Exclusive: Sohum Shah denies fallout with director Rahi Anil Barve

Tumbbad actor-producer Sohum Shah has debunked reports speculating a possible fallout with filmmaker Rahi Anil Barve. Speaking to India Today Digital, Sohum said that Rahi remains an important part of his life. The speculations began when Rahi shared an Instagram post announcing his departure from Tumbbad 2.
“There are no issues at all. We have been trying to make Tumbbad 2 for the longest time,” said Sohum Shah, further adding, “We were not able to crack the script in the writing stage. We are working with Yogesh Chandekar, the writer of Andhadhun, and Monica O My Darling. We have finally got it. As for Rahi, he has been working on mega shows like Gulkanda Tales and Rakt Bramhand. He has been working on those massive projects for a few years now.”
In the post, Rahi mentioned his desire to create a trilogy and revealed plans to start the next chapter, Pahadpangira, next year. The filmmaker also extended his best wishes to Sohum and director Aadesh Prasad for taking the Tumbbad franchise forward. The post led many to speculate that Sohum and Rahi had a fallout, resulting in the latter’s exit from the much-anticipated sequel.
Here is the post:
Stating that there is no fallout, Sohum added, “Recently, we had a screening and Rahi was there. He was the one who designed Vinayak’s [his character] look. Whenever we are making Tumbbad 2, and we need him, he will be there. And I think it’s vice versa, as I would always be there for him when he needs me.”
“Rahi is an important part of my life. It’s not that we were friends who started working together. We met as colleagues and then formed a friendship. He is the one who keeps pushing me to do bigger projects. He wants me to play alpha men’s parts. He is the one who has put that kind of confidence in me. We are really good,” Sohum added.
We further asked the actor-producer to share an update on Tumbbad 2 — “We have finalised the story and that’s the most I can say. We will get on floors soon with it. I have been warned by the team to not talk more than that. We have just managed to complete the circle with Tumbbad re-releasing and doing so well in theatres. We will get started on the sequel too,” Sohum Shah shared with a smile.