The highly anticipated sequel to the cult horror-fantasy film Tumbbad has officially landed a blockbuster partnership. Actor-producer Sohum Shah has joined forces with distribution and production powerhouse Dr. Jayantilal Gada’s Pen Studios for the next chapter in the dark, mythical franchise, confirming Sohum Shah Films’ monumental collaboration with the studio behind massive hits like RRR and Gangubai Kathiawadi.
The alliance signals an unprecedented leap in scale for the beloved property, promising fans a cinematic experience far grander than the 2018 original. According to sources, this new production aims for a significant budget, cementing Tumbbad 2 as one of the most ambitious fantasy-horror projects in recent Indian cinema history. Producers have confirmed that filming will officially commence in early 2026.
A Cult Phenomenon Gets a Blockbuster Backing
Tumbbad, a genre-defining blend of Indian folklore, mythology, and horror, initially garnered immense critical acclaim, becoming the first Indian film to open the prestigious Venice Critics’ Week in 2018. The film’s enduring popularity saw a massive surge following its re-release, where it shattered its original box office records, further establishing its status as a global cult classic.
The successful re-release campaign fuelled the demand for a sequel, driving Sohum Shah and his team to perfect a script that would honour the original’s dark, complex world. Shah revealed that the script took six years to “crack” but now stands ready for production.
Dr. Jayantilal Gada’s involvement, through his esteemed Pen Studios, brings a proven track record of delivering high-scale, pan-India cinematic spectacles. This strategic union ensures Tumbbad 2 will command both the creative depth of the original and the massive production muscle required for a sequel of this magnitude.
Creative Team Takes on a Darker Universe
While Rahi Anil Barve, co-director of the original, steps away from the sequel due to prior commitments, Adesh Prasad—who also co-directed the 2018 masterpiece—will take the reins to helm the new instalment. Prasad’s return ensures continuity in the series’ distinct visual language and haunting tone.
Sohum Shah, who starred as Vinayak Rao in the first part, remains tight-lipped about the sequel’s plot but assures fans of a grander narrative. The sequel is widely anticipated to delve deeper into the mythical world established in the original, possibly exploring the story of Vinayak Rao’s son, Pandurang, or even a prequel focusing on the history of the cursed deity Hastar.
Insiders suggest that the enormous investment reflects the producers’ intention to craft a visually spectacular and intense exploration of the themes of human greed and consequence that defined the first film. The move positions Tumbbad 2 not just as a sequel, but as a potential launching pad for a full-fledged cinematic universe rooted in Indian folklore.
Tumbbad 2: Set to Roll Early 2026
The official timeline confirms that pre-production has ramped up considerably and the team plans to go on floors in early 2026. This schedule gives the creative and production teams ample time to realize the sequel’s ambitious vision, particularly concerning the intricate set designs and detailed visual effects required to bring the dark fantasy world to life.
For Bollywood and fans of genre cinema globally, the collaboration between Sohum Shah Films and Pen Studios on Tumbbad 2 signals a major new development. It validates the commercial potential of unique, high-concept Indian stories and promises to deliver a new, terrifying chapter that pushes the boundaries of cinematic horror and fantasy. The stage is now set for the next terrifying glimpse into the heart of greed, as Tumbbad 2 prepares for its highly anticipated production start.
