Tumbbad, a haunting and visually arresting film, offers much more than just a thrilling story. While the film has earned widespread recognition for its gripping narrative and unique cinematography, there are deeper layers within the movie that deserve closer inspection. In this blog, I’ll explore how Tumbbad tackles themes of greed, generational legacies, and political commentary that often go unnoticed. These layers elevate it from a mere horror-fantasy to a profound commentary on society and human nature.
The Core Theme of Greed
At its heart, Tumbbad revolves around one key theme: greed. The entire plot unfolds around this destructive force, shaping characters and their decisions. Vinayak, the protagonist, is driven by an insatiable desire for wealth. His greed for gold mirrors that of Hastar, the ancient deity cursed for coveting both food and treasure.
This generational curse of greed is passed down from one family member to the next. Vinayak’s own son, 
much like his father, becomes ensnared in this endless pursuit of wealth. Tumbbad poignantly illustrates how greed transcends time, passed down like an inheritance, from one generation to the next. Early in the film, we witness young Vinayak expressing his desire not for a mere coin but for the entire hidden treasure, foreshadowing the ruinous path he is destined to follow.
This transference of greed serves as a chilling reminder that certain destructive tendencies can become deeply embedded in family legacies, often with tragic consequences.
much like his father, becomes ensnared in this endless pursuit of wealth. Tumbbad poignantly illustrates how greed transcends time, passed down like an inheritance, from one generation to the next. Early in the film, we witness young Vinayak expressing his desire not for a mere coin but for the entire hidden treasure, foreshadowing the ruinous path he is destined to follow.
This transference of greed serves as a chilling reminder that certain destructive tendencies can become deeply embedded in family legacies, often with tragic consequences. The Dark World of Tumbbad: Cinematic Brilliance
One of the most striking elements of Tumbbad is its world-building.
The film's atmosphere is steeped in a perpetual downpour, with rain serving as a symbolic backdrop for the curse that plagues the land. This decision to shoot much of the film during the monsoon season wasn’t merely an aesthetic choice; it was also practical, given the film's limited budget. Yet, the relentless rain adds a layer of gloom and desolation, amplifying the sense of foreboding that permeates every frame.
The production value is astonishing, especially considering the film was made on a modest budget of just ₹15 crore. From the authentic period costumes to the eerie, crumbling architecture, every detail immerses the audience into the cursed world of Tumbbad. Despite the financial constraints, the film’s production quality rivals those of much higher-budget films, demonstrating that passion and creativity can often transcend monetary limitations. 
The film’s background score, composed by Jesper Kyd, enhances this unsettling world. Known for his work on games like Assassin’s Creed and Hitman, Kyd’s score in Tumbbad stands out. His non-traditional Indian approach creates a hauntingly unique atmosphere, setting the film apart from other period pieces.
The Overlooked Political Commentary
While most viewers get lost in the dark fantasy world of Tumbbad, the film also provides subtle yet powerful political commentary. One of the most overlooked aspects of the movie is its depiction of power dynamics and social evils, particularly through the treatment of women.
For instance, Vinayak’s mother is a widow, and the film subtly highlights how widows in pre-independence India were often exploited and marginalized. There’s a scene where Vinayak’s mother is manipulated by a local authority figure, a reflection of the power imbalance prevalent during that era. Even later, Vinayak himself perpetuates this cycle of exploitation, as his friend Raghav buys a widow and then sells her to him. The fact that neither of these widow characters is given a name serves as a stark reminder of how society stripped them of their identity and worth.
The film’s critique of colonialism is equally profound, albeit subtly woven into the narrative. There’s a pointed criticism of the British colonial rule, but also an exploration of how some Indians, like Vinayak, were complicit in this exploitation. Vinayak, much like the British, is looting the treasure of a cursed deity, just as the British were looting the riches of India. His dismissive attitude toward India’s freedom movement and figures like Mahatma Gandhi further underscores this complicity.
In a particularly telling scene, Vinayak mocks the freedom fighters who come to him for funds. He is entirely indifferent to their cause, driven only by his desire for more wealth. His indifference to the larger political landscape mirrors the selfishness of those who profited under colonial rule, unconcerned with the freedom and dignity of the nation.
The Irony of Mahatma Gandhi's Quote
The film begins with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: "The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed." This is a fitting epigraph, considering how greed shapes the narrative of Tumbbad. What makes this quote particularly powerful is its irony. Throughout the film, none of the characters subscribe to Gandhi’s philosophy. Vinayak’s insatiable greed, which ultimately leads to his demise, contrasts sharply with Gandhi’s teachings of simplicity and self-restraint.
The most significant turning point in the film occurs when Vinayak’s son rejects the coins his dying father offers him. This act of refusal symbolizes the breaking of the generational curse of greed, finally aligning with Gandhi’s ideology. However, this realization comes at a heavy cost—Vinayak loses his life, and his son loses his father.
Conclusion: Tumbbad as a Layered Masterpiece
Tumbbad is more than just a horror-fantasy; it is a layered masterpiece that explores human nature, social evils, and the corrupting influence of power and greed. The film’s stunning visuals, atmospheric score, and meticulous world-building make it a cinematic triumph. But beneath the surface, it delivers a scathing critique of societal norms, political structures, and the devastating effects of unchecked ambition.
In revisiting this film, one can’t help but marvel at how it manages to intertwine these profound themes into a story that is, on the surface, about a cursed treasure. It’s a rare film that rewards viewers for looking beyond its haunting imagery to uncover the moral and political lessons it seeks to impart.
As we reflect on Vinayak’s tragic fate and the world of Tumbbad, we’re reminded of a timeless truth: while nature provides enough to meet our needs,
it will never satisfy our greed.
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