.png "Tumbbad (2018) on Demonflix")
Demonflix explores *Tumbbad* (2018)—a folk-horror masterpiece of greed and Hastar’s curse!
A Horror Born of Hunger with Demonflix
Demonflix dives into *Tumbbad* (2018), a haunting Indian folk-horror film where Vinayak Rao battles the demon-god Hastar for cursed gold in a rain-soaked village. Unlike the animated anthology of *Love, Death & Robots*, this cinematic gem offers a singular, mythic tale of greed and damnation, deeply rooted in Indian folklore. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, *Tumbbad* is a visual and narrative triumph that’s captivated global audiences. Let’s explore its chilling story, horror style, production details, critical reception, and cultural impact as of 2025.
“The world has enough for need, not greed.” — Mahatma Gandhi
A Mythic Milestone
*Tumbbad* premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2018, the first Indian film to open the Critics’ Week section, earning international acclaim. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, with Anand Gandhi as creative director, it holds an 8.2/10 on IMDb and a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score. Initially a box-office underperformer with ₹12 crore on a ₹50–150 crore budget, its 2024 re-release grossed over ₹30 crore, per Box Office India, cementing its cult status. The film won three Filmfare Awards (Cinematography, Art Direction, Sound Design) and a National Film Award for Supporting Actor, per official records.
What Kind of Horror: Mythic Folk-Horror with Psychological Dread
*Tumbbad* is a folk-horror masterpiece rooted in Indian mythology, blending supernatural terror with psychological depth. The horror stems from Hastar, a demon-god of greed, whose curse brings endless rain and doom to Tumbbad village. The film features unsettling imagery—Hastar’s shriveled form, the womb-like temple, and grotesque flour dolls—alongside psychological horror as greed consumes Vinayak and his family. Its dark, atmospheric tone and themes of moral decay make it haunting. Not Rated, but equivalent to TV-MA for gore, violence, and mature themes. Trigger warnings apply for body horror, disturbing imagery, and psychological distress.
Story: Greed’s Damnation
1918–1947 (1h 48m): Set in the cursed village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra, the film follows Vinayak Rao (Sohum Shah), a man obsessed with Hastar’s gold hidden in the Goddess of Prosperity’s womb. After his mother’s death, Vinayak learns to trap Hastar using flour dolls as bait, stealing cursed coins while evading the demon’s wrath. His greed grows, leading him to exploit his son, Pandurang (Mohammad Samad), in the same deadly ritual. The cycle of avarice consumes them, ending in tragedy as Hastar’s curse claims their souls.
Myth: Hastar, a greedy god born to the Goddess of Prosperity, tried to steal her gold and food, only to be banished to her womb by other gods. Tumbbad’s temple, built to contain him, curses the village with endless rain, symbolizing nature’s wrath.
The film’s nonlinear narrative and mythic undertones create a suffocating sense of dread, with Hastar’s appearances as a shriveled, eyeless demon adding visceral terror.
Production: Visual Terror
- Director: Rahi Anil Barve; Anand Gandhi (creative director).
- Producers: Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, Anand Gandhi.
- Budget: Estimated ₹50–150 crore, per web reports.
- Platforms: Prime Video, JioCinema (India).
- Filming: Shot in Tumbbad village and other Maharashtra locations over six years (2012–2018).
- Rating: Not Rated (equivalent to TV-MA for gore, violence).
- IMDb: 8.2/10; Rotten Tomatoes: 91%.
Behind the Scenes: Filming spanned six years due to financial and logistical challenges, with real locations in Maharashtra capturing the rain-soaked, desolate setting, per interviews with Barve. Cinematographer Pankaj Kumar’s dark, moody visuals—shadowy reds and blues—earned a Filmfare Award, creating an oppressive atmosphere. The practical effects for Hastar, designed by Nitin Goyal, used minimal CGI, making the demon’s shriveled form horrifyingly tangible. The endless rain, a narrative device, was achieved through practical water rigs, adding authenticity, per production notes.
