Sohum Shah, whose film career has seen remarkable rises and some bumps, is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film, 'Crazxy.' After the success of 'Tumbbad' in 2018, which carved out its niche as one of the standout films of Indian cinema, Shah now steps back as both lead and producer for this new thriller. Directed by Girish Kohli, 'Crazxy' has been eight years in the making, capturing both the challenges and triumphs of the independent film sector.
Reflecting on the long road to bringing 'Crazxy' to life, Shah explained, “He didn’t come to me asking to produce the film. He liked my work in 'Tumbbad'. I really liked the script of 'Crazxy' which came to me in 2019 and thought I would be able to pull it off, but I will also produce it. We thought studios would come to us after the success of ‘Tumbbad,’ but they didn’t give us any money. Things got even more delayed because of Covid.” Shah's determination led him to make the film happen through his own efforts, embodying the spirit of “jugaad”—the inventive resourcefulness commonplace in Indian culture.
'Crazxy' tells the story of Dr. Abhimanyu Sood, played by Shah himself, who finds himself racing against time to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The film incorporates two classic songs—‘Goli Maar Bheje Mein’ from the 1998 film 'Satya' and ‘Abhimanyu Chakravyuh Mein Phans Gaya Hai Tu’ from 'Inquilaab'—to enrich its narrative and connecting with viewers on emotional levels. Shah believes music plays a pivotal role, stating, “I believe you can easily communicate whatever you want to say through music. You will understand the role of these two songs when you watch the film.”
Turning back to 'Tumbbad,' the film initially struggled to gain traction but has since re-emerged as a beloved horror-fantasy, turning heads even years after its release. It was re-released successfully, grossing over ₹31 crore, making it the highest-grossing re-release until it was recently surpassed by another popular film. Shah remarked on the allure of seeing 'Tumbbad' on the big screen, saying, “Yeh film aisi hai jise log theatres mein hi experience karna chaahte hain. This is not an OTT-type film, especially...” reflecting on the film's elaborate cinematography and visual effects.
Originally directed by Rahi Anil Barve, 'Tumbbad' draws on folklore and offers not just stunning visuals but also explores themes of greed and fear, encapsulated beautifully through Shah’s performance. Critics and audiences alike praised both the storytelling and Shah's commitment to sustaining its legacy.
Shah's career spans various fields beyond filmmaking. He debuted with 'Babar', and has appeared in notable films like 'Ship of Theseus,' which won the National Award, and 'Talvar,' where he showed the depth and breadth of his acting skills. Joining the ranks of influential actors, he shares just how impactful Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh Khan have on him. He said, “Mai toh yahan hu Shah Rukh Khan saab k vajah se... No one can match Bachchan sir’s work. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan are legacies.”
This deep admiration reflects the kind of ethos Shah brings to his work. His current project 'Crazxy' indicates not just another film but the narratives and experiences he seeks to create and share with audiences along the way. With aspirations for continued success, the actor-producer is focused on the future, not just for himself but for the cinematic stories yet to be told.
Overall, Sohum Shah portrays the relentless quest of artists drafting their narratives against the intricacies of the film industry. From the complex layers of 'Tumbbad' to the thrilling exploits of 'Crazxy,' his commitment to impactful storytelling is evident, and viewers can certainly expect compelling moments as these stories intertwine on screen.