lullaby!"...

[azathothpwiggins · 11 February 2019]

TUMBBAD is a small village in India where a shrine was built for a god named Hastar. He was the greedy, malevolent offspring of the goddess of prosperity, and was only spared from obliteration by the other gods, on the condition that he never be worshiped.

This is not a spoiler, since it is told in the first few minutes of the film.

What follows is the story of what happens when human and demonic desires intersect. Hastar's temple is said to contain a vast fortune in a secret chamber. Needless to say, circumstances arise which stir Hastar from his long slumber.

Enter Vinayak Rao (Sohum Shah), a man so driven by his lust for gold that he returns to TUMBBAD fifteen years after a terrible event, in order to find and abscond with Hastar's treasure.

This isn't a good idea. At all.

Rao is an astoundingly single-minded, repellent character, willing to do anything to get what he wants. He truly believes that he can trick a god to attain his riches. His family suffers much for his stubborn folly.

TUMBBAD is no mere monster movie, though the creature is impressive. It's a fantasy / horror fable, much like something from Guillermo del Toro, giving us something to think about while being scared. Some of the plot twists are inspired, especially near the end.

This movie deserves a much wider audience...

Well-produced but Hollow.

[ThunderQunt · 6/10 · 31 August 2021]

I have to disageee with the excellent ratings for this film. I did contemplate giving it a 7 but alas, it just didn't live up to a 7. A 6.5 would be more giving.

The biggest issue I had with this movie is that though I feel like I should feel something, I just didn't. That is emotionally, this film does not provide any. A scary scene does not make me tense or well, scared. A crying scene does not make me sad. A frightening or jarring sequence does not give out any energy. Maybe it's just me but throughout the movie, it just seem like a sequence of moving pictures with no real weight to it. I actually feel really bad that I didn't enjoy it as much as I think I should.

Nevertheless, the film was well-produced, dialogues felt appropriate, the acting sufficed, as well as the sounds and music. Also, there is an underlying theme, issue, or social commentary, specific to the Indian culture that I find interestingly portrayed. An issue that should be brought up more.

All in all, a well-produced mediocre movie with a mildly interesting story but alas, devoid of any significant emotions. Not a movie I would remember as worthwhile.

Watch in Theatre

[adildalvi · 10/10 · 14 October 2018]

Watch this movie in Theatre warna Race 4 aajayenga. People who say Bollywood Mai story Nahi hai content nahi hai now here is the answer Watch Tumbbad in Theatre

Perhaps great for Indian filmography, but otherwise an average b movie

[peter-laganis · 6/10 · 29 May 2020]

Yes, the atmosphere is right. Yes, there are some horror and fantasy elements. Yes, there are a few interesting elements. Yes, you won't see the main characters sing or dance. ... but ... No, this is not a movie (internationally speaking) which deserves a rating greater than 7. And I'm quite generous and realsitic on that. There is nothing scary about it. The story is just a retelling of something we've heard or read during our childhood. Acting is avarage and the atmosphere doesn't excel. In conclusion... I can understand the pride of other reviewers, but this is certainly not a film that can compete with the true works of art of the film industry.

Not Horror but rather a Drama piece

[soreal-bhadoria · 4/10 · 20 October 2018]

I am not sure how people are saying this is an amazing horror flick. It is not for me.

Opening 30 mins were great with build up, tension, cinematography but after the time lapse this movie moved on to a proper drama movie. I would have given it much more if it was not published as a horror movie.

Pro - 1. Great production value 2. Acting 3. Atmosphere 4. Music - This was pretty spectacular

Cons - 1. Voice acting - It was way too cranky to actually understand. 2. Ending 3. Story - I understand the concept of greed but you cannot make a whole feature movie on this content.

In the end, This movie promised a lot but for me failed to deliver.