The Maddock Films horror-comedy universe might have another winner with “Thamma,” as early reviews praise Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performances in this supernatural romance.
With Diwali 2025 just around the corner, the excitement for Bollywood’s big festive release, “Thamma,” is reaching a fever pitch. The latest installment in the successful Maddock Films horror-comedy universe has started screening for critics, and if early reactions are any indication, audiences are in for a treat when the film hits theaters on October 21.
The Verdict Is In: Critics Applaud Thamma’s Genre-Blending Magic
Senior film critic Taran Adarsh awarded the film four stars, calling it a “well-packaged entertainer” that successfully blends multiple genres .
“#MaddockFilms delivers yet another winner… A delicious cocktail of humour, supernatural, and romance… Takes a completely uncharted path as far as the plot goes… EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!” Adarsh wrote on X (formerly Twitter) .
Other early viewers have echoed this enthusiasm, with one describing the film as “a total entertainer” that seamlessly mixes “humour, horror, emotion, and desi folklore” to keep audiences hooked until the final frame . The film appears to have struck a chord with its unique approach to storytelling within the established universe.
What Makes Thamma Special? Beyond the Horror-Comedy Formula
While Maddock Films has previously delivered hits like “Stree,” “Bhediya,” and “Munjya,” “Thamma” seems to be pushing the boundaries of what this universe can accomplish.
A Fresh Folklore Inspiration
Unlike typical Western vampire tales, “Thamma” draws directly from Indian mythology . The film explores the legend of Betal, a vampiric spirit from Indian folklore, offering audiences a supernatural experience that feels both familiar and fresh .
As producer Dinesh Vijan explained in an interview with Variety, “The legend of ‘Thamma’ is genuinely Indian source material. We often look at Western concepts, but the origin of many of these ideas is ours — way before anything the West has shown” .
Emphasis on Romance
Interestingly, the cast and crew are positioning “Thamma” as the first romantic film within the horror-comedy universe . Ayushmann Khurrana described it as “less of horror and more of comedy, romance, and action” , suggesting a different tonal approach compared to previous installments.
The official synopsis supports this, describing the film as an “epic tale of two star-crossed souls fighting for love in a world where nature, bloodlines and destiny conspire to tear them apart” .
Standout Performances: Who Shines in Thamma?
Ayushmann Khurrana as the Relatable Anchor
Early reviews unanimously praise Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance, with Adarsh noting he’s “in top form” as he “effortlessly switches between fear and fun” . The actor appears to have perfectly captured the balance between supernatural elements and relatable human reactions that these universe films require.
Khurrana plays a Betal (a vampiric spirit from Indian folklore), and according to the actor, “the comedy and emotion come from how an ordinary guy deals with supernatural powers” .
Rashmika Mandanna as a Powerful Presence
Rashmika Mandanna is being hailed as a “complete revelation” in her role . Early reactions suggest this might be one of her most challenging and rewarding performances to date .
Producer Dinesh Vijan highlighted the physicality of her role, noting, “In ‘Thamma,’ Rashmika’s character is the most physically strong in the whole universe” . He added that her dedication to the physical preparation was so intense that “every other actor left the gym intimidated” .
Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the Unpredictable Antagonist
Nawazuddin Siddiqui appears to be having the time of his life playing the antagonist, Yakshasan. Early reviews describe his performance as “unpredictable and magnetic” and “wildly entertaining” .
Vijan praised Siddiqui’s portrayal, saying, “He’s crazy in the film — he’s having the most fun. Yakshasan is probably the character who’s most clear about what he wants. He believes he’s superior and wants world domination, yet Nawaz somehow makes him human” .
Supporting Gems
The reliable Paresh Rawal adds another layer to the film with his “impeccable comic timing” , proving that strong supporting characters remain a hallmark of the Maddock universe.
Technical Brilliance: Music and Direction
Aditya Sarpotdar’s Confident Direction
Director Aditya Sarpotdar, who previously impressed audiences with “Munjya,” appears to have delivered another technically proficient and engaging film . Early reviews suggest he has “once again hit the right notes” with a plot that remains “engaging throughout – keeping you hooked, entertained, and guessing right until the finale” .
Memorable Music
The music of “Thamma” is receiving particular praise, with songs like “Tum Mere Na Huye,” “Poison Baby,” and “Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka” already gaining popularity before the film’s release . Adarsh specifically highlighted that the music “enhance(s) the narrative beautifully” and gave a “special mention” to the “electrifying” background score .
Box Office Expectations: Can Thamma Deliver a Diwali Blockbuster?
Strong Advance Booking Signals
Despite what some reports called a “slow start” , advance bookings for “Thamma” have shown encouraging numbers. According to recent data, the film has recorded:
| Booking Type | Collection | Tickets Sold | Shows Across India |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Day Organic Sales | ₹3.21 crore gross | 1.13 lakh tickets | 12,357 shows |
| With Block Seats | ₹7.14 crore | Not specified | Not specified |
Projected Opening
Trade analyst Rohit Jaiswal projects that “Thamma” could earn between ₹27-30 crore (net) in India on its opening day . If these predictions hold true, the film would easily surpass the opening day collections of “Bhediya” (2022), which earned approximately ₹7.48 crore on its first day .
The Diwali Factor
The film’s release strategy capitalizes on the Diwali holiday period, which typically sees families looking for entertainment options after the main day of celebrations . However, the film does face competition from “Kantara: Chapter 1,” which continues to perform well in the Hindi belt .
Frequently Asked Questions About Thamma
Is Thamma part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe?
Yes, “Thamma” is the fifth official installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, following “Stree” (2018), “Bhediya” (2022), “Stree 2” (2024), and “Munjya” (2024) .
What is Thamma about?
The film follows Alok (Ayushmann Khurrana), who encounters a different world of vampires and falls for Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna) while facing the threat of an ancient vampire king, Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) . It’s being described as a “bloody love story” that blends horror, comedy, and romance .
Are there any special cameos in Thamma?
While not officially confirmed, Ayushmann Khurrana has hinted at “three to four cameos” in the film . Taran Adarsh also teased “a cameo by a prominent actor, followed by an action piece,” which has led to speculation about Shraddha Kapoor making an appearance .
How does Thamma compare to previous Maddock universe films?
Early reviews suggest “Thamma” maintains the universe’s signature blend of humor and horror while introducing stronger romantic elements . The film also explores new folklore territory with its focus on Betals (Indian vampiric spirits) rather than repeating previous supernatural creatures .
Final Takeaway: Should You Watch Thamma This Diwali?
All early indicators point to “Thamma” being another crowd-pleasing addition to the Maddock Films horror-comedy universe. With strong performances across the board, particularly from Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, positive early word-of-mouth, and impressive technical execution, the film appears poised to deliver exactly what audiences expect from this franchise: entertainment with a supernatural twist.
As one early reviewer perfectly summarized: “Final word? #Thamma is a well-packaged entertainer… #Maddock’s winning streak in horror-comedy space continues!”
“Thamma” releases in theaters on October 21, 2025, just in time for the Diwali celebrations.
Will you be watching Thamma this Diwali? Share your expectations and first reactions in the comments below.
