Tumbbad, the critically acclaimed Hindi horror film, has been praised for its stunning visuals and haunting atmosphere. Its list of laurels is long, starting with three Filmfare Awards and the first Indian film to open the Critics’ Week section at the 75th Venice International Film Festival. It has even been screened at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival and Kerala’s 23rd International Film Festival. But what makes Tumbbad, a folk-horror period film, so special? The answer lies in its eerie setting, a real-life Tumbbad Village in Maharashtra. This dilapidated hamlet shrouded in mystery and legend inspired the film’s atmospheric backdrop.
Uncover the mysteries of Tumbbad Village, just as the lead, Vinayak Rao, did in the film. Explore the crumbling structures, feel the eerie silence, and imagine the dark forces that may still linger in the shadows. And while you are at it, dare yourself with a visit to the most haunted places in Rajasthan.
All you need to know about Tumbbad the movie
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Sohum Shah’s fascinating performance as Vinayak Rao drives the narrative of Tumbbad, a chilling tale of a family’s obsession with a mythological demon’s cursed wealth. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, the film was first released in 2018 and gained critical acclaim through film festivals. Later, it was available to stream on Prime Video, creating a following for the movie, eventually leading to its re-release in the theatres in September 2024.
The story continues. Tumbbad’s sequel is already in the works, delving into the life of Vinayak Rao’s son, Pandurang. Set between 1951 and 1970, the film is expected to begin production in 2025.
The real-life Tumbbad village: Is it haunted?
Resting on the banks of the Jagbudi River, Tumbbad is a tiny village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra’s Konkan region. This historical village, dotted with ancient temples and forts, is shrouded in myths and legends, making it a fascinating place for history buffs and horror enthusiasts. While the destination is not developed, fans can visit the location for a day trip and see how the fort portrayed in the movie looks up close.
The film’s eerie atmosphere and dark themes are rooted in the village’s folklore. Local tales speak of hidden treasures and a mythological deity imprisoned within its boundaries. While the film’s demon, Hastar, is fictional, the village’s mysterious aura and belief in hidden wealth add to its charm.
Find Tumbbad Village on Google Maps.
But is the real Tumbbad village haunted? In an interview, Sohum Shah, the film’s lead actor, shared intriguing anecdotes about the eerie experiences during filming. The crew encountered strange occurrences, like people getting hurt on set, leading them to resume local rituals to ensure a smooth shooting process. These tales only add to the mystique surrounding Tumbbad.
Tumbbad fort trivia: While the film’s central location is Tumbbad, the grand mansion depicted as the Rao family estate is actually the Sardar Purandare Wada, 33 km from Pune. Inaccessible to the public, this historical fort is the oldest monument in the Saswad Municipality, established as the residence of Ambaji Purandare.
Find Sardar Purandare Wada on Google Maps.
How to reach Tumbbad village?
By air: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport in Kohlapur is approximately 153 km away.
By train: Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Station in Kohlapur is approximately 152 km away.
By road: Pune is the closest metropolitan city, approximately 286 km away.
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The best time to visit Tumbbad village
The film’s consistent rain creates a gloomy, wet atmosphere mirroring Tumbbad’s real-life weather. Much of the movie was filmed during the village’s monsoon season, known for its intense rainfall. While Tumbbad Village experiences a tropical climate with hot summers and pleasant winters, the rainy season is the most visually striking. The best time to visit Tumbbad is during the winter months (December to February), when the temperature ranges from 19 to 33 degrees Celsius.
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(Feature image credit: IMDb)
Related: Bone-Chilling Facts About Bhangarh Fort, The Most Haunted Place In India
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, Tumbbad village in Maharashtra is safe for travellers.
Malcha Mahal, Kuldhara Village, Dumas Beach are some of the places like Tummbad that people can explore.
Tumbbad village and Sardar Purandare Wada in Maharashtra are some major places featured in the film.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
