Lyricist Raj Shekhar on Tumbbad’s re-release: People often say that the magic of cinema is lost today, but they will rediscover it in this film

The core team behind Tumbbad (2018) describes the film as one of the most challenging projects they’ve ever worked on. Lyricist Raj Shekhar, who has contributed to around 25 films over his 13-year career, holds this project particularly dear. The film’s music, composed by Ajay-Atul, creates a grand experience by blending period drama with elements of Marathi and old-world Hindi influences. Given the themes of greed and gold, the music is crafted to evoke the metallic essence of gold itself. Raj’s lyrics effectively capture the inner turmoil of Vinayak Rao (played by Sohum Shah), enhancing the protagonist’s emotional depth.

Re-released in theatres today, Raj hopes that more movie enthusiasts will watch the film and appreciate its unique storyline. He shares, “People often say the magic of cinema is lost today, but they’ll rediscover it in this film.”

Producer Aanand L Rai reflects on working with Raj, saying, “When I was making Tanu weds Manu, Raj was my pillar of strength in that journey. It was his debut as a lyricist, but he was confident from the start. From Tanu weds Manu to Tumbbad, Raj has grown and developed a distinctive identity, which I am very proud of. Writing a song for Tumbbad was challenging, but Raj’s passion, drive, and mastery of language, combined with the fantastic compositions by Ajay-Atul, beautifully captured the essence of the film in just three minutes. It’s wonderful to revisit a creation you are so proud of, even after six years.”




Sohum, who is also a co-producer of the film, adds, “The music of Tumbbad plays a crucial role in shaping its unique atmosphere. Ajay-Atul’s compositions and Raj Shekhar’s lyrics work together harmoniously to bring the film’s mystical world to life. Raj’s lyrics not only enhance the film’s eerie ambiance but also reflect Vinayak’s inner turmoil, deepening the emotional impact of his journey.”



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