Known for his notable work in the acclaimed film Tumbbad, actor and filmmaker Sohum Shah has publicly shared his excitement for two of the most significant upcoming projects in Indian cinema. In a recent interaction, the actor highlighted his keen interest in SS Rajamouli’s directorial project, Varanasi, and the highly anticipated Ramayana, which is being helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari.
Shah expressed that his anticipation for the two films stems from different motivations. Regarding Varanasi, he noted a sense of curiosity about the narrative and the cinematic universe being crafted by Rajamouli. He stated that he is particularly drawn to the mystery surrounding the film, expressing a desire to discover the surprises and the unique world the filmmaker has planned for the audience. The actor remarked that he does not yet know the specific plot points, which adds to his personal intrigue.
Conversely, while Shah is also enthusiastic about Ramayana, he noted that his interest is shaped by a familiarity with the source material, which he has read and watched previously. He highlighted the casting of Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Rama, expressing interest in witnessing the actor's performance. Shah acknowledged the large-scale production of the film, noting that the creators appear to be aiming for a global reach with the project.
Beyond his thoughts on upcoming releases, Shah also shared his perspective on the integration of artificial intelligence in the film industry. He dismissed the notion that AI serves as a direct threat to cinema. Instead, he framed it as a resource that can provide new opportunities for aspiring storytellers who may lack the conventional means to produce their work. According to Shah, the primary objective for any filmmaker should be to utilize tools that best align with their individual creative vision, regardless of the medium employed.
Despite his openness to technological advancements, Shah reaffirmed his preference for practical filmmaking methods in his own career. Reflecting on his work for Tumbbad, he explained that much of the film’s atmospheric world was constructed through physical sets and real-world environments, with visual effects and CGI reserved only for necessary instances. He confirmed that he intends to maintain this stylistic approach for the upcoming sequel, Tumbbad 2.
The production of Tumbbad 2 is set to feature the return of Sohum Shah as the character Vinayak Rao. The sequel will also introduce new cast members, including Alia Bhatt and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Shah maintained that while he embraces the use of real locations and sets, he does not oppose innovation, reiterating that a story can be told effectively through various means, including AI, VFX, or physical production, as long as it serves the narrative requirements.
The actor's comments arrive as the Indian film industry continues to experiment with large-scale productions and shifting technological trends. With the anticipation surrounding both Rajamouli’s project and the Ramayana adaptation, Shah’s remarks underscore the diverse approaches currently being taken by prominent figures in the industry to connect with audiences on a global scale.
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