Tumbbad, originally released in 2018, made a surprising and highly successful comeback when it was re-released on September 13, 2024. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and starring Sohum Shah, the film blends horror, mythology, and stunning visuals to tell a story deeply rooted in Indian folklore. While its initial run in 2018 was critically acclaimed, the movie underperformed at the box office. However, the re-release has completely turned things around. As of Day 15, Tumbbad has not only gained a larger audience but has also redefined itself as a box office phenomenon. Here’s an updated look at its budget, box office performance, and journey to becoming a hit.
Budget and Initial Performance
Tumbbad was initially made on a modest budget of ₹5 crore. Despite its groundbreaking storytelling and innovative cinematography, the film struggled to make a significant mark at the box office during its original run. It managed to collect just over ₹13 crore globally in 2018, falling short of becoming a commercial success. However, the movie steadily gained cult status over the years, especially among fans of horror and Indian folklore.
The re-release in September 2024 capitalized on the film’s growing fanbase, with audiences eager to experience the rich and haunting visuals on the big screen once again. The film has shattered its previous records and is now on a path to becoming one of the most successful re-releases in Indian cinema.
Box Office Collection Day 15 Worldwide
As of Day 15, Tumbbad has grossed a total of ₹45 crore worldwide since its re-release. This is a massive turnaround for a film that originally struggled to gain traction. In India, the film has grossed ₹31 crore, showing remarkable consistency over its two-week run. Internationally, the movie has performed well in regions with strong Indian diaspora communities, such as the UK, Canada, and the USA, contributing an additional ₹14 crore to the global total.
| Region | Collection (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|
| India (Domestic) | 31 |
| Overseas (UK, USA, Canada) | 14 |
| Total Worldwide | 45 |
Hit or Flop Verdict
Tumbbad can now officially be classified as a hit. The re-release has transformed what was once considered a box office underperformer into a success story. With ₹45 crore in global collections by Day 15, the film has already covered its modest production and marketing costs, generating profit and proving that films can have second lives at the box office.
The film’s re-release success is driven by several factors, including its unique storytelling, strong word-of-mouth, and growing interest in films that explore Indian mythology and folklore.
Reasons for the Re-Release Success
The renewed success of Tumbbad is a result of several factors working in the film’s favor.
One of the key reasons is the cult status the movie achieved over the years. Despite its initial underperformance, Tumbbad built a loyal fanbase that praised its originality, eerie atmosphere, and unique approach to horror. This strong cult following has played a significant role in attracting a new audience for the re-release, as word-of-mouth continued to build over time.
The film’s critical acclaim has also been a significant driving force. Tumbbad received high praise from critics, both in India and internationally, for its intricate plot, dark themes, and visually stunning depiction of rural India. Over time, these reviews have helped boost the film’s reputation, making it a must-watch for cinephiles and fans of atmospheric horror.
National Cinema Day, celebrated on September 20, 2024, also provided a crucial boost to Tumbbad’s box office collection. With tickets sold at ₹99 across the country, audiences flocked to theaters, and Tumbbad took full advantage of this surge, grossing over ₹12 crore in just one week. This single-day event reignited interest in the film and contributed heavily to its strong second-week performance.
Another major factor behind the film’s success is its visual spectacle. Even six years after its original release, Tumbbad remains a visually stunning film, with its dark, atmospheric portrayal of rural India and folklore creating a hauntingly immersive experience. Audiences who missed it the first time around, as well as those revisiting it, were eager to watch the film on the big screen, where its rich visuals and moody lighting could be fully appreciated.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While Tumbbad is currently riding a wave of success, it faces tough competition from other new releases, particularly Bollywood blockbusters. Maintaining strong box office performance over the next couple of weeks will be essential for the film to maximize its re-release potential. However, the strong word-of-mouth and the buzz generated by its re-release have positioned Tumbbad well for continued success, and it could see a steady stream of viewership in the weeks to come.
Looking ahead, the film’s unique appeal may even lead to additional screenings or possibly expansion into newer markets, particularly as international interest in Indian cinema continues to grow.
Conclusion:
Tumbbad has defied all odds with its re-release, transforming from a cult favorite into a box office success. With ₹45 crore in collections by Day 15, the film has proven that a strong narrative, combined with critical acclaim and fan support, can lead to a resurgence at the box office. As the movie continues to captivate audiences both in India and overseas, Tumbbad serves as a reminder that good films never truly fade—they simply wait for the right moment to be rediscovered.
