Tumbbad: A Dark Descent into Myth and Greed

इंसाँ की ख़्वाहिशों की कोई इंतिहा नहीं / दो गज़ ज़मीं भी चाहिए दो गज़ कफ़न के बाद


There is no end to a human desire,

he also needs land after getting his final attire. 

I had zero percent idea, but it's not a Tumbbad but a very very Tumbgood coincidence that I selected this movie to watch today as a part of my hooptober challenge, and today it celebrates its fifth-year anniversary too!

Well, as I sat in the dimly lit room of me, I had no idea what to expect from Tumbbad. All I knew was that it had garnered critical acclaim and was said to be a unique cinematic experience. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a dark and mesmerizing journey that would leave me both disturbed and enthralled. The movie is not a typical Bollywood film. It defies genres and expectations, taking the viewer on a haunting odyssey through the depths of human greed and the shadows of mythology. Set in a remote village in Maharashtra, the story is steeped in folklore, and it weaves a gripping narrative that spans generations.

The film opens with the legend of Hastar, the disgraced and forgotten god who symbolizes greed and insatiable hunger. As the tale unfolds, we follow the life of Vinayak Rao, brilliantly portrayed by Sohum Shah, who discovers the secrets of Tumbbad and becomes obsessed with unearthing its hidden treasures.

What sets the film apart, however, is its narrative depth. It's not a straightforward horror film, nor is it a typical fantasy epic. It's a potent allegory for the relentless pursuit of wealth and the moral decay it can bring. The film delves into the human psyche, exposing the darkness that lurks within us when greed takes hold. Just like Tumbbad village drenched in the rain, the movie is drenched in symbolism, and metaphor, and allegory of it as deep as the cavern in the well.


The cinematography in "Tumbbad" is nothing short of breathtaking. Each frame is a work of art, with a distinct color palette that changes with the tone of the story. The village of Tumbbad itself is a character in the film, its decaying beauty serving as a haunting backdrop to the unfolding tragedy. The attention to detail is meticulous, and it creates an immersive experience that draws you into the world of the film. But it's not just the visuals that captivate; the score is equally haunting. The music adds an eerie, otherworldly dimension to the story, heightening the tension and unease as the plot thickens.

The film's pacing is deliberately slow, which may not appeal to everyone. But for me, it only added to the film's atmosphere, allowing the tension to build gradually and the characters to develop in a way that felt genuine and unforced. Sohum Shah's performance is exceptional, and his transformation from an innocent child to a man consumed by greed is both convincing and haunting. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances.

Tumbbad is a haunting and unforgettable cinematic experience. It provokes thoughts about the human condition and the price we're willing to pay for our desires. If you're in the mood for a film that challenges your expectations and takes you on a dark, mythic journey, "Tumbbad" is a must-see. Just be prepared to confront your own inner demons along the way.

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