Years after its release, ‘Tumbbad’ continues to win over new fans, and its devoted following keeps growing. With ‘Tumbbad 2’ on the horizon, Sohum Shah returns to the film’s dark, unsettling world and reflects on the original’s tough debut, the years spent developing the sequel, and the role of practical effects. He also shares the stories that keep him inspired, the unpredictable spirit of Crazxy and why writers matter, and teases that the sequel will keep audiences guessing.

Sohum Shah on why ‘Tumbbad 2’ took five years to write

When Variety India asked why ‘Tumbbad 2’ took so long to arrive, Sohum explained that a good script cannot be rushed. In his words: “I believe writing needs time. It should simmer on a low flame. It took me a long time to crack this idea. You can find a story quite easily, but turning it into a screenplay takes a lot of time. I didn’t want to make a sequel just because “Tumbbad” received so much love. I needed to feel like I was making a different film. I needed to be excited by the thought that I was creating something new, something different, and something unconventional. It took me five years to write “Tumbbad 2,” and that time was very important to me.”

Sohum Shah on writing the original ‘Tumbbad’

Asked how long the original ‘Tumbbad’ script took to come together, Sohum revealed that the film’s journey began well over a decade ago. He said: “we started “Tumbbad” in 2012. There were rewrites, which took about a year and a half. We kept shooting until 2015, and we did a lot of rewriting during that period. Rahi (Rahi Anil Barve, the co-writer and co-director) had already done a great deal of writing before 2012, so he had spent quite a lot of time on it. After that, it probably took another two years.”

Sohum Shah on what to expect from ‘Tumbbad 2’

Sohum Shah says the sequel will deliver the unexpected. He revealed, “They can expect to see something new and unpredictable. When “Tumbbad” came out, I told people they would see something new. The same goes for “Tumbbad 2.” You may think you know this world, but it will surprise you. That is the one thing I can say.”

‘Tumbbad 2’ cast, director and release date

‘Tumbbad 2’ is directed by Adesh Prasad, who also served as co-director on the original ‘Tumbbad’. The film also features Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Alia Bhatt in key roles. It is set to release in theatres on December 3, 2027.