Cult horror film Tumbbad, starring Sohum Shah, marked its eighth anniversary on 12 October 2026, with actress Alia Bhatt — confirmed as part of the upcoming sequel — joining the celebrations in a characteristically playful fashion. The milestone underscores the film's enduring grip on Indian cinema audiences nearly a decade after its release.

Alia's Hastar-Themed Tribute

Taking to the Stories section of her Instagram handle, Alia shared a selfie sporting a custom eye mask inscribed with the phrase 'So Jaa Warna Hastar Aa Jayega' — a chilling callback to the film's iconic mythology. She accompanied the image with the caption, 'Happy 8 years to the entire #Tumbbad team,' followed by a devil emoji.

Sohum Shah was quick to respond, writing: 'Looks like Hastar has a new favourite! Thank you @aliabhatt.' The playful exchange quickly caught the attention of fans and film enthusiasts across social media.

Alia Bhatt Confirmed for Tumbbad 2

Alia's involvement in the franchise is more than just celebratory. She confirmed joining the cast of Tumbbad 2 in July 2026, alongside Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Welcoming her on board, Shah had shared a post reading: 'A new chapter unfolds. Welcome to #Tumbbad2, @aliaabhatt #PralayAayega,' accompanied by photographs with the actress.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Alia said in a statement: '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.'

She added: '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.'

Tumbbad's Cult Legacy

Originally released on 12 October 2018, Tumbbad was directed by Rahi Anil Barve and produced over a decade-long production journey. The film blends folklore, horror, and allegory in a way that drew comparisons to international arthouse cinema. Notably, it found renewed audiences through streaming platforms long after its theatrical run, cementing its reputation as a genuine cult classic in Hindi cinema.

This is among very few Indian horror films to have successfully built a franchise on the back of critical appreciation rather than box office dominance alone — making the Tumbbad 2 announcement one of Hindi cinema's most closely watched sequels.

What to Expect from the Sequel

With Alia Bhatt, Sohum Shah, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui forming the primary cast, Tumbbad 2 carries significant expectations. No release date has been announced as yet, but the teaser hashtag #PralayAayega — loosely translating to 'calamity is coming' — has already stirred considerable speculation about the sequel's tone and narrative direction.