Eight years after Tumbbad quietly reshaped Indian horror, its sequel is gathering momentum. The latest development revolves around a crucial casting decision. Either Akshaye Khanna or Nawazuddin Siddiqui is being considered to play a central antagonist tied to the Hastar mythology. For a franchise built on mood and moral dread, that choice could define its next chapter.
The original film was never about jump scares. It was about greed. If the sequel deepens that psychological thread, the villain will carry unusual narrative weight. That is why this casting discussion matters far beyond fan gossip.
From Cult Status to Franchise Ambition
Released in 2018, Tumbbad became a rare example of Indian folk horror executed with patience and craft. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and creatively supported by Anand Gandhi, the film followed Vinayak Rao’s obsessive pursuit of treasure guarded by the cursed deity Hastar.
Actor-producer Sohum Shah anchored the project, financing and nurturing it through years of development. Made on a modest budget, the film reportedly went on to earn around Rs 60 crore over its lifetime across theatrical and later re-releases, gaining cult recognition along the way. It also won three National Awards, cementing its technical credibility.
Unlike mainstream horror hits, Tumbbad built its reputation slowly. Streaming exposure introduced it to younger viewers, including a growing audience in cities like Delhi and Mumbai where genre cinema now commands serious multiplex interest.
Sequel Development and Release Window
Industry chatter suggests Tumbbad 2 is targeting a late 2026 theatrical release. While an official date has not been announced, the sequel is understood to be in pre-production, with the script reportedly locked.
Production backing is expected from Pen Studios led by Jayantilal Gada. The studio’s distribution muscle could significantly expand the sequel’s pan-India reach compared to the original.
The reported strategy indicates a carefully planned solo release window, avoiding festive box-office clashes to give the film breathing space. For a visually heavy horror project, post-production timelines are critical.
The Villain: A Devotee of Hastar?
Reports indicate the antagonist may not simply be a creature but a human devotee aligned with Hastar’s mythology. That narrative shift would elevate the conflict from survival horror to moral confrontation.
Two actors are said to be in contention:
Akshaye Khanna
Khanna has built a reputation for controlled intensity. In thrillers and crime dramas, his antagonists are often cerebral rather than explosive. If cast, the sequel could lean into psychological dread, presenting a villain who embodies greed through calculation rather than chaos.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Siddiqui brings raw unpredictability. Known for layered, morally conflicted characters, he could seamlessly merge folklore and human frailty. His presence would likely intensify the emotional stakes, especially if the story explores generational consequences of Vinayak’s actions.
At this stage, no official confirmation has been made. The casting decision is expected to be finalised closer to the start of principal photography, likely by early 2026.
Expanding the Hastar Universe
The mythology of Hastar, the cursed god born from a Devi’s womb, remains one of the most distinctive elements of the franchise. The sequel is expected to revisit the village of Tumbbad while expanding the moral universe surrounding greed and devotion.
A brief teaser shared by Sohum Shah earlier hinted at a darker continuation. References to the curse returning and generational consequences suggest the sequel will not simply retell the treasure narrative.
Instead, it may explore how greed evolves. Does it become institutional? Does it infect communities? These thematic directions align with the original’s philosophical undertones.
VFX Scale and Production Expectations
The original film’s visual effects budget was modest but effective. Industry sources suggest the sequel may significantly increase its VFX allocation, potentially doubling or more to meet modern theatrical standards.
This matters because horror audiences have grown more demanding. Since 2018, Indian cinema has witnessed a renewed horror wave with films like Stree and the upcoming Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 expanding the genre’s commercial footprint.
Tumbbad 2 will likely position itself differently from horror-comedy franchises, focusing on atmospheric dread rather than broad entertainment.
Sohum Shah’s Evolving Role
Sohum Shah is expected to reprise his role as Vinayak Rao while continuing as producer. Physically and emotionally, the character’s return would require recalibration. Vinayak’s arc in the first film was tragic and morally corrosive. The sequel may present him as either a haunted survivor or a figure facing karmic consequences.
Shah’s long-term investment in the property suggests he views Tumbbad not as a one-off but as a universe with sustained potential.
Industry Context: Horror’s Commercial Rebound
Post-pandemic theatrical recovery has changed audience behaviour. Genre films with strong word-of-mouth have shown resilience. The 2024 re-release of Tumbbad reportedly generated significant overseas revenue, including around US$1.5 million, reinforcing its cult appeal.
For distributors, that re-release acted as validation. It demonstrated that the brand still carries recall value.
If Tumbbad 2 maintains artistic credibility while expanding scale, it could occupy a rare space between arthouse horror and mainstream spectacle.
Final Thoughts
Casting confirmation will likely be the next major milestone. Shooting schedules are expected to align with a 2026 release plan, allowing sufficient time for post-production.
For Indian viewers who appreciated the first film’s restraint and visual storytelling, the sequel represents both opportunity and risk. Expanding mythology without losing tonal discipline will be the real challenge.
The conversation around Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui reflects anticipation, not hype. That anticipation is earned.
