Jul 14, 2026 4:37pm IST
5 Theories on Who Alia Bhatt Is Playing in ‘Tumbbad 2’
The rain-slicked, mud-soaked world of “Tumbbad” was built on the back of indie grit, relentless perseverance and a haunting cautionary tale about the rot of human greed. For years, it existed as a pristine, standalone masterpiece of Indian folk horror. Now, the stakes have officially skyrocketed with the announcement that Bollywood powerhouse Alia Bhatt has joined the cast of “Tumbbad 2”. The internet erupted when Sohum Shah shared the first official announcement photos draped in ominous crimson light, sending shockwaves through the fandom and igniting massive speculation about how a mainstream superstar fits into a universe defined by monsters and ancient curses.
With reports suggesting her intense twenty-day shoot culminates in a game-changing twist that sets up “Tumbbad 3”, fans have already begun weaving intricate theories about her mysterious identity.
Related Stories
The Avatar of the Mother Goddess
One of the most compelling theories circulating in cinephile circles suggests that Bhatt might not even be playing a human at all. The original film established a terrifyingly rich mythology centered around the Goddess of Prosperity and her greedy firstborn son, Hastar. With the sequel carrying the ominous tagline Pralay Aayega, meaning the apocalypse will come, many believe Bhatt could embody the physical avatar or mortal vessel of the Mother Goddess herself. If the remaining men of the lineage push their luck too far, the deity might finally descend upon the mortal realm to reclaim her gold and erase humanity.
The Next Generation of the Rao Lineage
Alternatively, the narrative could stay grounded in the tragic generational cycle of the Rao family. The 2018 film concluded with a young Pandurang choosing to walk away from his father Vinayak’s hoard of gold, seemingly breaking the curse. However, if the sequel jumps forward in time, Bhatt could easily play Pandurang’s grown-up daughter. Even if her father tried to raise her far away from the horrors of the womb, the allure of boundless wealth has a way of calling out to those who share Vinayak’s blood. Having Bhatt discover her family’s grotesque legacy and grapple with the inherent greed in her veins would place her at the very emotional core of the tragedy.
The Skeptical Modern Academic
The time jump opens up another fascinating avenue where Bhatt could play an outsider altogether. She could portray a brilliant, fiercely logical modern archeologist or historian who arrives at the crumbling mansion equipped with tools and complete skepticism toward local folklore. Her scientific mind clashing with the ancient, chaotic magic of Hastar would create incredible cinematic tension.
The Deceptive Rival Treasure Hunter
A variation of this outsider theory suggests she might be a deceptive treasure hunter who aligns with Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character to infiltrate the village. This fits perfectly with the rumored cliffhanger ending, where Bhatt’s character could survive the horrors of the pit only to reveal she was playing everyone from the start. By escaping with the gold, she would unknowingly break the final seal and trigger the ultimate apocalypse for the third film.
The High Priestess of the Hastar Cult
There is also the dark possibility that she plays a more sinister, localized threat as a fanatical cult leader who worships the forgotten deity in the shadows. With the death of the immortal grandmother, the shrine needs a new guardian, and Bhatt could play a chilling cult figure pulling the strings of the main characters.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.