A bloody love story that blends folklore with fantasy has audiences buzzing this Diwali.
In a bold move for the festive season, Maddock Films has unleashed “Thamma,” a horror-comedy love story starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Released on October 21, the film is the fifth installment in the growing Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) and takes a deep dive into Indian vampire folklore, known as Betaals .
As moviegoers flock to theatres for their Diwali celebrations, the first wave of reactions on X (formerly Twitter) has painted a picture of a film that, despite some familiar flaws, successfully keeps its audience engaged and entertained with its unique storyline and surprising cameos.
🤔 What Is Thamma All About?
“Thamma” follows Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), whose life takes a supernatural turn after a trekking trip in the hills leads him to Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a mysterious woman with a deep connection to an ancient legacy . He is thrust into a hidden war between vampire-like beings and must embrace his new identity as a Vetala to stop a rogue leader, Yakshashan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), threatening humanity .
Touted as a “bloody love story,” the film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and blends elements of horror, romance, and mythology . Unlike earlier films in the MHCU, the director has indicated that “Thamma” leans more into being a romantic comedy with supernatural elements rather than a straight horror-comedy .
🎬 Twitter Verdict: A Divisive but Engaging Ride
Early viewer reactions on social media show a film that has resonated with many but also divided opinions on its pacing and climax.
- A Hooked Audience: A common thread among positive reviews is that the film manages to keep viewers invested. One user noted, “It’s ambitious, maybe too much at times, but the twists keep you hooked” . Another review echoed this, calling it “an engaging mix of emotion, drama, and unpredictability” .
- Pacing and Payoff: Many viewers pointed out that the film takes its time to build, with the first half being slower to establish the story and folklore . However, most agree that the second half delivers a strong payoff. “#Thamma Pretty average first half… Second half is pretty solid with action scenes,” posted one fan .
- The Climax and Tone: The film’s climax has been a point of contention. While some found it “FANTASTIC” and “gripping,” others described it as “kinda messy” and “overdone” . The tone, which blends romance, comedy, and horror, was seen by some as a fresh take but left others wanting a more focused genre experience .
✨ Standout Performances and Cameos
The cast of “Thamma” has received widespread praise for their work, with several performances being highlighted as major strengths.
- Ayushmann Khurrana: Returning to the big screen after a two-year hiatus, Ayushmann is being called the “MVP” of the film . Reviewers have praised his seamless shift between vulnerability, comic timing, and intensity, with one fan stating he “nails the emotional bits and comedic timing like a pro” .
- Rashmika Mandanna: Rashmika’s performance has been described as a “pleasant surprise” . She brings a balance of “depth and sincerity” to her role, with one fan on X proclaiming, “Every era has a ruler. This one belongs to her” .
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal: Nawazuddin, as the antagonist Yakshashan, is called “intense,” “unpredictable and magnetic,” and “HILARIOUS with his English dialogues” . Veteran actor Paresh Rawal provides reliable comic relief, with his “OG charm” and “one-liners” earning positive mentions .
- Thunderous Cameos: The film features several exciting cameos that have generated significant buzz. Varun Dhawan reprises his role as Bhediya in a face-off sequence that is being hailed as “PEAK CINEMA” and a “thunderous” highlight that connects the MHCU . The post-credit scene also teased the entry of Shakti Shalini, hinting at future expansions of the universe .
🎞️ A New Chapter in the Maddock Horror Universe
For fans who have followed the MHCU since “Stree,” “Thamma” offers more than a standalone story. The film is packed with Easter eggs and character crossovers that enrich the viewing experience . The cameo from Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya and the appearance of Sarkata from “Stree 2” have particularly excited fans, solidifying the interconnected nature of this cinematic world . The post-credit scene, teasing Annet Padda’s character Shakti Shalini, has set the stage for what’s to come, making “Thamma” a crucial piece in the growing MHCU puzzle .
💰 Box Office Opening
On the business front, “Thamma” has had a decent start at the box office. According to trade reports, the film had minted approximately ₹5.13 crore by the afternoon of its release day . The film benefited from a large-scale release on over 4,000 screens across India and the extended Diwali weekend, which is expected to boost its collections .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Thamma a horror movie?
While it’s part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, “Thamma” is better described as a supernatural romantic comedy. The director has stated it focuses more on love and mythology than pure horror .
Do I need to watch the other Maddock films before Thamma?
No, “Thamma” works as a standalone story. However, watching previous films like “Stree,” “Bhediya,” and “Munjya” will enhance your experience, as you’ll better appreciate the cameos and the expanding universe .
What is the best part of the film according to Twitter?
Most Twitter reactions highlight Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance and the thrilling cameo by Varun Dhawan as Bhediya as the film’s biggest highlights .
Is Thamma good for a family audience?
Yes, the film is being called a “clean, crowd-pleasing entertainer” and a “perfect Diwali watch” that blends scares with laughs and emotion, making it suitable for a family audience .
🎭 The Final Takeaway
“Thamma” delivers a distinctive blend of romance and supernatural folklore, making it a conversation-worthy entry in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. While its slower first half and divisive climax may not work for everyone, the film’s strong performances, unique premise, and thrilling universe-building cameos provide a solid, entertaining experience.
If you’re looking for a film this Diwali that offers something different from the usual masala entertainers, “Thamma” is worth your time. Head to your nearest theatre, book a ticket for this “bloody love story,” and decide for yourself if this is the new era of Indian monster movies.
