‘Tumbbad 2,’ Sequel to Venice Horror Hit, Finds Backing From India’s Pen Studios (EXCLUSIVE)

Actor-producer Sohum Shah and his banner, Sohum Shah Films, have unveiled a collaboration with Pen Studios, led by industry stalwart Jayantilal Gada, for “Tumbbad 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to the cult horror film.

The announcement comes on the heels of the 2018 original’s remarkable box office resurrection, with its 2024 re-release in India grossing $1.5 million — a testament to the film’s enduring appeal that has transformed it from a sleeper hit to a genre-defining masterpiece.

“Tumbbad,” which follows a greedy village boy’s pursuit of a cursed ancestral treasure guarded by the devil, was the first Indian film to open the Venice Critics’ Week in 2018. The folklore horror film blended mythology and fantasy.

Now, with “Tumbbad 2,” the makers promise to delve deeper into the universe that redefined fantasy-horror in Indian cinema. The project is backed by Pen Studios, whose credits include “Sita Ramam” and Berlinale title “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” and is set to begin production early next year.

Shah said: “I have looked up to Jayantilal Gada ji’s work for many years. When I met him to discuss ‘Tumbbad 2,’ within just five minutes he locked the deal. It’s the kind of faith every storyteller dreams of. The appreciation, respect, and love he showed towards ‘Tumbbad’ made me realize the film had truly received its due.”

While co-director Rahi Anil Barve won’t be returning for the sequel due to other commitments, Adesh Prasad, who co-directed the original “Tumbbad,” is set to helm the new instalment.

The sequel has been years in the making, with Shah telling Variety earlier that “The script is ready, took us six years to perfect it. We cracked the idea with massive difficulty to ensure it does justice to ‘Tumbbad’s’ world.”