Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the Running for Prime Villain Role in “Tumbbad 2”

By Deepika Lama|America News World desk

February 17, 2026

The wait for the sequel to the 2018 cult classic Tumbbad just got more interesting. Inside sources close to the production reveal that the makers are locking in on who will play the central antagonist. Two of the industry’s most respected talents—Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui—have emerged as the top contenders for what is being described as a career-defining negative role.

While an official confirmation is still awaited, the buzz within film circles suggests that the casting decision is being treated as the final piece of the puzzle before the project moves into an aggressive shooting schedule. Both actors bring a specific kind of gravitas to the table, making this a tough choice for the filmmakers.

Why Akshaye Khanna Fits the Bill

Akshaye Khanna has quietly built a reputation as the master of the modern antagonist. In an industry often satisfied with loud, one-note villains, Khanna chooses to work from the inside out. His recent work in Chhaava left audiences unsettled, not because he was menacing in a theatrical way, but because he played the part with a chilling calmness.

Following that, his performance in Dhurandhar further cemented his ability to live in the grey areas of morality. He doesn’t just play a villain; he plays a man who believes he is right, which is often scarier.

For Tumbbad 2, this internal conflict is key. The world of Tumbbad is not just about jump scares; it is about greed, mythology, and the darkness that resides in men. Khanna’s ability to hold the screen with just a look makes him a perfect fit for a story that relies on atmosphere rather than loud set-pieces. If cast, he would likely play a character rooted in the film’s mythological lore, serving as both a physical and psychological threat to the protagonist.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui: The Wild Card

On the other hand, Nawazuddin Siddiqui brings a different kind of energy. Known as the king of grey-shaded roles, Siddiqui has spent his career dismantling the idea of the hero. From Gangs of Wasseypur to Badlapur, he has shown that he can switch from vulnerable to vicious in a single scene.

His strength lies in his unpredictability. In a film like Tumbbad 2, where the horror stems from ancient curses and human folly, Siddiqui could bring a raw, earthy quality to the villain. He excels at playing characters who are desperate, greedy, or power-hungry—emotions that sit at the very core of the Tumbbad universe.

If selected, Siddiqui would likely portray a antagonist who is deeply connected to the film’s themes of generational greed, adding a layer of tragic realism to the supernatural elements.

Building a Better Villain

According to production insiders, the team behind Tumbbad 2 is deliberately moving away from standard Bollywood villain tropes. There will be no caricatures. Instead, the antagonist is being written as an integral pillar of the story, not just a hurdle for the hero to cross.

The goal is to expand the mythological universe established in the first film. The villain in this sequel is expected to have a past that intertwines with the film’s central mystery, forcing the audience to understand—even if they do not agree with—his point of view. This complexity raises the stakes for Sohum Shah, who reprises his role as the haunted protagonist. The clash between the two is intended to be the emotional core of the movie.

The Legacy of Tumbbad

For those unfamiliar, the original Tumbbad was a labour of love. It was not an instant blockbuster upon release, but it grew into a phenomenon through word of mouth. Audiences and critics praised its unique visual style, its folkloric roots, and its restraint in storytelling. It proved that Indian audiences are hungry for smart, atmospheric horror.

Bringing a sequel to life has been a cautious process. The makers, in collaboration with Pen Studios (led by Jayantilal Gada), are aware of the high expectations. They are not just making a follow-up; they are attempting to build a cinematic universe rooted in Indian mythology.

What’s Next?

As of now, the film is in an advanced stage of pre-production. While the casting of the lead antagonist is the current focus, the team is also finalizing locations and visual effects teams to ensure the sequel matches—if not surpasses—the high production value of the original.

Whether the final nod goes to the composed intensity of Akshaye Khanna or the raw power of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one thing is certain: Tumbbad 2 is shaping up to be a powerhouse of performances. Fans of Indian cinema will be watching closely as this story develops.