film producer Anand Rai finally explained why he has nothing to do with the upcoming sequel to cult horror film “Tumbbad.” While Rye supported the original project, he revealed that he passed on the next chapter for creative reasons. “Tumbbad,” which has found a loyal fan base years after its initial release and enjoyed huge success in its theatrical re-release last year, is now gearing up for a new installment. Upcoming movies by Alia Bhatt and Nawazuddin Siddiquischeduled to be released on December 3, 2027. However, unlike the first film, Rai’s name does not appear as a producer.
Why Aanand L Rai chose not to continue
Speaking to Hindustan Times about his absence from the project, Rai said the decision was purely for creative reasons.“I’m creative for some reason. What you want is to have some freedom to make decisions while creating something. Tumbbad is a great film, but I feel like just liye, wo kahani jitni khoobsurat hoke wahaan pahuchi hui thi, main uske aage nahin jana chah tha.(I have no connection to it for some reasons, and those are creative reasons. When you create something, you need some kind of freedom to make your own decisions. Tumbbad is a great movie, but I feel like, for me, the story has come to such a beautiful conclusion that I don’t want to keep making it. I wish the team that’s making it now all the best.))The director stressed that while he believed the new team would make a great film, he personally didn’t want to extend the story beyond what he felt it had already achieved.
National Award Recognition brings confidence
Rai is currently celebrating his National Award win for the documentary Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek, for which he received the Best Director honor in the non-feature category. Despite the prestigious recognition, he insists awards have never been the driving force behind his work.Looking back on his achievements, he said:“Mujhe mere hisse ka pyaar mil jata hai. Awards and rewards sar aankhon par, but for me, it’s about love and being a vessel for a poignant story. Awards like this make you believe that your existence matters.”(I get all the love I could ask for. Awards and recognition are always welcomed and deeply respected, but what really matters to me is people’s love and the opportunity to tell meaningful stories. Awards like this make you believe that your work and your existence have real meaning. )Rye said audience appreciation remains more important than trophies, though the accolades reinforce his belief that meaningful storytelling leaves a lasting impact.
Next director and passion for documentaries
The filmmaker also shared an update on his future plans, revealing that he expects to begin filming his next directorial project in 2027. If all goes according to plan, the film could be released in late 2027 or sometime in 2028.Rai also admitted that his National Award inspired him to explore more projects in the documentary field.“We need to learn more about it in the non-feature film category. It’s a different form of storytelling and filmmakers in our industry need to learn more about it and we’re doing it well. Over the next few years we’re going to have some amazing documentaries coming out that are important for any country because it explains its foundations and contributes to its history.”He finally expressed the hope that documentary production in India can continue to develop and bring more stories that retain the country’s historical and cultural characteristics to the audience.
