Sohum Shah reacts to Tumbbad competing with Stree, Munjya franchise: ‘They are not making dadi-nani ki kahaniyaan’

Indian cinema, over the past few years, has witnessed a significant evolution in the horror genre, breaking away from traditional formulas and embracing new, innovative storytelling techniques. Among the many films that have redefined horror in Indian cinema, Tumbbad (2018), Stree (2018), and the emerging Munjya franchise have stood out for their unique approaches. Recently, actor-producer Sohum Shah, who gained widespread acclaim for his role in Tumbbad, shared his thoughts on the comparison of his film with Stree and the Munjya franchise. His candid remarks about the distinction between these films and Tumbbad’s legacy shed light on the evolution of horror narratives in India. In this article, we will explore the essence of Shah’s reaction, delve deeper into the comparison between Tumbbad, Stree, and Munjya, and analyze the larger implications of this shift in Indian horror cinema. We’ll also examine how Tumbbad’s influence continues to resonate, even as new films in the horror-comedy genre take center stage. Released in 2018, Tumbbad was a breath of fresh air in the Indian horror scene, a genre that had been dominated for decades by formulaic ghost stories, jump scares, and supernatural entities. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and produced by Sohum Shah, the film is a period horror that revolves around a cursed treasure in the mystical village of Tumbbad. The film’s atmospheric tension, folklore-based narrative, and impeccable production values set it apart from most Indian horror films. Tumbbad not only terrified its audience but also invited them to reflect on themes of greed, legacy, and human suffering. Sohum Shah, who portrayed the protagonist Vinayak Rao, received critical acclaim for his performance. His dedication to the project was evident—Shah spent over six years working on the film, from production delays to reshooting significant portions. The film, once considered a risk for its unconventional storyline and dark tone, became a cult classic, earning praise both domestically and internationally. In the same year, Stree, a horror-comedy starring Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi, was released. Directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the film was based on an urban legend about a female spirit who abducts men at night. However, Stree turned this narrative on its head, blending humor with scares in a way that resonated with the Indian audience. The film was a massive success at the box office, spawning a new wave of interest in horror-comedy. Unlike Tumbbad, Stree adopted a lighter tone, interspersing its horror elements with moments of levity, witty dialogues, and memorable characters. Its success was driven not only by its novel take on horror but also by its ability to engage a wider audience, making it accessible to viewers who might not traditionally gravitate towards the horror genre. Following the success of Stree, there has been a surge in horror-comedy films in Bollywood, with the most notable being the Munjya franchise, which takes inspiration from regional folklore and legends. Like Stree, the Munjya films play with supernatural elements but in a comedic context, making them palatable for mainstream audiences. While these films have been commercially successful, they lean heavily towards entertainment, often prioritizing humor over the depth of horror or the thematic richness seen in films like Tumbbad.