A Diwali Delight with a Dark Twist
This Diwali, Bollywood’s horror-comedy universe expands with Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the movie marks another ambitious entry into India’s growing supernatural cinematic world. Released on October 21, 2025, Thamma isn’t your typical ghost story — it’s a rich blend of Indian mythology, supernatural folklore, and emotional storytelling, all wrapped in humor and spectacle.
The buzz before release was massive, with audiences expecting Maddock Films to repeat the magic of Stree and Bhediya. And while Thamma walks a familiar path, it also introduces fresh lore rooted in Indian mythology, exploring the mysterious realm of Betaalism — a concept inspired by the ancient tales of Vetālas (vampire-like spirits).
Where Folklore Meets Fear and Feelings
Thamma centers around Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), a curious television reporter whose life takes an eerie turn after a strange encounter in a remote Himachal village. While investigating a bizarre bear attack, Alok stumbles upon the world of Vetālas — nocturnal beings who thrive on life force instead of blood. Among them is the fierce and enigmatic Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), whose fate intertwines with Alok’s in unexpected ways.
When Alok becomes infected by a Vetāla bite, he begins transforming into something inhuman. Torn between two worlds — one of humans, and the other of these supernatural entities — Alok must confront Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a rogue leader determined to destroy the fragile balance between the living and the undead.
The story cleverly integrates Indian mythology into a modern setting, creating a tale that feels both ancient and contemporary. The narrative is fast-paced in the first half, rich with intrigue, romance, and humor. The second half deepens into a battle of choices — love versus duty, humanity versus immortality.
Ayushmann Khurrana Shines as the Conflicted Hero
As always, Ayushmann Khurrana proves why he’s one of Bollywood’s most reliable performers. His portrayal of Alok captures the perfect balance between fear, curiosity, and empathy. Ayushmann has a knack for bringing realism to fantastical roles, and Thamma is no exception. He infuses humor into dark scenes and emotion into the supernatural, making Alok’s journey feel authentic and relatable.
In moments of transformation, Ayushmann showcases raw vulnerability torn between his journalistic integrity and his growing thirst for power. His comic timing remains impeccable, and his chemistry with Rashmika is natural and charming.
Rashmika Mandanna Adds Charm and Fire as Tadaka
After winning hearts in Animal, Rashmika Mandanna takes on a more layered role in Thamma. As Tadaka, she’s not just a supernatural being she’s a symbol of suppressed emotion, ancient wisdom, and untold sorrow. Rashmika balances strength and sensitivity beautifully, creating a character who is as fierce as she is vulnerable.
Her scenes with Ayushmann are some of the film’s best especially the sequences that explore Tadaka’s origin and her moral conflict. Rashmika’s portrayal is both enchanting and emotionally grounded, adding a strong feminine core to the story.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui Steals the Show as the Dark Lord Yakshasan
Every horror-comedy needs a memorable villain, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui doesn’t disappoint. As Yakshasan — the rebel Vetāla who wants to enslave humanity — Nawazuddin’s menacing charm brings gravitas to the film. His dialogue delivery, laced with wit and menace, ensures he remains unforgettable long after the credits roll.
Despite limited screen time, Nawaz’s character leaves a deep impact, serving as the perfect counterbalance to Ayushmann’s moral struggles. His presence injects tension into the narrative, keeping viewers hooked till the end.
Paresh Rawal and Supporting Cast Add Depth and Humor
Veteran actor Paresh Rawal plays Alok’s mentor and a folklorist who guides him through the myths of Vetālas. His character brings much-needed humor and warmth to the otherwise intense storyline. His interactions with Ayushmann remind viewers of his classic comedic flair, while his deeper dialogues about mythology add wisdom to the narrative.
The supporting cast, including Abhishek Banerjee and Sharib Hashmi, deliver commendable performances, ensuring the film’s tone remains balanced between laughter and suspense.
Direction and Screenplay: Aditya Sarpotdar’s Genre Mastery
Director Aditya Sarpotdar once again demonstrates his ability to blend genres seamlessly. Known for Munjya and Zombivli, Sarpotdar crafts Thamma as a visual and emotional experience rather than just a jump-scare fest. His storytelling embraces folklore while appealing to mainstream audiences.
The screenplay by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara keeps the narrative lively and engaging. The first half moves briskly, filled with humor and intrigue. However, the second half slows down slightly as it delves deeper into mythological backstories. While this shift might test some viewers’ patience, it rewards those invested in the film’s emotional and cultural layers.
