Ayushmann Khurrana–Rashmika Mandanna’s Thamma and Harshvardhan Rane–Sonam Bajwa’s Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat release this Diwali. Know both films’ budget, advance booking report, screen count, and expected opening day box office collection.
While one is a big-budget franchise entertainer designed to capture family audiences during the festive weekend, the other is a bold, intimate story of love and obsession, aimed at urban youth. As both films prepare to lock horns, trade experts and audiences alike are watching closely to see who emerges victorious.
Thamma: The Horror-Comedy Giant Returns
A New Chapter in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe
Thamma marks the fifth film in Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe — following hits like Stree, Roohi, Bhediya, and Munjya. The cinematic universe, fondly called the MHCU, has already grossed over ₹ 930 crore collectively, and Thama is expected to push it past the coveted ₹ 1,000 crore milestone.
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar (of Munjya fame), Thamma features a powerhouse cast:
- Ayushmann Khurrana as the quirky ghost-hunter,
- Rashmika Mandanna as his fearless ally,
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a mysterious antagonist role, and
- Paresh Rawal bringing comic timing to the supernatural chaos.
- With such a line-up, expectations are sky-high.
A Mega Budget Spectacle
According to industry reports, Thamma is Maddock Films’ most expensive project yet.
- Production Budget: ₹ 125 crore
- Print & Publicity: ₹ 20 crore
- Total Cost: Around ₹ 145 crore
This investment makes it one of the costliest horror-comedies ever made in India — nearly double that of Stree 2 and Bhediya. The film’s lavish production, elaborate VFX, and exotic shooting locations contribute to its grand scale.
Early Buzz & Advance Booking Report
Despite the hype, Thamma’s advance booking has shown a mixed start. Initial reports suggest approximately ₹ 4.17 crore collected from 1.48 lakh tickets sold in advance. Some trade trackers, however, cite lower numbers, indicating that pre-sales have not yet reached blockbuster levels.
But here’s the twist — Thamma is benefiting from a last-minute festive surge. With positive pre-release buzz, strong franchise loyalty, and a massive screen count, analysts expect occupancy to rise significantly by Friday evening and over the Diwali weekend.
Critical Response: Early Praise from Previews
Select preview screenings have drawn encouraging reactions. Early reviewers call Thamma “a well-packaged entertainer” that “balances horror, humour, and heart effectively.”
On social media, netizens are already labeling it “the perfect Diwali watch”, praising Ayushmann Khurrana’s comic timing and Rashmika’s lively performance.
If this sentiment holds, Thamma could replicate or even surpass the success of Stree 2 (which grossed ₹ 850 crore worldwide).
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat: The Romantic Underdog
A Bold, Intense Love Story
In sharp contrast, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat arrives as a bold, adult-rated romantic drama. Directed by Milap Zaveri, known for emotional and dialogue-heavy storytelling, the film explores love, obsession, and heartbreak through the story of a passionate young couple.
It stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, both admired for their on-screen chemistry. The recently released title track “Deewaniyat” has gone viral for its soulful composition and emotional depth, giving the film some much-needed buzz ahead of release.
Smaller Budget, Bigger Risk
While Thama boasts a lavish production, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is a mid-budget project — estimated at around ₹ 25–30 crore. That includes production, marketing, and distribution costs.
The lower budget may work in its favour; even a moderate opening can make it profitable if the word-of-mouth is strong. However, it faces major challenges — limited screen count and the shadow of a much bigger competitor.
Advance Booking Trends
Advance booking data for Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is currently lukewarm. As of October 18, the film had collected around ₹ 25 lakh in pre-sales, selling fewer than 9,000 tickets nationwide.
That’s a concerning figure for a festive release. Nevertheless, smaller romantic dramas have historically seen stronger walk-ins once word-of-mouth spreads. For now, the film is expected to rely heavily on last-minute buyers and positive reviews.
Day 1 Box Office Predictions
Trade analysts predict Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat will open between ₹ 6 crore and ₹ 8 crore net in India.
While that’s a far cry from Thama’s expected opening, the film’s success formula is different it doesn’t need massive numbers; it just needs steady footfall and audience connection. If it crosses ₹ 25–30 crore in its opening weekend, it could emerge as a sleeper hit.
The “Adult Certificate” Factor
In a rare move for a Diwali release, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat carries an A-certificate from the Censor Board. This decision narrows its audience pool, as families — who make up a large part of holiday cinema traffic — might skip it.
However, the adult-centric label could also become a marketing edge, especially among younger, multiplex-going audiences seeking a more mature, emotionally charged story amid the festive comedy chaos.
