Alia Bhatt has officially joined the cast of Tumbbad 2, with actor-producer Sohum Shah welcoming her to the much-awaited sequel by announcing, “A new chapter unfolds.”
The announcement ends days of speculation over Bhatt’s involvement in the film. Her addition is expected to introduce a fresh dimension to the franchise, Hindustan Times reported.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Sohum wrote, “A new chapter unfolds. Welcome to #Tumbbad2, @aliaabhatt.”
The film will mark Bhatt’s first full-fledged venture into the horror genre. While Sohum remains central to the franchise, Bhatt’s character is expected to play a pivotal role in the sequel rather than make a brief appearance.
According to earlier reports, Bhatt is expected to shoot for around 20 days. Her role is said to be integral to some of the film’s biggest twists. Reports also said she was impressed by the screenplay from the first narration and quickly agreed to join the project because of its emotional depth and dark, immersive world.
In an official statement, Bhatt 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.”
“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,” she added.
Earlier this year, Hindustan Times reported that Tumbbad 2 is being mounted on a significantly larger scale than the 2018 original. A sprawling seven to eight-acre set is being constructed in Mumbai, with an entire city recreated for the film’s first shooting schedule.
The sequel is reportedly being produced on a budget of around ₹100 crore, making it one of Bollywood’s biggest horror productions. Filming began on 7 April 2026 under the direction of Adesh Prasad. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 3 December 2027 with the tagline, “Pralay Aayega.”
Released in 2018, Tumbbad earned widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, visuals and distinctive blend of folklore and mythology. Although it premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, the film performed modestly during its original theatrical run.
Its popularity grew after its release on streaming platforms, where it gradually built a loyal fan base. The film later enjoyed a successful theatrical re-release, earning more than ₹38 crore and becoming one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing re-releases.
For Sohum Shah, who also produced the original after several others declined the project, the re-release marked long-awaited recognition for years of work.
Backed by Sohum Shah Films in association with Pen Studios, Tumbbad 2 is positioned as the middle chapter of a planned trilogy. The sequel is expected to explore the terrifying world of Hastar, the cursed deity introduced in the first film.
Sohum Shah will reprise his role as Vinayak Rao, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui also stars in a key role.
