A still from Tummbad
A still from Tummbad

Very rarely a film releases which not only manages to impress you with its content but offers you performances that win your heart. Tumbbad is one such film. Ever since the trailer had released, I was eagerly waiting to watch this one because it promised a roller coaster ride and after watching it, I can assure you that it met with all my expectations. In fact, this film not only met with my expectations but also gave me more than I thought it could deliver.

To begin with, Tumbbad doesn’t fall into a specific genre. It is folklore which begins on a scary note and just when you try to label it as a horror film it turns into a mystery which unveils itself just before intermission. Soon the film turns into a drama and not for one second you will be able to take your eyes off the screen. Such is the brilliance of this Sohum Shah starrer. The film hits the screens tomorrow and here are five reasons why you shouldn’t miss this one.

1. Haunting plot
Tumbbad with its storytelling completely makes you dip in its plot right from the beginning and before you know it, you get teleported in the tale of greed. We have always been fascinated with the tales our grandmother’s told us and this one is exactly that but with a lot of drama, action, mystery and horror.

2. VFX brilliance
VFX is a part and parcel of every film that releases these days but this one shows you what a great VFX experience looks like. Every time Astar appears on the screen, you feel him sitting right next to you. His appearance is done so well that this visually created character stays with you for days. The climax of the film will literally blow your mind with some never before seen visual.

3. Gritty background score
While every film has a background score, not always does it merge well with its plot. But for Tumbbad, the BG score is an element which plays its part so well that it just takes the experience to another level. The theme of Tumbbad is another gem from the film for me.

4. Back in time
With the film set in the pre-Independence era, the canvas of this folklore does justice to every bit in its portrayal. Right from those wadas to the bike used, every element looks as authentic as it can get and that adds to making this one a visual treat. The costumes, props every little thing has been minutely designed and that reflects on-screen.

5. A full circle
Not always does a Bollywood film justify itself after it is over but this one does it with absolute perfection. The film very seamlessly takes you on a journey and answers all the questions that linger in your head when you witness this brilliance on the 70mm at the end. A film that begins with Mahatma Gandhi’s quote not only upholds itself but also makes you understand the meaning of it, literally.

If you have been craving for a flick that stays with you for days then this one is meant for you. Go watch it and trust me when I say this, it will leave you spellbound.

Stars: 4.5/5
Cast: Sohum Shah, Harish Khanna, Ronjini Chakraborty, Anita Date, Mohd Samad, Jyoti Malshe, Dhundiraj, Prabhakar Joglekar and Deepak Damle.
Director: Rahi Anil Barve