Aanand L Rai: Why I'm not returning to Tumbbad

Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has clarified his non-involvement in the forthcoming sequel to the acclaimed horror film 'Tumbbad'. Rai, who supported the original project, indicated that creative reasons led to his decision to step away from the new chapter. The original 'Tumbbad' gained a significant following and achieved success after its re-release.

The upcoming installment, slated for release on December 3, 2027, will feature Alia Bhatt and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. However, Rai will not be credited as a producer this time. He explained that the desire for creative freedom influenced his choice, stating he did not wish to extend a story he felt had reached a perfect conclusion.

Rai recently earned a National Award for Best Director in the non-feature film category for his documentary 'Statue Of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek'. He emphasized that awards are not his primary motivation, valuing audience love and the opportunity to tell poignant stories more.

Receiving the award has inspired Rai to explore more documentary projects. He believes this form of storytelling is crucial for a nation's history and cultural identity. He anticipates beginning his next directorial venture in 2027, with a potential release in late 2027 or 2028.