The horror-comedy Stree 2, starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkumar Rao, has been a massive success since its release on August 15. The film has captured the audience’s attention, grossing over ₹300 crores in India and surpassing ₹400 crores worldwide. Its strong performance at the box office, bolstered by positive reviews and word-of-mouth, has paved the way for the re-release of another horror gem—Tumbbad.
‘Tumbbad’ Set for a Theatrical Comeback
According to reports from Pinkvilla, the horror film Tumbbad is scheduled for a re-release in theaters on August 30, 2024. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and co-written with Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, and Anand Gandhi, Tumbbad first hit the screens on October 12, 2018. The film stars Soham Shah, Harish Khanna, Jyoti Malshe, Rudra Soni, and Madhav Hari Joshi in pivotal roles.
A Look Back at ‘Tumbbad’s Story
Tumbbad is set in 1918 in the village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra. The plot revolves around Vinayak Rao (played by Soham Shah), who lives in the village with his mother and brother. The village holds a dark secret—a hidden treasure in the temple that Vinayak and his mother are desperately seeking. However, unforeseen difficulties force Vinayak’s mother to take him to Pune, away from the cursed village.
Fifteen years later, Vinayak returns to Tumbbad, determined to find the elusive treasure. The film’s eerie atmosphere is heightened by the constant downpour, with rain being a recurring motif throughout the movie. The narrative intertwines elements of mythology, gods, and the supernatural, creating a unique horror experience. To discover the chilling conclusion, one must watch the film, which has become a cult favorite over time.
‘Tumbbad’s Original Reception and Awards
Tumbbad was a critical success, earning ₹13.6 crores at the box office during its original run. It also won three awards at the 64th Filmfare Awards, further cementing its place as a standout in Indian horror cinema. The film’s journey to completion was long and challenging, with production beginning in 2012 and taking six years to finish. Despite the hurdles, Tumbbad has garnered a loyal following, and its re-release is highly anticipated.
The Trend of Re-Releasing Cult Classics
The re-release of Tumbbad is part of a broader trend in the Indian film industry, where several classic films are being brought back to theaters. Movies like Rockstar, Dangal, Laila Majnu, Raja Babu, Love Aaj Kal, Partner, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, and Maine Pyar Kiya have all seen re-releases, with many of them receiving a warm reception from audiences the second time around.
Interestingly, some films have performed better in their re-releases than in their original runs. For example, Laila Majnu, which originally earned ₹3 crores when it was first released on September 7, 2018, managed to double its earnings to over ₹6 crores within just 14 days of its re-release. Similarly, Rockstar, which initially received mixed reviews, saw a significant increase in viewership and earnings during its re-release.
‘Stree 2’ Continues to Dominate the Box Office
While Tumbbad gears up for its re-release, Stree 2 continues to dominate the box office, riding high on its mix of horror and comedy. The film’s success is not just limited to India; it has become a global phenomenon, contributing to the growing popularity of horror-comedy as a genre in Indian cinema. The re-release of Tumbbad is expected to complement this trend, offering audiences a chance to revisit a classic or experience it for the first time on the big screen.
As Tumbbad returns to theaters, it will be interesting to see if it can replicate or even surpass its original success, especially with the horror genre currently enjoying renewed popularity.
