This Terrifying, Underrated Folk Horror Film is Returning to Theaters: “Get ready for an epic experience”
One of the century’s most underrated horror films is finally returning to theaters. Rahi Anil Barve’s Tumbbad, a Hindi-language folk horror film, is returning to select theaters on September 13. Released in 2018, Tumbbad first premiered in the critics’ week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival, reportedly the first Indian film ever screened there. Tumbbad continued to ping around the genre festival circuit, including Fantastic Fest and the Sitges Film Festival, before arriving on streaming in the United States. Presently, you can still stream Tumbbad for free on Prime Video.
Check out a trailer and synopsis below:
Per Prime Video: In the rural village of Tumbbad, a decaying castle hides an immeasurable ancestral fortune guarded by something ancient, sinister, and monstrous. Vinayak thinks he can control it, but how long will it be until his own greed destroys everything he’s built?
I caught Tumbbad on a lark one evening. I was scrolling through the IMDB horror ratings trying to find something new when I stumbled across an Indian horror film with a considerably higher score than most. In our review from 2018, we wrote, “Undoubtedly gorgeous and wonderfully atmospheric, Tumbbad suffers from overstaying its welcome. But make no bones about it, it’s a fascinating journey into Indian horror with a timely, relevant historical twist.”
“Gorgeous” is an understatement. Tumbbad is dripping in atmosphere and ambiance. Reportedly, Rahi Anil Barve drafted a 700-page storyboard for the film, and that dedications shows in every frame. It’s truly one of the century’s hidden horror gems, and while it’s been buried on Prime Video since its release, the forthcoming theatrical outing might be the push audiences finally need to check out what Tumbbad is all about.
Fans of the film have been thrilled about the re-release. While a favorite among festival-goers at the time, Tumbbad quietly arrived on streaming after the hype died down some, no doubt accounting for why so many fans have missed it. Check out some choice social reactions about Tumbbad below:
What do you think? Do you have any plans to check out Tumbbad if it re-releases in theaters near you? If not, the film remains available to stream on Prime Video. I suggest grabbing some snacks, dimming the lights, and settling in for a truly unsettling evening. If you do, let me know what you thought over on Twitter @Chadiscollins.
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