Synopsis
Tumbbad is an Indian film released in 2018 as a period drama and is directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Adesh Prasad with the creative direction by Anand Gandhi. The film is set in the early 20th century and encompasses Indian folklore and history, weaving a tale about the innate emotion of greed that is universal to humankind.
In the state of Maharashtra, the village of Tumbbad contains a story that is set during the British had colonized India. The story starts with an ancient tale concerning a forsaken god known as Hastar. Hastar is known for having a never ending craving of gold and food. And for that, he was punished to never being adored. The legend states that he was cursed to being contained in a goddess’s womb until the end of time, never to be venerated.
Now, a boy by the name of Vinayak Rao is introduced alongside his mother and younger brother. The three of them lived in a dilapidated ancestral house that was connected to the Tumbbad village. The house was linked to a powerful family that was said to have had boundless riches alongside the protective secret of Hastar. Vinayak’s childhood was filled with the lore of a gold mine that was apparently truly hidden deep down alongside an old lady that watched the house and its secrets.
A collection of events during his childhood sparks an obsession with uncovering the truth from the past for Vinayak. As he matures, he heads back to Tumbbad to search for the legendary treasure. He finds the concealed chambers, the chambers where the legend of Hastar comes to life—and begins to exploit it for his selfish desires.
Vinayak constructs a life based on his fantasy, and shuttles between his Pune residence and the forbidden underground realm of Tumbbad. He soon realizes that with the gold, his desires for wealth and gold multiply. The narrative gives way to the consequences of unchecked ambition and the legacy it impacts the future generations.
Tumbbad does not follow the traditional path of a fantasy story. It functions more as a cautionary myth, where every decision results in greed leaves in subtle, yet material impacts. The film’s story is rich and multifaceted, rigorous and filled with imagery, making the film a rewarding experience for those who enjoy layered tales.
Cast & Characters
Sohum Shah as Vinayak Rao: Shah’s performance as a man consumed by desire is remarkable, as is his work as a producer of the film. Vinayak is a character that requires quiet, sharp, grueling, stubborn, and aging intensity, and over the course of the film, Shah gives him maturity and deep regret, adding further emotional resonance to the story.
In the second half of the film, Pandurang, Vinayak’s son, played by Mohammad Samad, becomes a figure of inheritance and choice. This evolution deepens the father-son dynamic, and sharpens the emotional undertones of the film’s philosophical explorations.
Vinayak’s wife is played by Jyoti Malshe, who offers a nuanced interpretation of a woman grappling with the consequences of her husband’s obsession but is unable to comprehend its origins.
The ethereal yet grounded tone of the film is complemented by a lesser-known but equally talented supporting cast, who convey a world that is both real and fantastical.
Direction and Visual Style
The years that Rahi Anil Barve dedicated to Tumbbad are clear in every frame. His vision is both grounded in the roots of Indian poetics and story. Adesh Prasad and Anand Gandhi, known for Ship of Theseus, worked as co-directors and as creative heads, adding structure and polish to a deeply personal and artistic film.
Cinematography is one of the most remarkable aspects of Tumbbad, created by Pankaj Kumar. The visuals are portrayed in a dark, atmospheric richness that captures the essence of the story’s misty landscapes, ancient ruins, and candlelit corridors. The rain and mud, along with other natural textures, work in harmony to describe the deteriorating world surrounding the protagonist that parallels the erosion of his morality.
One can appreciate the accuracy and authenticity in the early 20th century Indian clothing and the production design in the film Tumbbad. Every location in the film, from the dusty roads of Tumbbad to the British-era streets of Pune, is richly saturated in history and life.
Jesper Kyd’s composed music and sound design, as well as his cinematography, are heard in a minimal and haunting manner. The film’s sound, though quiet, fits the film’s tone perfectly and does not detract attention from the visuals. The film is further enriched by the mixture of whispers, echoes, and other ambient tones.
Themes and Symbolism
At the heart of Tumbbad is an age-old tale of greed, but not in the typical sense. It is the human greed for wealth, control, and dominion that is explored. The character of Vinayak comes to life as the embodiment of man’s undying greed. The journey Vinayak embarks on is filled with discovery but is, at the same time, a journey of downfall. The retrieval of gold takes a toll on his morality on every trip that becomes increasingly difficult and complex.
The myth of Hastar represents a form of desire that is endless and uncontrolled. The film does not elaborate on every aspect of the mythology it incorporates, leaving some elements for interpretation. This approach helps the audience tie the interpretation of the story to deeper and broader philosophical and cultural ideas.
The village of Tumbbad is depicted as a neglected part of the world, hidden under a veil of rain and decay, which represents how greed not only deteriorates individuals, but destroys entire communities and generations.
The focus on the relationship between the father and the son also portrays inheritance—not just of wealth, but of morals. Does the next generation resort to the same mistakes, or does it charter a different course?
By using minimalistic narrative techniques, the film raises profound issues regarding legacy and humanity without the need to preach or oversimplify.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Tumbbad was a critical success both in India and internationally. It was lauded for its visual narrative originality and for attempting boldly to modernize Indian folklore within a cinematic framework. Unlike most genre films, Tumbbad shied away from the use of clichés and placed focus on atmosphere and philosophy.
The film was a part of many international film festivals, including Venice and Sitges, which showcased the film’s unique take on mythology storytelling.
Today, the film is regarded as a milestone in Indian cinema for its artistic ambition, technical mastery, and cultural resonance. It has paved the way for greater Indian filmmaker’s to modernize traditional tales and folklore using contemporary cinematic techniques.
Conclusion
Tumbbad is a profound film, a cinematic riddle, and also a riddle of the human experience. Its mastery in blending the Indian mythos and a universal theme—insatiable greed—demonstrates the genius of our cinema. It remains one of the most powerful examples of how cinema can entertain and have deep meaning simultaneously because of its poetic imagery, allegorical narrative, and powerful acting.
Tumbbad is, and will be, a film that is a fantasy, a period piece, or a philosophical musings, yet it endures as a tale that encourages profound thinking. It is a powerful tale of consideration on how one perceives the value of their existence, and what they are prepared to sacrifice to achieve it.
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