Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has confirmed that he is not associated with the upcoming Tumbbad 2, citing creative reasons. The horror-thriller, which gained cult status after its re-release last year, is being produced by Sohum Shah and stars Alia Bhatt.

Explaining his absence from the project, Rai, who produced the 2018 film, says, “For some reason nahin, aur woh creative reasons hain. What you want is a certain kind of freedom to make decisions when you are creating something.”

Calling Tumbbad “a fantastic film”, he adds, “Mere liye, woh kahani jitni khoobsurat hoke wahaan pahunchi hui thi, main uske aage nahin jaana chah raha tha. But all the best to the team who is making it now. They will make a great film, but I keep the decision to myself what film I want to join.” Rai, who recently won a National Award for the documentary Statue Of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek, says the honour has reinforced his interest in non-feature storytelling.

“Awards and rewards sar aankhon par, but it’s the love and being a vessel of a poignant story that matters to me. This kind of an award gives you confidence that your existence matters,” he says.

The filmmaker plans to begin work on his next directorial in 2027, with a possible release by the end of that year or in 2028. He adds that Indian filmmakers need to explore documentaries more deeply: “We need to learn more in the non-feature category. It’s a different form of storytelling and the filmmakers in our industry need to learn a lot more when it comes to this form,” he ends.

After much speculation, Bombay Times can now confirm that Alia Bhatt has officially joined the critically acclaimed Tumbbad franchise. The actress will appear in a pivotal role alongside Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Tumbbad 2, an anticipated sequel, marking one of the most significant collaborations in Indian cinema.

Known for her remarkable range and fearless choice of roles, Alia’s arrival marks a defining moment for the film. Her ability to seamlessly move between intimate character-driven performances has consistently made her one of the most compelling actors of her generation.

Alia told Bombay Times, “Tumbbad has stayed with me ever since I first watched it. Very few films create a world that feels this original and immersive, and even fewer continue to grow in people’s imagination years after they’ve released. That’s what makes this opportunity so exciting. To now become a part of that world is incredibly special. I’m looking forward to working with Sohum and Nawaz, two artists I’ve admired for a long time, and to exploring a character that belongs to a story as rich, mysterious and unforgettable as Tumbbad. I can’t wait for audiences to experience what we’re creating together.”

Celebrated for its rich world-building, atmospheric storytelling and visual ambition, Tumbbad redefined the folklore fantasy genre in India and has earned a cult following over the years. Its re-release went on to become the highest-grossing re-releases in Indian cinema. With Alia joining the cast featuring Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Tumbbad 2 is set to expand its canvas.

Sohum Shah shared, “Having Alia Bhatt come on board for Tumbbad 2 is truly delightful for all of us. She is undoubtedly one of the most talented actresses of this generation, and I am sure the audience will get to witness something unique with her in the film. We have all witnessed her incredible performances on screen right from her debut. This is my first collaboration with her, and I am genuinely looking forward to working together.”

Tumbbad 2 is directed by Adesh Prasad and spearheaded by actor-producer Sohum Shah under his banner Sohum Shah Films, in collaboration with Pen Studios. The film is slated to release in cinemas on 3rd December 2027.

Producer Dr. Jayantilal Gada said, "Alia Bhatt is undoubtedly one of the finest actresses in our industry, and her joining Tumbbad 2 is truly incredible. This also marks our third collaboration with Alia after the phenomenal success of Gangubai Kathiawadi and RRR, making it even more special for us. She is the perfect choice for this film, and the audience will see her in a way like never before."

Imaginative storytelling, powerful script, and passionate collaborators — these are among the many criteria Nawazuddin Siddiqui has, when choosing a film. Entering the haunting universe of Tumbbad was a no-brainer since the Sohum Shah-led sequel ticked almost all his boxes.

“There are very few films that create their own language and atmosphere. Tumbbad [2018] did that. It wasn’t a run-of-the-mill horror film; it had folklore, greed, mythology, and human darkness all coming together. When Sohum narrated the sequel’s world to me, I got excited as an actor. Here, the storytelling has the same punch,” stated Siddiqui.

Collaborating with actor and producer Shah was an incentive to feature in Tumbbad 2, directed by Adesh Prasad. The two, after all, go back a long way; even before Shah became known for fronting Ship Of Theseus (2012).

Siddiqui reflected, “A lot of people don’t know this, but I taught Sohum acting during his early days. He had done a film called Baabarr in 2009. We have known each other since then. Our equation goes beyond Bollywood. Back then, he was curious and hungry to learn. Even today, that curiosity is there.”

With the unit currently filming the folk horror film in Madh Island, Mumbai, Siddiqui is proud to see Shah’s commitment as a producer. Praising his knack for unusual storytelling, the actor said, “He takes risks. Today, few people back stories that are so rooted.”

Rumours have been rife that Alia Bhatt has a special appearance in ‘Tumbbad 2’ (Aila! Is that Alia? May 1). When asked about it, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was evasive, only teasing, “The beauty of this film is in the surprises. Good actors bring their own excitement on the set and to the film.”

In March, actor and producer Sohum Shah indicated that he was going bigger with Tumbbad 2 as he announced the addition of Nawazuddin Siddiqui to the cast. What if we now told you that the stakes have risen with the addition of a superstar? mid-day has heard whispers that Alia Bhatt is set to make a special appearance in the folk horror film, which is currently on floors in Mumbai. 

Sources have told us that Bhatt’s appearance, despite its short length, marks a pivotal point in the story. A source revealed, “The makers needed someone who brings gravitas and intrigue in a short screen time. Alia fit that space.”

Director Adesh Prasad’s sequel will further explore the cursed mythology surrounding the deity of Hastar, and the consequences of awakening forces that were never meant to be worshipped.

From what we’ve heard, the actor will face the camera on May 3, before flying out briefly to the US. She is expected to resume work after May 6. “The shoot is tightly planned with an elaborate set constructed in Madh Island. Alia will shoot for two days in all. Since she is making an appearance at the Met Gala on May 4, the makers have brought a double for some patch scenes,” said a unit insider.

Weeks after mid-day reported that Tumbbad 2 is in the works (Khatarnaak combo, March 4), it’s time for Nawazuddin Siddiqui to step into the world of fear and folklore. We’ve heard that the actor and Sohum Shah, who is co-producing the sequel, will kick off the shoot in Madh Island today with an elaborate opening sequence that involves 200 people.

Adesh Prasad, who was one of the writers on Tumbbad (2018), is directing the second part. “On the first day, the crowd will be smaller, but by March 28 and 29, the scale will increase. A massive crowd sequence is being shot. Adesh wanted to start with the opening sequence itself; it is designed as a major set-piece that establishes the scale of the world imagined,” said a source.

A few days ago, Siddiqui and Shah were spotted in Madh Island, where the set was being built over weeks. Details about Siddiqui’s role remain under wraps, but the source indicated that his character has dark shades.

“It’s not a straightforward antagonist. Sohum has been involved at every stage — from script development to building the film’s look.”