Tumbbad Re-Release: A Box Office Surprise
The 2018 mythological horror film Tumbbad is back in theatres and making waves once again. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, this folk-horror masterpiece has not only won over a cult following but has also shattered expectations upon its re-release, even surpassing new releases like The Buckingham Murders. Starring Sohum Shah, Tumbbad has risen to unexpected heights, proving its enduring appeal and setting new records at the box office.
” SOJA DADI WARNA HASTAR AA JAIGA”
Tumbbad, a unique narrative film, was first released in 2018. On its opening weekend, it collected modest sums: Rs 65 lakh on Friday, Rs 1.15 crore on Saturday, and Rs 1.45 crore on Sunday. The movie’s recent re-release has shown a remarkable improvement in its box office performance. On the opening Friday of its re-release, Tumbbad earned Rs 1.65 crore. This figure is significantly higher than its original opening-day earnings.
Notably, Tumbbad’s re-release earnings also surpassed those of a new release, The Buckingham Murders starring Kareena Kapoor, which made Rs 1.15 crore on its opening day. This impressive performance indicates a substantial increase in Tumbbad’s popularity since its initial release.
A Tale of Greed and Fear
Set in the haunting village of Tumbbad, the film explores the dark tale of Vinayak Rao, played by Sohum Shah, and his quest for a hidden treasure guarded by the malevolent deity Hastar. The movie explores themes of greed and the results of unchecked ambition. It combines these themes with horror elements to create a gripping experience. When first released, Tumbbad stood out for its chilling story and atmospheric visuals.
These qualities continue to attract viewers today. The chilling narrative and the atmospheric visuals made Tumbbad a standout when it was first released and continue to captivate viewers today. One of the most memorable lines from the film, “Samay ka pahiya gol hai, jo beet gaya woh fir laut ke aayega…darwaaza bhi ek baar phir khulega” (Time moves in circles. What happened in the past will return again… The door will reopen), encapsulates the eerie and cyclical nature of the story.
The Announcement of Tumbbad 2
With the success of the re-release, actor and producer Sohum Shah has officially announced that Tumbbad 2 is in the works. A teaser was released, hinting at an even darker and more intense storyline that will further explore the twisted world of greed and supernatural forces. Shah expressed his excitement, stating, “With Tumbbad 2, we want to push the cinematic experience and boundaries even further.”
The teaser depicts Vinayak returning to the dark world that claimed his life, this time accompanied by his son Pandurang. The teaser’s last lines, “Pralay, Pralay phir aayega” (The calamity will return), hint to an even more terrible occurrence that is soon to occur. Also read: https://www.news18.com/movies/tumbbad-dominates-box-office-in-showdown-with-kareena-kapoors-the-buckingham-murders-9051296.html
With Tumbbad‘s success, the folk-horror genre has gained attention in India. Folk-horror films draw from local myths and traditions, weaving them into narratives that evoke fear and wonder. As Indian audiences show an increasing appetite for such stories, Tumbbad has become a template for future projects in the genre.
The Buckingham Murders vs Tumbbad
Kareena Kapoor delivered a powerful performance in The Buckingham Murders, portraying a mourning detective dealing with personal tragedy. The film’s investigative thriller genre, however, could not match the mass appeal of Tumbbad’s horror-folk narrative, which resonated more deeply with Indian audiences.
Upon its re-release, Tumbbad shattered its original box office records. The film earned ₹1.65 crores on its opening day, surpassing the ₹65 lakh it had made on the first day back in 2018 whereas Kareena Kapoor’s The Buckingham Murders had a lower opening in comparison, collecting ₹1.15 crore on its first day. While both films have their unique merits, Tumbbad’s re-release demonstrated the growing preference for content-driven films over star-led vehicles.
Why The Buckingham Murders Couldn’t Match Tumbbad’s Success
One of the explanations for The Buckingham Murders’ low box office performance could be its niche appeal. The Buckingham Murders has a narrower appeal because it is written for a niche audience interested in investigative thrillers, whereas Tumbbad draws on universal themes of terror and greed.
The Legacy of Tumbbad
Since its release, Tumbbad has been lauded as a game-changer in Indian cinema, especially within the horror genre. Its innovative use of mythology and folklore set a new standard for filmmakers looking to create stories that resonate with both Indian and global audiences.
The popularity of Tumbbad’s re-release has caused conversations on the value of strong content in the film industry. Re-releases have the power to resurrect previously unnoticed masterpieces, and more and more directors are realizing this—especially in an OTT platform-dominated era.
The success of Tumbbad’s re-release highlights a growing trend in Bollywood, where films like Rockstar and Laila Majnu have returned to theatres. The nostalgia factor combined with limited competition has allowed these films to find new life at the box office, proving that good content can transcend time.
By
