The release of the movie Tumbbad sparked a profound interest in the captivating myth it presented. Although the storyline and mythological elements were purely fictional, the film’s immersive storytelling led many to wonder if it originated from local tribal legends. It’s a testament to the storyteller’s skill that the narrative felt so authentic and compelling. Let’s hope that Bollywood continues to embrace such powerful storytelling in the future, captivating audiences with imaginative tales that leave a lasting impact.
The folklore behind the movie hastar
According to the narrative presented in “Tumbbad,” Hastar’s myth is intricately linked to the Goddess of Prosperity and her 16 crore (160 million) offspring. Hastar, being her firstborn, harbored ambitions of seizing control over his mother’s wealth. This greed led to a conflict among his siblings, resulting in Hastar’s mother saving him but at a grave cost—his name was expunged from all texts, effectively erasing him from divine records.
Despite the divine decree forbidding worship, a Konkanastha Brahmin family in Tumbbad defied convention and chose to venerate Hastar, transforming his curse into their blessing. Hastar, equipped with an inexhaustible purse of gold coins, became the focal point of their adoration. However, this act of worship sparked a vicious cycle of greed, inviting calamity upon the village as the consequences of their insatiable desires unfolded.
Is Hastar Really A Part of Indian history?
In “Tumbbad,” Hastar is introduced as a Hindu deity, yet curiously, he remains absent from documented Indian mythology. The film cleverly incorporates this absence into its lore, suggesting that references to Hastar were intentionally erased. This mysterious void in traditional mythology enhances the intrigue surrounding the narrative, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the enigmatic world created by the film.
Indeed, parallels can be drawn between Hastar’s myth and various figures from other mythologies. Hastar’s narrative of being cast out by his family bears resemblance to the Titans of Greek mythology, particularly Cronus, who was overthrown by his own children, the Olympians. However, Hastar’s status as an outcast from the outset distinguishes him from Cronus.
Additionally, similarities can be seen between Hastar and Mammon from the New Testament, both associated with material wealth and greed. While these parallels enrich the complexity of Hastar’s character, it’s essential to recognize that he remains a unique and original creation within the context of “Tumbbad.”
Is Tumbbad Real?
It’s fascinating to note that Tumbbad is a real village located in Ratnagiri’s Khed district, Maharashtra. However, in the realm of literature, it serves as the setting for Shripad Narayan Pendse’s work, “Tumbadche Khot” (The Khots of Tumbbad). Both the film and the book delve into the intricate, multi-generational saga of a family, weaving together themes of heritage, ambition, and destiny against the backdrop of this rural landscape.
