“Tumbbad,” a folk horror film released in 2018, explores the folklore of Indian society in the early 20th century. In the small village of Tumbbad, folklore states the Tumbbad mansion holds great riches. The wealth, however, comes with a curse: The fortune was stolen from the goddess of prosperity.
Hastar, the goddess’ first-born son, was the one said to have stolen the riches. After stealing as much wealth as he could, Hastar went for the wheat. When Hastar attempted to plunder the wheat, all the gods joined together to destroy him. However, the goddess saved him under the condition that he was to be trapped and forgotten in her womb. When the village of Tumbbad eventually built a temple for Hastar, they were cursed with eternal rain.
The film encapsulates multiple different time periods during the 20th century, following the First World War, the Great Depression and finally the partition of India. “Tumbbad” uses mythology and Indian culture to critique Indian society and society at large. Greed is a through line throughout the movie, with the leading role of Vinayak being seemingly predisposed to the trait throughout the film. The movie uses this theme of greed throughout the generations; his grandmother being the first, then his father, then Vinayak. Throughout the film, it exemplifies the extent to which people would be willing to go for capital. “Tumbbad” critiques the constant pursuit of wealth and capital, which in Vinayak’s case was death.
The film also comments on feudalism and inequalities within colonized India and the Caste system. This is exemplified through the contrasts between different classes in Pune City, where Vinayak moves in Chapter 2. Vinayak paid off a loan to a friend, which came as a great surprise to others. This reaction appeared as an uncommon occurrence, implying the great wealth gaps within colonized India. This period of the movie was also during the Great Depression, which impacted the entire world, especially British colonies.
“Tumbbad” uses the different periods to show different issues within Indian society both in the 20th century and today. This resulted in “Tumbbad” being a beautifully shot, horror-fantasy movie with a social commentary that, when combined, was captivating to watch.