After weeks of speculation, it has now been officially confirmed that Alia Bhatt has joined Tumbbad 2, starring alongside Sohum Shah. The announcement has instantly become one of the biggest Bollywood updates of the day, not just because of Alia’s casting but because this also marks her first full-fledged horror film.
Sohum Shah welcomed the actress with a special post on Instagram, writing, “A new chapter unfolds. Welcome to #Tumbbad2, @aliaabhatt.”
While fans initially wondered if Alia would be making a cameo, the makers have confirmed that she has a pivotal role in the sequel.
Alia Bhatt On Tumbbad 2
Sharing why she signed the project, the actress, in an official statement, said, “Tumbbad has stayed with me ever since I first watched it. Very few films create a world that feels this original and immersive, and even fewer continue to grow in people’s imagination years after they’ve released. That’s what makes this opportunity so exciting.”
She added, “To now become a part of that world is incredibly special. I’m looking forward to working with Sohum and Nawaz, two artists I’ve admired for a long time, and to exploring a character that belongs to a story as rich, mysterious and unforgettable as Tumbbad. I can’t wait for audiences to experience what we’re creating together.”
According to earlier reports, Alia was impressed by the screenplay during the very first narration and agreed to the project almost immediately.
All About Tumbbad 2
Earlier this year, reports revealed that Tumbbad 2 is being mounted on a budget of nearly Rs 100 crore, making it one of Bollywood’s most ambitious horror films. A sprawling 7-8-acre set has reportedly been constructed in Mumbai, with an entire fictional city recreated for the film’s opening schedule.
Directed by Adesh Prasad, production officially began on April 7, 2026. The film is slated to release in theatres on December 3, 2027, with the haunting tagline: “Pralay Aayega.”
How Tumbbad Became A Cult Classic
When Tumbbad released in 2018, critics praised its breathtaking visuals, atmospheric storytelling and unique blend of mythology, folklore and horror. However, despite premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, the film struggled commercially during its original theatrical run.
Things changed after the film arrived on streaming platforms, where it steadily gained a passionate fan base. The film’s theatrical re-release proved to be a game-changer, earning over Rs 38 crore and emerging as one of Bollywood’s biggest re-release success stories.
Backed by Sohum Shah Films in association with Pen Studios, the sequel is being developed as the middle chapter of a planned trilogy. Sohum Shah returns as Vinayak Rao, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui joins the franchise in a key role alongside Alia Bhatt.