Tumbbad (2018) is a visually arresting Indian horror-fantasy film that delves into the consequences of unchecked greed through the myth of Hastar and the cursed village of Tumbbad. The film’s ending is layered with symbolism and meaning, offering a powerful commentary on human desire and the possibility of redemption.
The Myth of Hastar and the Curse of Tumbbad
At the core of Tumbbad’s narrative is the legend of Hastar, the firstborn of the Goddess of Prosperity. Hastar’s greed led him to steal all the gold from the goddess, but he was cursed and banished before he could take the grain, leaving him eternally hungry and forgotten. The villagers of Tumbbad, lured by the promise of wealth, worshipped Hastar and brought a curse upon themselves, resulting in endless rain and perpetual misery.
Vinayak’s Descent into Greed
Vinayak Rao, the film’s protagonist, grows up amidst the poverty and gloom of Tumbbad, obsessed with the hidden treasure said to be guarded by Hastar. Over time, Vinayak learns the secret to extracting gold coins from the goddess’s womb by distracting Hastar with flour dough dolls. His greed, however, is never satisfied, and he becomes consumed by the pursuit of wealth. This obsession is passed down to his son, Pandurang, making greed a generational curse.
The Final Heist and Its Consequences
In the film’s climax, Vinayak and Pandurang attempt their most ambitious heist: stealing Hastar’s entire loincloth, which is filled with gold coins. They use multiple dough dolls to distract Hastar, but each doll spawns a new Hastar, multiplying the danger. Realizing the situation is hopeless, Vinayak sacrifices himself by tying all the dolls to his body, drawing the Hastars away and allowing Pandurang to escape. Vinayak is ultimately consumed by his own greed, meeting the same fate as those before him.
Breaking the Cycle: Pandurang’s Choice
Pandurang’s escape from the goddess’s womb and his decision to burn his last connection to Tumbbad mark a significant turning point. Unlike his father, he chooses not to pursue the treasure further. This act symbolizes the breaking of the generational curse of greed, offering a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak narrative.
Themes and Symbolism in the Ending
The film uses Hastar and the treasure as metaphors for unchecked ambition and desire. Every character who succumbs to greed is ultimately destroyed or cursed. The goddess’s womb, meant to be a place of birth and safety, becomes a claustrophobic prison where human flaws are punished. Pandurang’s rejection of the treasure represents the possibility of redemption and the end of the cycle of greed.
Conclusion
Tumbbad’s ending is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unrestrained desire. The film suggests that true liberation comes not from acquiring more, but from knowing when to let go. Pandurang’s survival and his conscious choice to break free from the curse offer a powerful message: while greed is a powerful and destructive force, it is possible to overcome it through self-awareness and restraint. The haunting legacy of Tumbbad serves as a modern fable, warning against the perils of unchecked ambition and the importance of breaking the cycle.