‘Alia Bhatt was signed in just two meetings’: Sohum Shah reveals how the actress came on board 'Tumbbad 2' after after a narration, calls her 'very sharp' and praises her business sense

Alia Bhatt agreed to join 'Tumbbad 2' after just two meetings with the film’s team, actor-producer Sohum Shah has revealed. Speaking about the casting process, Shah said the actress responded positively to the screenplay after hearing the narration and reading the script. He also praised her professionalism, sharp understanding of a project’s potential and ability to recognise the strengths of a story.The sequel follows the 2018 fantasy horror film 'Tumbbad', which is set to complete eight years on October 12, 2026.Sohum Shah on Alia Bhatt joining 'Tumbbad 2'In an interview with Variety India, Sohum Shah recalled that Alia was quick to express interest in the sequel after the team narrated the story to her. According to the actor-producer, she subsequently read the screenplay and agreed to come on board, making the process unusually straightforward.“We narrated the script to her and she read it. She immediately said yes. She really liked the script, so it was a very easy process. She is very sincere and professional. The entire process was very smooth,” he said.Alia Bhatt signed 'Tumbbad 2' after two meetingsShah also spoke about Alia’s approach to evaluating the project, recalling that she asked pertinent questions during their first meeting before reading the script over the next few days. When they met again, the casting decision was finalised.“She is very sharp. As good an artiste as she is, I think her business sense is equally good. When we went to meet her, she asked some very pertinent questions. I don’t remember exactly what she asked, but she heard the narration, read the script within two or three days and we met again. Alia Bhatt was signed in just two meetings!” Shah said.The actor-producer added that such a quick decision was uncommon in his experience. He credited Alia’s ability to assess the screenplay and understand its strengths for the smooth casting process.“That doesn’t happen very often. It’s very tough. But she understood the merit of the script, what was there in it and what wasn’t. So, yes, she is very sharp,” he added.Shah also revealed that Alia was already familiar with 'Tumbbad' and liked the original film. He said they shared a similar understanding of the movie, which is often discussed primarily in the context of its horror elements.Sohum Shah says Alia Bhatt's character is significant in 'Tumbbad 2'While the makers have not revealed details about Alia’s character, Shah indicated that her role would make a substantial contribution to the sequel. He expressed confidence in the casting and suggested that audiences would understand the decision once they watch the film.“Alia is in the film, but her character contributes a lot to it. It is very correct casting. When people watch the film, they will understand why it is such a good casting choice,” he said.The makers have yet to disclose further details about the character or how it fits into the story. Alia’s casting nevertheless marks a notable addition to the next chapter of the franchise, which returns to the dark fantasy world established in the original film.'Tumbbad 2' release date, director and castDirected by Adesh Prasad, 'Tumbbad 2' is scheduled to release in theatres on December 3, 2027. Sohum Shah returns as Vinayak Rao, with Alia Bhatt, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Diorr Varghese also part of the cast. The sequel began production with a mahurat ceremony in Mumbai on April 7, 2026. Its tagline, “Pralay Aayega”, translates to “The apocalypse will come”.While the makers have kept the plot under wraps, the sequel is expected to revisit the unsettling fantasy world that made 'Tumbbad' distinctive.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!