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The long-awaited sequel to the 2018 cult horror masterpiece Tumbbad has officially gone on floors. On April 7, 2026, actor-producer Sohum Shah performed the traditional mahurat shot in Mumbai, joined by industry heavyweights including Boney Kapoor and Dr. Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios. The ceremony marked the formal beginning of principal photography for this ambitious follow-up, which promises to expand the dark, folklore-rich universe that made the original a critical and sleeper hit.

Sohum Shah, who starred as the greed-driven Vinayak in Tumbbad and is deeply involved as producer through his banner Sohum Shah Films, led the auspicious start. The collaboration with Pen Studios brings significant scale and resources to the project. Reports confirm the film is being mounted on a grander canvas, with an extensive 200-day shoot schedule and a massive 7-8 acre “full-scale city” set constructed in Mumbai for key sequences.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who joined the cast earlier this year, is set to play a pivotal, layered role that adds fresh psychological and moral depth to the story. While plot specifics remain tightly guarded, the sequel is expected to delve further into themes of greed, curses, and ancient folklore, building on the original’s atmospheric dread and mythic storytelling. Adesh Prasad, who co-directed the first film alongside Rahi Anil Barve (who is not helming the sequel), is directing this instalment.

The mahurat event carried a sense of reverence mixed with excitement. Industry veterans like Boney Kapoor and Jayantilal Gada’s presence signals strong producer backing and confidence in elevating Tumbbad’s legacy from intimate cult favourite to a larger cinematic experience. Earlier glimpses showed shooting already underway at Madh Island with elaborate sequences involving large crowds, underscoring the upgraded production values.

What makes Tumbbad 2 stand out is its evolution. The 2018 film succeeded through masterful restraint — eerie visuals, grounded performances, and a haunting exploration of human greed rooted in Indian mythology. The sequel is consciously scaling up without losing its soul: a sprawling set mimicking an entire cursed world, extended shoot timeline, and a heavyweight like Nawazuddin Siddiqui promise richer world-building and intense confrontations.

Sohum Shah’s dual role as lead and producer ensures the core vision stays authentic, while Pen Studios’ involvement opens doors for wider pan-Indian and potential global reach. In an era where horror often leans on jump scares or comedy (Stree series, Munjya), Tumbbad 2 aims to stay true to slow-burn psychological terror drawn from folklore — a rarer, more rewarding approach.

As the cursed treasure of Tumbbad calls again, this mahurat isn’t just a ritual — it’s the rebirth of one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive horror universes. With principal photography now rolling, anticipation is mounting for a film that could redefine dark folklore storytelling on a bigger, bolder stage.