Tumbbad Director Rahi Anil Barve Drops Truth Bomb on Filmmaker Contracts: 'IP Rights Are a Joke!

Rahi Anil Barve, the visionary director behind the cult horror film Tumbbad, has issued a strong warning to aspiring filmmakers. Sharing his personal experience, he emphasized the importance of carefully reading legal contracts, particularly when it comes to intellectual property rights (IPR) and debutant fees. The director’s caution comes as Tumbbad enjoys a renewed wave of popularity following its re-release last month, which saw a phenomenal response from audiences.
The Journey of Tumbbad
Tumbbad, initially conceptualized by Rahi in the 1990s, took a staggering 15 years to come to life. The film’s unique storyline and atmospheric horror captivated viewers, but the road to success wasn’t easy. Rahi’s long and challenging journey reflects the difficult terrain that many filmmakers tread, especially when entering the industry for the first time.
With Tumbbad now a certified cult classic, Rahi took to social media to share a critical piece of advice for new directors entering the competitive world of filmmaking.
Rahi's Warning to Aspiring Filmmakers
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rahi addressed aspiring filmmakers, urging them to be cautious when signing contracts, especially those related to intellectual property rights. He explained that many producers and studios often treat these rights, along with first-timer’s fees, as trivial matters in their contracts.
“Be cautious when making your first film. In Bollywood, intellectual property rights (IPR) and first-timer’s fees are often treated as a joke in studio’s legal contracts,” Rahi wrote. “Many struggling artists, desperate to get their projects off the ground, fail to grasp the seriousness of the issue. Some even can’t afford a basic lawyer to help them understand the terms.”
Rahi’s note resonated with many in the film industry, highlighting the struggles that creatives face when trying to protect their work. “In the short term, we are exploited for very little, but in the long run, we end up losing far more than we can afford. Please be protective of your intellectual property rights before signing any contracts in the future,” Rahi warned.
Speculation of a Fallout with Sohum Shah
Rahi's note comes amid rumors of a fallout between him and Tumbbad producer and actor Sohum Shah. These speculations arose after Rahi announced that he would not be part of Tumbbad 2. Instead, he is currently working on two spiritual sequels: Pahadpangira and Pakshitirtha.
In response to these rumors, Sohum Shah addressed the situation in an interview with India Today, dismissing any talk of tension between the two. He explained that while Tumbbad 2 is moving forward with screenwriter Yogesh Chandekar (Andhadhun, Monica O My Darling), Rahi is currently focused on larger projects.
“As for Rahi, he has been working on mega shows like Gulkanda Tales and Rakt Bramhand. He has been working on those massive projects for a few years now,” Sohum said. He also added that Rahi had attended a recent screening of Tumbbad and had contributed to designing his character Vinayak’s look.
A Bond Beyond Filmmaking
Sohum Shah also emphasized that their professional relationship is built on a strong personal bond. “Whenever we are making Tumbbad 2, and we need him, he will be there. And I think it’s vice versa, as I would always be there for him when he needs me. Rahi is an important part of my life,” Sohum shared. Their connection, it seems, goes beyond the professional, with Sohum describing their friendship as one that has grown organically through years of working together.
The Future of Tumbbad
With Tumbbad making history by becoming the highest-earning film in its re-release, netting over Rs 25 crore, the excitement for a sequel continues to build. While details about Tumbbad 2 are yet to be fully unveiled, fans of the original film are eager to see where the story will go next.
For now, Rahi Anil Barve remains focused on his upcoming projects, but his cautionary tale serves as a powerful reminder to filmmakers about the importance of safeguarding their creative rights.
Rahi’s message to filmmakers highlights the reality of the film industry, where legal complexities can often overshadow creativity. By sharing his experience, he hopes to prevent others from falling into the same traps. As Tumbbad continues to inspire audiences, Rahi Anil Barve’s journey stands as both a warning and a testament to the perseverance needed to succeed in the world of cinema.