Tumbbad: The Masterpiece

From suspense to supernatural, how do you capture a film’s essence in a single frame?

In 2018, when we were invited for a private screening of ‘Tumbbad’ to design its publicity posters, we entered the room with admittedly low expectations. Why low expectations? Perhaps it was because of the film’s lack of mainstream hype. But every now and then, life offers a rare and humbling reminder—how wrong we can be in our assumptions. Experiencing ‘Tumbbad’ that day was one of those moments.

The two hours spent watching the film weren’t just a viewing experience; they were a revelation. From its hauntingly captivating script to its mesmerizing cinematography, from stellar performances to groundbreaking special effects—Tumbbad is, in every sense of the word, a masterpiece. It engaged us, surprised us, and by the end, left us in awe. To describe what the extraordinary ‘Tumbbad’ team achieved is beyond the scope of our expression in words.

Relatively to making the film, our task was simple, yet it was daunting: Could we, as film publicity designers, create posters that did justice to the level of brilliance the film had achieved? Could we capture the magic, the suspense, the thrill of Tumbbad in a single frame poster?

Designing posters for an average film comes with its own challenges, but ‘Tumbbad’ presented something different entirely. When you’re dealing with a film that transcends the ordinary and taps into the core of human emotion—fear, greed, ambition, isolation—you must be prepared to match that intensity visually. And while many films are made for the commercial success of the moment, few, like Tumbbad, stand the test of time, captivating audiences across generations and social hierarchies.

We approached the project with reverence, determined to create posters that would do more than just promote the film—they had to evoke the same feelings of suspense, mystery, and grandeur that the film itself so wonderfully conjures.

For the first poster, we sought to capture the larger, mysterious force that drives Tumbbad. We wanted the image to stand out, drawing you in with a sense of something powerful, yet hidden. No spoilers, just the kind of raw intrigue that leaves you wondering. We created ‘The Devi’ (codename) poster.

The second poster took a different path, embodying the adventure and isolation of the story while deepening the thrill we had set with the first. The aim was to continue building anticipation, heightening the sense of looming danger without giving too much away. We created ‘The World of Tumbbad’ (codename) poster.

With the third, we shifted focus to the cast—their emotions, their dilemmas, and the dark world they inhabit. Yet, even here, we kept the thread of suspense intact, offering just enough to stir curiosity but not enough to reveal the full picture. We created ‘The Emotions of Tumbbad’ (codename) poster.

Then came the last poster. By this time, Tumbbad had garnered significant buzz, and the audience had begun whispering about the film’s mythical antagonist—Hastar. This poster showed the rawness of Hastar’s terrifying presence but positioned it beneath the larger force of the deity and the man driven to possession. It was our nod to the film’s mythological depth and psychological tension. We created ‘The Reveal’’ (codename) poster. 

We are thankful to have been one spoke in the wheel of ‘Tumbbad’, contributing in our small way to the visual legacy of a film that, we believe, will continue to be celebrated as a work of art for years to come.

As Tumbbad gears up for its re-release this year, we wish the film even greater success. 

Click here to see the official re-release trailer.
Also check out the original trailer 2018.

Know more about ‘Tumbbad’ – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8239946

Let us know about our designs and the film in comments below.