Tumbbad's Resurgence Sparks Nostalgic Revival of Classics in Cinemas

The year 2024 marked a significant shift in cinematic trends, with the re-release of old films becoming a major draw for audiences. Among the most notable success stories was Tumbbad, Rahi Anil Barve’s 2018 folk-horror masterpiece, which finally received the recognition it deserved during its re-release.

Spearheading a wave of sleeper hits, Tumbbad, produced by Sohum Shah, saw a remarkable resurgence at the box office. The film, which explores greed and mythology through a visually stunning narrative, earned four times its original theatrical revenue, far surpassing its initial lukewarm reception in 2018. Alongside it, Imtiaz Ali's Laila Majnu also defied its 2018 performance, crossing its lifetime earnings of Rs 2.18 crore within just three days of its re-release.

Notably, audiences embraced this re-release trend, flocking to cinemas not just for Tumbbad but for a diverse slate of classics. Films such as Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar (1963), the iconic Sholay (1975), and cult favorites like Karan Arjun (1995) and Taal (1999) graced the big screens once again. Regional hits, including Malayalam cult-classics Manichitrathazhu (1993) and Devadoothan, as well as Tamil superstar Vijay's Ghilli (2004), also enjoyed renewed success.

Reports indicate over 50 films were re-released throughout the year. The trend was fueled by several factors, including reduced ticket prices—ranging from Rs 99 to Rs 150—which made the theatre experience more accessible. Additionally, the disappointment surrounding several high-budget projects like Fighter, Maidaan, and Bade Miya Chote Miya prompted audiences to revisit beloved classics that guaranteed value for money.

“Nostalgia played a pivotal role in driving this phenomenon,” experts noted. “Audiences found solace and excitement in reliving iconic moments on the big screen, proving that timeless storytelling transcends generational divides.”

The trend also brought renewed success to films that originally struggled to find an audience. Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar (2011), for instance, earned over Rs 10 crore during its re-run, further highlighting the growing appetite for re-releases.

As the year came to a close, the momentum showed no signs of slowing. Heading into 2025, films such as Chiranjeevi's Hitler (1997), Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya (1998), and the coming-of-age favorite Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) were already scheduled for theatrical re-releases in January.

The success of Tumbbad and other re-released classics has demonstrated the enduring appeal of storytelling that resonates across decades. By bringing the magic of these films back to the big screen, the industry has tapped into a cultural zeitgeist, offering cinephiles a chance to rediscover cinema’s golden moments while proving that great art truly stands the test of time.