22 August 2023, Mumbai: In a thrilling turn of events, the world of horror is set to take center stage as Drishyam Film’s latest offering, ‘Tamso,’ also known as ‘Suburban Tales,’ prepares to make its much-anticipated debut at the esteemed Fantastic Fest in the USA. The film, directed by Stephen Alexander and produced by Rashmi Somvanshi of July Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd., is presented by Drishyam Films—a production house celebrated for internationally acclaimed works like ‘Aankho Dekhi,’ ‘Masaan,’ ‘Dhanak,’ and ‘Newton,’ which have garnered recognition at renowned film festivals such as Cannes and Berlin.
A Unique Blend of Horror and Personal Narrative
A proud moment awaits the cast and crew of ‘Tamso’ as Austin King, Features Programmer and Head of Submissions at the Fantastic Fest, aptly compares the film’s cinematic endeavor to Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis.’ King intriguingly questions, “What if Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’ was an Indian werewolf movie?” This comparison highlights the film’s promise to redefine the horror genre by seamlessly intertwining spine-chilling elements with a profoundly personal narrative.
Exploring the Depths of Psyche Amidst a Family Wedding
Derived from Sanskrit, the title ‘Tamso,’ meaning ‘from darkness,’ serves as a thematic backdrop for the exploration of the human psyche against the canvas of a family wedding. The story follows Radhika, portrayed by Rashmi Somvanshi, the estranged daughter who returns home for the event, only to confront an unexpected twist. During the wedding preparations, the youngest family member, Deepu, becomes possessed by an enigmatic entity. As the family grapples with this inexplicable possession, buried secrets resurface, triggering a series of unsettling events. The narrative blurs the lines between reality and fantasy as Radhika embarks on a journey to confront her past and unveil the darkness that has haunted her family for years.
A Unique Take on Horror
Actor and producer Rashmi Somvanshi expresses her excitement about ‘Tamso,’ stating, “With its captivating narrative, expert direction, and thought-provoking themes, ‘Tamso’ has the potential to redefine the horror genre. Audiences will experience an uncharted realm of fear and human psychology. The film’s premiere at Fantastic Fest is an honor, and we hope it resonates with viewers seeking unconventional content. ‘Tamso’ challenges traditional horror norms, presenting a fresh perspective on the genre. I’m eager to hear the audience’s thoughts.”
A Stellar Cast and Production Team
The movie boasts an ensemble cast featuring Rashmi Somvanshi, Ritika Gupta, Vaishnavi Singh, Ansh Pandey, Dev Chauhan, Sunita Hooda, and Kaushlendra. The screenplay, dialogues, and story are meticulously crafted by Stephen Alexander and Rashmi Somvanshi. Director Stephen Alexander, in his debut directorial venture, delves into the intricate interplay between the supernatural and human psychology in this psychological thriller.
An Unveiling at Fantastic Fest
As ‘Tamso’ embarks on its world premiere at the Fantastic Fest, it becomes a significant part of the largest genre film festival in the USA. Celebrating cinematic excellence that pushes boundaries, Fantastic Fest provides an ideal platform for this unconventional horror experience. The festival is renowned for its impact on the movie industry, focusing on groundbreaking genre films spanning horror, science fiction, fantasy, and more. The event fosters a vibrant community of filmmakers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals, all united by audacious storytelling. Past highlights include movies like ‘Smile,’ ‘Blood Relative,’ ‘The Menu,’ and ‘Living with Chucky.’
With a unique blend of horror, psychological exploration, and a fresh take on the genre, ‘Tamso’ is poised to captivate audiences at Fantastic Fest, marking a new chapter in the horror film landscape.