Visuals, Music, and VFX: A Feast for the Eyes
- Cinematography
Shot by Saurabh Goswami, the film’s visuals are stunning. The misty mountains, dimly lit forests, and eerie villages are captured with rich texture and contrast, creating an atmospheric world that feels haunting yet beautiful. The visual language reinforces the film’s folklore-inspired tone.
- VFX and Production Design
The creature effects and transformation scenes are handled with sophistication. The Vetālas are not grotesque monsters but mystic beings rendered with creative restraint. The production design by Sheetal Iqbal Sharma brings authenticity — from ancient temples to supernatural realms.
- Music and Sound Design
The music by Sachin–Jigar amplifies the film’s emotional beats. Songs like “Tum Mere Na Huye” and “Poison Baby” have already topped streaming charts, while the background score adds intensity to key moments. The sound design, with echoing whispers and thumping heartbeats, immerses viewers in the film’s eerie world.
Editing and Pacing: Strong Start, Slight Dip
Editor Hemanti Sarkar ensures Thamma flows smoothly for most of its runtime. The first half, in particular, is crisp and engaging. However, the second half slows down, with multiple subplots intersecting — some could have been trimmed for tighter impact. Despite this, the film manages to hold its narrative tension through visual grandeur and strong performances.
Themes and Symbolism: Beyond the Scares
What makes Thamma special is its thematic depth. The film isn’t just about vampires or folklore it’s about identity, transformation, and the human desire for control. Alok’s journey mirrors the modern struggle between logic and belief, science and spirituality.
The concept of Betaalism introduces a fresh lens to examine morality suggesting that darkness exists not only in monsters but in human greed and ambition. Through Tadaka and Alok’s relationship, the film also explores love beyond mortality, reminding viewers that even in supernatural tales, emotions reign supreme.
Audience Reaction and Early Reviews
Critics and audiences have responded positively to Thamma. The film has been praised for its unique concept, powerful performances, and cultural authenticity. Bollywood Hungama rated it 4/5, calling it “a well-packaged entertainer with depth and humor.”
Social media reactions highlight Ayushmann’s versatility and Rashmika’s magnetic screen presence. Some fans even called it “India’s answer to Twilight, but smarter and rooted in mythology.”
On the flip side, some reviews mention pacing issues and an over-stuffed second half. However, most agree that Thamma succeeds in delivering a festival-worthy experience with plenty of thrills.
Box Office Performance and Audience Pull
Released alongside Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, Thamma had strong advance bookings, especially in metro cities. According to trade analysts, the film opened with ₹12.5 crore on Day 1, making it one of Ayushmann Khurrana’s best openings post-Dream Girl 2.
The film’s family-friendly horror-comedy tone helped attract audiences across age groups, while its Diwali release date ensured packed theatres. Analysts predict that Thamma will comfortably cross the ₹100 crore mark if word of mouth remains strong through the festive week.
Comparison with Maddock’s Horror Universe
Thamma continues the Maddock Films horror-comedy legacy after Stree, Roohi, Bhediya, and Munjya. However, unlike its predecessors, Thamma shifts focus from ghosts and spirits to the world of Vetālas — ancient beings from Indian mythology.
While Stree leaned more on social satire and Bhediya focused on environmentalism, Thamma explores the inner conflict of transformation — a theme reminiscent of classic folklore but reimagined for modern India. It’s darker than Munjya but lighter in tone than Bhediya, striking a balance that appeals to both horror lovers and casual moviegoers.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Festive Fantasy
In the end, Thamma stands as a testament to Bollywood’s evolving storytelling where myth meets modernity, and fear meets fun. With strong performances, stunning visuals, and a captivating concept, it’s one of the most enjoyable films of the season.
Ayushmann Khurrana once again proves his ability to pick meaningful yet commercial scripts. Rashmika Mandanna cements her position as one of the most promising pan-India stars, and director Aditya Sarpotdar continues his streak of creative success.
Whether you’re a fan of horror, folklore, or romantic thrillers, Thamma offers a cinematic experience that’s visually rich, emotionally resonant, and deeply entertaining.
Thamma Movie Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
- Genre: Horror Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
- Director: Aditya Sarpotdar
- Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal
- Producer: Dinesh Vijan
- Runtime: 2 Hours 28 Minutes
- Verdict: A festival-perfect supernatural entertainer with heart, humor, and heritage.
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