Where to Watch: As of May 9, 2025, stream on Prime Video (India: ₹499/year) or JioCinema (₹999/year). DVDs are ~$10 on Amazon; Blu-rays ~$15.
Characters: Cursed Souls
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Vinayak Rao | Sohum Shah | Greedy antihero obsessed with gold. |
| Pandurang | Mohammad Samad | Vinayak’s doomed son, caught in greed. |
| Hastar | N/A (practical effects) | Demon-god of greed, shriveled and eyeless. |
Prep for the Curse: How to Approach the Film
Get ready for *Tumbbad* with these essentials to immerse yourself in its mythic horror:
- Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): A mythic horror film blending folklore and dread (1h 58m, streaming on Prime Video).
- Eraserhead (1977): A surreal nightmare for psychological prep (1h 29m, streaming on Criterion Channel).
- Watch the Trailer: The official trailer (~2m) on YouTube sets the eerie tone.
- Mood Setting: Watch at night with the sound of rain playing—let the atmosphere of Tumbbad envelop you!
Note: Trigger warnings for violence, disturbing imagery, body horror, and psychological distress apply—not suitable for children.
Cultural Impact: Horror Redefined
*Tumbbad* revolutionized Indian horror, proving the genre could tackle deep themes like greed and morality through folklore, per web analyses. Its Venice premiere in 2018 marked a milestone for Indian cinema, and its 2024 re-release grossed over ₹30 crore, outpacing its original run, per Box Office India. The film won three Filmfare Awards (Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Design) and a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor (for Anita Date-Kelkar), per official records. On X in 2025, fans still hail it as “India’s best horror film,” with Hastar’s design inspiring fan art and Halloween costumes.
Critics’ Reactions: Ratings and Perspectives
*Tumbbad* is widely acclaimed for its visuals and storytelling, though some note its slow pace. Here’s the breakdown:
- IMDb: 8.2/10 (user ratings); Rotten Tomatoes: 91%.
- The Hindu: Calls it “visually startling,” praising its atmospheric dread.
- Times of India: Gives it 4/5, lauding the “haunting narrative,” but notes its slow build may not suit all.
- Film Companion: Highlights Hastar as “a terrifying creation,” with the womb sequences “unforgettable.”
- Variety: Praises its “sumptuous visuals,” though some Western critics find the folklore context dense.
- General Sentiment: Critics adore its mythic depth and cinematic craft, but its deliberate pacing and cultural specificity can be a barrier for some viewers.
The film is a folk-horror triumph, blending Indian mythology with universal themes, though its slow burn may divide audiences.
Demonflix Recommendation
Horror fans should watch *Tumbbad* for Hastar’s chilling presence and its stunning visuals—the womb sequences are pure nightmare fuel. It’s not for kids; expect gore, violence, and mature themes like greed and generational trauma. Trigger Warning: Features violence, disturbing imagery, body horror, and psychological distress—approach with caution if sensitive to these elements.
What’s Next for Folk-Horror
*Tumbbad 2* is in development, expected in 2025 or 2026, following Pandurang’s story, per 2024 announcements from Sohum Shah. For more folk-horror, try *Bulbbul* (2020) on Netflix or *Kantara* (2022) on Prime Video, both rooted in Indian mythology. Demonflix will keep you updated on Hastar’s next chapter!
Hastar’s Legacy with Demonflix
*Tumbbad* is a folk-horror triumph, its tale of greed and Hastar’s curse haunting viewers long after the credits roll. What’s your favorite moment—the womb descent or Hastar’s reveal? Share your thoughts below!
Unleash Horror with Demonflix
Dive deeper into horror with Demonflix! Subscribe to our YouTube channels: @Demonflix, @DemonflixUniverse, and @DemonflixOfficial. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Join our Telegram community or check Linktree for more. Unleash the Horror, One Flix at a Time!
Labels: Horror Reviews, Tumbbad, Demonflix
Note : Please do not share any kind of link in this comment box!