Indian horror film Tumbbad (2018) Full Review

Do you wish to go to Tumbbad? No, you do not!

First time director Rahi Anil Barve's debut film is described as drama, horror, fantasy by IMDB and I would say that is a fair assessment. Tumbbad is a fable, a gothic jaunt into not only a curse but the curse of all men who succumb to the talons of greed.

Something is alive in the backroom of young Vinayak's meager home. A creature, once human perhaps who has to be fed nightly. After a harrowing escape from her clutches (and a family tragedy) Vinayak's mother takes him and flees to the city unmindful of the treasure that is tied to the curse. Vinayak does not forget however and returns 14 years later to seek out the fortune.

Sohum Shah shines as Vinayak.

Tumbbad has a lot going for it, primarily some real crisp and clean camera work and cinematography that resembles sheer art at times. The story while somewhat convoluted and sometimes seemingly lost in translation is rich in lore and steeped in horror. The pacing lags a bit especially in the semi-bloated middle of the film but it's book-ended nicely by a truly creepy opening sequence and a heart pounding dramatic conclusion.

As always I will say with ANY foreign film, buck up and read the subtitles. If you plan on watching a dubbed version, just forget watching. Overdubs kill any and all integrity and vision that the director originally had. This movie is a true product of it's country including on screen warnings of the danger of smoking whenever a character lights up. This may seem annoying but I like that the film stays a product of it's origin in every respect without a Hollywood white washing.

Will Vinayak's son inherit the curse?

Is it scary? Some parts yes but as a friend mentioned and I agree, the fable aspect keeps the proceedings somewhat "soft" and mired in fantasy with horror chomping at the bit. The creature effects and location settings are well played for the budget and characters and dialogue are especially strong (my copy had subtitle problems so I only got about half of what was said). Sohum Shah in the lead role is astounding and very believable.

On the downside, as stated before the middle of the film draws out and slows up a bit mingling with some other characters and subplots before working it's way back to Tumbbad and the curse. A few scenes seemed unnecessary and out of place and one that simply baffled me. Taking in consideration the different culture however, the film really strives and hits the mark on many levels. This is a tale of greed and morality as much as it is a fable of horror and there is much depth here.

All in all I think it's a tremendous debut effort and one worth checking out. Quite original and not like many you have seen, adventurous horror fans will find much to love here.

3.75/5 (7.5/10)