Rating: 4.5/5
A Cinematic Masterpiece
“Tumbbad” is an exceptional film in the history of Indian cinema. It offers an extraordinary experience, giving viewers goosebumps and presenting a unique vibe. Every aspect of the film, from performances to cinematography, is meticulously crafted. The world of “Tumbbad” is distinctive and captivating, showcasing the director’s remarkable vision. This film is a cult masterpiece that everyone should watch. Creating such a film is incredibly challenging, and the director and his team deserve immense praise for delivering this masterpiece.
Artistic Brilliance
The film uses metaphors beautifully. For instance, the broken swing (jhula) symbolizes Vinayak Rao’s weakened body due to frequent visits to the brothel, aging, and his relentless efforts to obtain gold coins from Tumbbad’s wada. The first half of the film is set in darkness, which some viewers might find challenging to understand, but it perfectly aligns with the script’s demand, reflecting the pre and post-independence era. The sets and costumes are meticulously designed, maintaining the authenticity of that period. The audience cannot distinguish between actual locations and sets, which speaks volumes about the film’s production quality.
The entire team, including the cast and crew, deserves applause for making such a different and remarkable film in India and Hindi cinema. Special mention to Mohammad Samad, who plays Vinayak’s son for his outstanding performance even portraying the role of the great-grandmother.
A Tale of Greed and Myth
Set in Tumbbad in the 1920s, the story spans three generations of a family dealing with the consequences of building a temple for Hastar, the first-born of a goddess who must not be worshiped. Hastar is a formidable entity who can curse but also grant gold coins. The narrative delves into human nature and endless greed. According to the myth, when the Goddess of Prosperity created the world, she first gave birth to Hastar, followed by 16 crore gods and goddesses. Hastar, her favorite, was extremely greedy. When offered ownership of all the gold or all the food in the universe, Hastar chose both, leading to a conflict with his siblings. The 16 crore gods and goddesses overpowered Hastar, but the Goddess of Prosperity intervened to save him. They spared Hastar on the condition that he would never be mentioned in the Puranas or worshiped.
Conclusion
“Tumbbad” is a film that deserves to be watched and appreciated. Its unique storytelling, exceptional performances, and brilliant cinematography make it a must-watch. Supporting such films encourages the creation of more groundbreaking movies in India. Hats off to the entire team for delivering this cinematic gem.
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