Exploring The Real Village That Inspired The Folk Horror Movie 'Tumbbad'

Highlighting the social and economic inequality of the French Ancien Régime by depicting a nobleman as a spider and a peasant as a fly, Jacques Lagniet accompanied his 17th century engraving with a proverb that said "plus le diable en a, plus il en veut" ("the more the devil gets, the more it wants"). This saying perfectly captures the essence of the film "Tumbbad." Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, ‘Tumbbad’ is a Hindi language adaptation of Marathi-language horror short story by Narayan Dharap. The film is renowned for its atmospheric storytelling, stunning cinematography, and intricate production design, earning critical acclaim and a cult following.

One of the reasons for why the film works so well is its spatial rootedness in the lush rural locales of Maharashtra. While the film was shot at various locations, the eponymous village, Tumbbad, is a small hamlet in Maharashtra which people can explore. Let us delve into the nooks and crannies of this little Marathi village where the folk-horror film derives its atmospheric appeal from.

History Of Tumbbad

The hamlet of Tumbbad, just like the film, has immense historical and mythological significance. The village is connected to Hastar, a mythological deity thought to have been cursed and imprisoned in the land, according to local legend. The stories surrounding Tumbbad are intimately linked to the crumbling buildings and remnants of an old temple, which contribute to the village's eerie allure.

Tumbbad has a long history dating back to Maharashtra's Maratha era, and some of the structures here are remnants of that time. Tumbbad was seen as a crucial component of the trade routes that connected the Konkan and Deccan regions by the Marathas, who were renowned for their strategic placement of forts and settlements. The village gradually lost its prominence and turned into a sleepy community that was mostly spared from modernisation. Even though the village still has its rustic charm, its ancient myths and undiscovered ruins give it an air of mystery.

Geography And Climate

Throughout the runtime of the film, the monsoon plays a pivotal role to evoke an eerie atmosphere through dilapidation of old structures under torrential rain. Susceptible to excessive downpour, Tumbbad is situated in Maharashtra's Sahyadri Hills, which are a section of the Western Ghats. The village has a tropical climate, and during the monsoon season, the surrounding area is transformed into an incredibly lush and green paradise. Nature lovers will find Tumbbad's terrain, which is surrounded by thick forests, waterfalls, and meandering trails, to be an absolute paradise. It's ideal for trekking, hiking, and nature walks because of the hilly terrain.

In Tumbbad, the monsoon season (June to September) is especially unique because of the breathtaking scenery created by the torrential rains and cascading waterfalls. Conversely, winters are pleasant and perfect for visiting the village's historical and natural sites.

Historical Monuments And Landmarks

Although Tumbbad may not have the impressive palaces or forts that other regions of Maharashtra do, it does have a number of noteworthy landmarks that are rich in legend and history.

Even though Tumbbad doesn't have the large palaces or forts that can be found throughout Maharashtra, the village does have a number of buildings. Houses and granaries that still stand as examples of ancient Maratha architecture provide insight into Tumbbad's significance in Maratha history. Furthermore, the Tumbbad Fort made an appearance in the movie. Despite being in ruins and overgrown with flora, it silently bears witness to the past of the area and provides beautiful views of the hills and valleys around. The location is a 1703-built wada. Visits are permitted as long as the owner grants authorization. This massive wada complex, constructed for Sardar Ambaji Purandare, features two courtyards, a howd (water cistern), restrooms, and a separate Ganpati Mandir.

Furthermore, at about 100 km from Tumbbad lies the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary, which was created in 1985 and covers an area of about 423.55 square kilometres, is a part of the larger Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, which is located in the Western Ghats and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is well-known for its abundant biodiversity and deep forests, which serve as an essential home for animals like the Indian bison, Bengal tigers, and many endemic bird species. A vast range of flora and fauna are supported by the sanctuary's hilly terrain, which is enhanced by rivers like the Koyna, Kandati, and Solashi as well as the Shivsagar Reservoir. Because of its varied terrain, it is both a well-liked vacation spot for naturalists and an important conservation area. Notable historical sites like the Vasota Fort, constructed in the 12th century by Malwa King Raja Bhoja, and the Koyna Dam, a significant hydroelectric project, can be found within the sanctuary in addition to its natural beauty. When combined, these components provide history buffs and lovers of the great outdoors with a singular experience.

Foods To Try

Tumbbad's rich and varied cuisine, which draws inspiration from nearby farms and forest ingredients, provides a genuine taste of rural Maharashtra. The traditional meal of bhakri, a flatbread made from millet or jowar, served with pithla, a curry made with gram flour, is a village mainstay and embodies the simplicity and flavour of regional cuisine. A popular dish that offers hearty, earthy flavours is vangyache bharit, which is roasted and mashed eggplant cooked with spices and served with bhakri. Also recommended to guests is bharleli vangi, a Maharashtrian speciality consisting of stuffed eggplants cooked in a hot gravy made with coconut. Modak is a rice flour dessert that is stuffed with coconut and jaggery; it's especially delicious during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

About The Film

The movie ‘Tumbbad’ was first released in 2018, but it was recently re-released and made INR 1.65 crores on its first day of release—a substantial increase from its first-day earnings in 2018. The tale, which has its origins in Indian mythology, centres on the goddess of prosperity and her firstborn son Hastar, who is cursed because of his ravenous appetite. The story of Vinayak Rao, a man obsessed with discovering a hidden treasure in the cursed village of Tumbbad, where an ancient goddess gave birth to a demon named Hastar, who was banished and hidden because of his greed for food and gold, is told in this period drama, which takes place in the 1900s. Attracted by the legends of riches under Hastar's protection, Vinayak sets out on a perilous quest to find it. When he learns the code to unlock the treasure, his greed takes over, and he does terrible things. The movie tells a story of unsettling folklore, atmospheric horror, generational trauma and moral decay while examining themes of greed, ambition, and the cyclical nature of desire.

How To Reach Tumbbad

Tumbbad is best accessed via road. The nearest major city is Pune, located about 100 km away, from where you can hire a taxi or drive yourself to the village. The journey offers scenic views of the Western Ghats, making it a pleasant road trip.

Alternatively, you can take a train to Satara, the nearest railway station, and then take a taxi to Tumbbad. The journey from Satara is about 50 km.