Tumbbad

A beautifully shot, horror morality tale with deep roots in Hindu mythology. The story revolves around greed, a golden treasure, a forgotten god and an originally conceived shrine, and takes place in three key moments throughout thirty years of the life of a boy. There aren’t many comparable films going around, which contributes to the final impression – you are more willing to overlook a few of the negative aspects. For me, those are mainly in the sometimes overacting Indian actors (in the first third, the boy’s mother “plays” hysterical sadness to the point that it feels almost funny, I’m sorry), the sometimes weaker special effects (though the make-up is great) and the too long middle part, which, for longer than necessary, deviates pretty far from the horror genre. With respect to the horror itself, it’s bit a of a pity that the creators play their strongest cards already in the first third. I’m hesitant about the rating, I have it at three and a half… (01.12.2018)

This Indian horror fairy tale that is hitting a whopping 85% abroad is not garnering much praise here, but it is definitely an original film that deserves attention. The story is about Indian mythology, gold and greed. The main character goes to visit a temple where the god Hastar is hiding, from which gold falls, but it's not always easy. Visually it’s very impressive, especially the make-up effects of the god, for me more of a demon, Hastar is pleasantly scary. The story is definitely engaging and there are some nice surprises. There are no scares or gore (apart from one scene), but the atmosphere of the temple does its job. An above average affair for India and I had a great time. 70% (21.12.2018)