Manashimaya
Some films may not perform well at the box office, but later find love on OTT platforms and develop a cult following. Tumbbad, an Indian-language folklore horror film, is a perfect example of this phenomenon. After 21 years in the making and financial struggles, this flop became a cult classic, with its story of perseverance and dedication capturing the attention of movie lovers everywhere.
The story behind Tumbbad is nothing short of remarkable. The film’s writer and director, Rahi Anil Barve, first penned the script in 1997. He was inspired by Shripad Narayan Pendse’s Marathi novel, Tumbadche Khot, and began his 21-year journey to bring the film to life. Despite the compelling storyline, many producers refused to back the project, citing that such a concept had never been attempted in Hindi cinema before. This is where the real struggle began for Barve and his dedicated team.
As the film languished in development hell, it first went into production in 2008, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui cast in the lead role. However, production was halted when the producers pulled out. After 21 years in the making and financial struggles, this flop became a cult classic, but it wasn’t until years later that the film was completed. The film finally resumed production in 2012, with Sohum Shah stepping into the lead role as Vinayak Rao, a man in search of a hidden treasure in the 20th-century Indian village of Tumbbad. The film was shot over five years, with filming only taking place during the monsoons to maintain the eerie and gloomy atmosphere that the story demanded.
However, the road to success was not easy. Rahi Anil Barve was still unsatisfied with the film after it was shot and edited, prompting him to rewrite and reshoot parts of the movie in 2015. The film’s budget skyrocketed, and Sohum Shah, who also produced the film, made tremendous personal sacrifices. In an interview, Shah revealed that he had to sell his house, car, and other properties to complete the project. After 21 years in the making and financial struggles, this flop became a cult classic, but not before exhausting Shah’s personal finances and pushing the team to the brink.
The film finally saw the light of day in 2018, with director Aanand L. Rai stepping in to back the project. Despite being made on a modest budget of Rs 5 crore, Tumbbad earned just Rs 13 crore at the box office. However, its fortunes changed once it was released on OTT platforms. After 21 years in the making and financial struggles, this flop became a cult classic, with audiences lauding the film’s unique storytelling, stunning visuals, and atmospheric horror.
Today, Tumbbad is widely regarded as one of the most innovative horror films to come out of India. Its journey from a box-office disappointment to a beloved classic is a testament to the dedication and vision of its creators. The film has since been re-released in theatres, further cementing its status as a cult favourite.
In conclusion, after 21 years in the making and financial struggles, this flop became a cult classic, and the legacy of Tumbbad continues to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