Clash of Titans: Genre, Budget, and Audience Divide
Genre Showdown: Mass vs Niche
| Film | Genre | Target Audience | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thamma | Horror-Comedy | Families, Youth, Mass Market | Fun, light-hearted supernatural adventure |
| Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat | Romantic Drama | Adults, Couples, Urban Multiplex Crowd | Intense, emotional, mature romance |
This genre divide means the two films may not cannibalize each other completely — but Thamma clearly enjoys the broader demographic reach.
Budget and Scale Comparison
| Category | Thamma | Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat |
|---|---|---|
| Production Cost | ₹ 125 crore | ₹ 25 crore |
| Marketing (P&P) | ₹ 20 crore | ₹ 5 crore |
| Total Budget | ₹ 145 crore | ₹ 30 crore (approx.) |
| Break-Even Point | ₹ 200 crore gross | ₹ 50 crore gross |
Clearly, the stakes are far higher for Thamma. Even with a good opening, the horror-comedy must maintain strong occupancy through the week to break even.
Screen Count and Distribution
According to trade sources, Thamma has secured over 3,200 screens across India, while Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is releasing on around 1,000 screens.
This 3-to-1 ratio ensures Thamma dominates the prime showtimes — morning and evening slots — across multiplexes and single screens alike. Interestingly, reports surfaced claiming that PVR INOX was favoring Thamma with more screens, a claim the chain denied, insisting show distribution was based on demand and pre-sales.
Opening Day Expectations: Numbers & Forecasts
Thamma
Estimated Opening Day: ₹ 18 – ₹ 20 crore net
Optimistic Scenario: If last-minute rush continues, could touch ₹ 30 crore net.
Weekend Projection: ₹ 70 – ₹ 85 crore net
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat
Estimated Opening Day: ₹ 6 – ₹ 8 crore net
Weekend Projection: ₹ 20 – ₹ 25 crore net
With the holiday boost and family turnout, Thamma is clearly expected to lead the weekend. The only question is — by how much?
Factors That Could Change the Game
Word-of-Mouth: If Thamma delivers strong laughs and scares, repeat audiences will drive its second-week performance. Conversely, if Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat resonates emotionally, it could see late momentum.
Critical Reviews: The horror-comedy genre often divides critics; a wave of positive reviews could turn the tide quickly.
Festive Timing: Diwali releases often get extended weekends and higher occupancy thanks to holidays.
Music & Viral Buzz: Thamma’s quirky promotional songs and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat’s emotional soundtrack are both trending — music could play a decisive role.
OTT & Satellite Rights: Both films have pre-sold streaming and TV rights, reducing risk. Thamma is expected to stream on JioCinema, while Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat may go to Netflix after its theatrical run.
Industry Voices & Trade Analyst Opinions
Trade expert Taran Adarsh commented,
“Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma looks set to dominate the Diwali box office, given the strong brand of the Maddock Horror Universe. But audience word-of-mouth will determine whether it’s a blockbuster or just a good performer.”
Meanwhile, Komal Nahta shared a balanced view:
“Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat will attract a niche audience. Its A-certificate limits reach, but if it connects emotionally, it can surprise in the long run.”
Early Audience Reaction
Fans on social media are already hyped for the face-off. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #ThammaOnFire and #DeewaniyatLoveStory are trending simultaneously.
One fan wrote, “Ayushmann and Rashmika’s pairing is pure gold — can’t wait for the chills and laughs!”
Another said, “Harshvardhan Rane’s intensity in the trailer gives Shah Rukh Khan vibes — this could be his breakout!”
The buzz suggests both films have carved loyal fanbases before release.
Beyond Box Office: What’s at Stake
For Ayushmann Khurrana
After experimenting with diverse genres, Ayushmann seeks a comeback blockbuster. Thamma could re-establish him as a bankable mainstream star after a series of moderate performers.
For Rashmika Mandanna
The film marks Rashmika’s most prominent Hindi role yet, following her South Indian successes. A hit would solidify her pan-India status.
For Harshvardhan Rane & Sonam Bajwa
Both actors have strong fan followings but are yet to deliver a major Hindi hit. Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat gives them a chance to shine with emotionally rich performances.
The Verdict: Can There Be Two Winners?
In every Diwali box-office clash, comparisons are inevitable. But both films are playing different games.
- Thamma has scale, franchise power, and family appeal.
- Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has emotion, intimacy, and niche connection.
If Thamma delivers on entertainment, it will easily win the weekend war. But if Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat earns strong word-of-mouth, it might run longer in the weeks ahead.
Final Words:
The Diwali 2025 box office is more than a clash, it’s a reflection of Bollywood’s diversity. One film relies on supernatural spectacle and humour, the other on raw human emotion.
No matter who wins the numbers game, audiences win either way with two contrasting cinematic experiences lighting up the festive weekend.
As theatres across India prepare for packed houses and fireworks both on and off screen, one thing is certain: this Diwali, Bollywood is back in full swing.
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