Imaginative storytelling, powerful script, and passionate collaborators — these are among the many criteria Nawazuddin Siddiqui has, when choosing a film. Entering the haunting universe of Tumbbad was a no-brainer since the Sohum Shah-led sequel ticked almost all his boxes. “There are very few films that create their own language and atmosphere. Tumbbad [2018] did that. It wasn’t a run-of-the-mill horror film; it had folklore, greed, mythology, and human darkness all coming together. When Sohum narrated the sequel’s world to me, I got excited as an actor. Here, the storytelling has the same punch,” stated Siddiqui.
Collaborating with actor and producer Shah was an incentive to feature in Tumbbad 2, directed by Adesh Prasad. The two, after all, go back a long way; even before Shah became known for fronting Ship of Theseus (2012). Siddiqui reflected, “A lot of people don’t know this, but I taught Sohum acting during his early days. He had done a film called Baabarr in 2009. We have known each other since then. Our equation goes beyond Bollywood. Back then, he was curious and hungry to learn. Even today, that curiosity is there.”
With the unit currently filming the folk horror film in Madh Island, Mumbai, Siddiqui is proud to see Shah’s commitment as a producer. Praising his knack for unusual storytelling, the actor said, “He takes risks. Today, few people back stories that are so rooted.”
Alia Bhatt
Rumours have been rife that Alia Bhatt has a special appearance in ‘Tumbbad 2’ (Aila! Is that Alia? May 1). When asked about it, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was evasive, only teasing, “The beauty of this film is in the surprises. Good actors bring their own excitement on the set and to the film.”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s previous horror films:
. ‘Aatma’ (2013)
. ‘Adbhut’ (2024)
