The dark world of Tumbbad is expanding, and the sequel might just have found its perfect villain. Fresh buzz from the industry suggests that Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are both being considered for the antagonist role in Tumbbad 2. Either choice would be a masterstroke for Sohum Shah’s cult horror universe.
The sequel, a collaboration between Sohum Shah and Pen Studios’ Dr. Jayantilal Gada, is set to begin filming early this year. With the original film’s 2024 re-release raking in impressive box office numbers, expectations for Tumbbad 2 have skyrocketed.
Why the Antagonist Role Matters
“A powerful antagonist is central to the narrative of Tumbbad 2,” shares a source close to the development. The team wants someone who can match Sohum’s intensity frame for frame. “The makers’ idea is to introduce an antagonist who isn’t just menacing but deeply layered — someone who can stand toe-to-toe with Sohum’s character in terms of intensity and depth.”
Both Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui bring exactly that kind of gravitas. Akshaye’s performances in films like Section 375 and Drishyam proved his ability to inhabit morally ambiguous characters. Nawazuddin, meanwhile, has built an entire career on unpredictable, complex roles.
What Made Tumbbad a Cult Classic
Released in 2018, Tumbbad took years to find its audience. The film follows Vinayak Rao’s dangerous obsession with a mythical treasure guarded by the malevolent entity Hastar. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve with Anand Gandhi as creative director, the film blended folklore with pure atmospheric horror.
The 2024 re-release changed everything. Audiences who missed it the first time around flocked to theaters, turning Tumbbad into the sleeper hit it always deserved to be. That success gave the green light for a sequel that promises to deepen the mythology.
Expanding the Dark Universe
“Their ability to portray morally complex, unpredictable characters makes them compelling choices for the world of Tumbbad,” the source adds. The sequel isn’t just about repeating what worked. The makers want to expand the universe while maintaining the original’s haunting atmosphere.
Sohum Shah returns as the lead, navigating even darker territories than before. Whether it’s Akshaye Khanna or Nawazuddin Siddiqui joining him, one thing’s certain—Tumbbad 2 is shaping up to be as gripping as its predecessor.
The film’s production under Pen Studios signals a bigger canvas this time. With early 2025 shoot dates locked, official casting announcements should follow soon. Fans of the original won’t have to wait much longer to see which actor brings the sequel’s villain to life.
