Tumbbad's Re-Release Scores Higher Than Kareena Kapoor's The Buckingham Murders on Day One!

The re-release of the 2018 folk-horror film Tumbbad has sparked new excitement among moviegoers. Despite receiving limited attention at the box office during its initial release, the film, starring Sohum Shah, has gained significant popularity over the years. The re-release this week has turned things around for the film, even surpassing the opening day collection of a new release, The Buckingham Murders.

Tumbbad’s Box Office Comeback

Trade expert Taran Adarsh shared the impressive first-day collection of Tumbbad on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He noted that the film had collected 65 lakhs on its first Friday in 2018, followed by ₹1.15 crore on Saturday and ₹1.45 crore on Sunday. However, the re-release has performed even better, collecting ₹1.65 crore on Friday alone.

Adarsh attributed the film’s renewed success to the goodwill and love it has received over the years, coupled with affordable ticket prices. The increased interest in Tumbbad has been surprising, but it demonstrates how the film has become a cult favorite among viewers, who appreciate its unique storytelling and atmospheric horror.

Comparison with The Buckingham Murders

In contrast, The Buckingham Murders, an investigative thriller directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Kareena Kapoor, had a lower opening on its first Friday. According to reports, the film earned ₹1.15 crore on its opening day. The Buckingham Murders was released in both its original Hinglish version (80% in English, 20% in Hindi) and a dubbed Hindi version. Despite Kareena Kapoor's star power and Mehta's direction, the film's initial performance paled in comparison to Tumbbad’s re-release.

This comparison highlights the unexpected resurgence of Tumbbad, which has managed to capture the audience’s attention more effectively, even against new releases.

The Cult Status of Tumbbad

Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, Tumbbad follows the story of Vinayak Rao, played by Sohum Shah, in his quest to uncover a hidden treasure in the village of Tumbbad during the early 20th century. The film blends horror, folklore, and fantasy, offering a gripping narrative that explores themes of greed, myth, and human nature.

Despite its initial box office underperformance in 2018, Tumbbad was highly praised for its unique storyline, stunning visuals, and powerful performances. Over the years, the film has developed a strong fan base, and its re-release was eagerly awaited by many.

The re-release trend has become more common in recent years, with several other films, such as Rockstar (2011) and Laila Majnu (2018), also making their way back to theaters. This gives films like Tumbbad a second chance to reach a broader audience and achieve commercial success.

Tumbbad’s Future: A Sequel in the Works

Following the success of Tumbbad and the excitement around its re-release, a sequel, Tumbbad 2, has been announced and is currently in development. Fans of the original film are eagerly awaiting further news about the sequel, hoping it will deliver the same eerie atmosphere and compelling storytelling as the first installment.

With the success of the re-release and the anticipation surrounding Tumbbad 2, it’s clear that the film’s legacy continues to grow. The re-release has not only reignited interest in the original but has also paved the way for a larger conversation about its impact on Indian cinema. 

The re-release of Tumbbad has proven to be a major success, with box office numbers surpassing expectations and even outshining new releases like The Buckingham Murders. Its blend of folk horror and intriguing storytelling has resonated with audiences, giving it a second life in theaters. As fans await the sequel, Tumbbad 2, the film’s growing popularity cements its place as a modern classic in Indian cinema.