Hey folks, if you’re like me and have been hooked on the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) since Stree dropped its spooky vibes, then Thamma was probably on your Diwali watchlist. Released just yesterday on October 21, 2025, this one’s billed as the universe’s first “bloody love story,” blending romance, mythology, and a dash of vampiric chaos. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar (the guy behind Munjya), and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, it stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal in key roles. I caught an early show, and let me tell you – it’s a wild ride through ancient forests, eternal love, and some seriously fun crossovers. But is it a firecracker or a damp squib? Let’s dive in, spoiler-free, of course!
The Plot: A Mythical Mash-Up of Love and Lore
Without giving away the juicy bits, Thamma weaves a tale across two timelines: the ancient Vijayanagar kingdom and modern-day India. At its heart is an “impossible love story” between a bumbling yet charming human (Ayushmann as Alok, a viral reporter seeking redemption) and a fierce, otherworldly Betaal (Rashmika as Tadaka). Throw in supernatural forces, family drama, and a villainous overlord ruling the shadows, and you’ve got a narrative that explores themes of unfulfilled desire, betrayal, and immortality. It’s inspired by Indian folklore – think Ashwatthama from the Mahabharata meets vampire vibes – and connects seamlessly to the MHCU with nods to Bhediya and Stree. The story starts slow, building curiosity with atmospheric forest treks and quirky encounters, but ramps up in the second half with emotional punches and action-packed sequences. If you’re into folklore-infused romances like Tumbbad but with more laughs, this hits the spot. Just know, it’s more romantic comedy-horror than outright scares – a fresh pivot for the universe.
One cool tidbit:
The title “Thamma” (originally “Thama” and before that “Vampires of Vijaynagar”) is a stylized nod to Ashwatthama’s immortality, tying into the film’s eternal life motifs. It cleverly Indianizes the vampire trope with Betaals and Yakshas, making it feel rooted rather than borrowed from Hollywood.
Performances:
Ayushman Khurrana makes a solid comeback after a two-year hiatus (his last was Dream Girl 2). As Alok, he nails the everyman-turned-hero arc with his trademark comic timing – those awkward, self-deprecating moments had the theater chuckling. He’s vulnerable in the emotional beats and sharp in action, though sometimes you wish the script gave him more depth beyond the confusion. Still, he’s the anchor, delivering a commendable performance that fits the MHCU’s quirky energy .
Rashmika Mandanna is the real show-stealer here. Playing Tadaka, a Betaal with hunger, passion, and a glamorous edge, she brings fierce confidence to the role. Her action scenes (including some cable work she raved about in interviews) are impressive, and she handles the emotional longing with ease. It’s her best Hindi role yet – bold, alluring, and full of lip locks and stylish outfits that amp up the “bloody romance.” Telugu fans, this one’s for you; she owns every frame.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan, the “king of darkness,” is intense but leans into caricature – speaking English (supposedly from drinking British blood) for laughs. It’s quirky and over-the-top, which works in spots but feels cringe in others. Paresh Rawal as Ayushmann’s dad brings hammy, entertaining energy with his family-man quirks, while supporting players like Faisal Malik (as a vampire cop), Geeta Agrawal, and a special cameo from Varun Dhawan (as Bhediya) add fun layers. Sathyaraj pops up but doesn’t leave a big mark. Overall, the chemistry between Ayushmann and Rashmika crackles in the romantic bits, though it takes time to build.
Direction, VFX, Music, and Technical Stuff
Aditya Sarpotdar keeps things visually sharp – the forest sequences in Ooty and Nilgiri hills look stunning, with slick VFX that make the supernatural elements pop (that Bhediya vs. Betaal showdown is peak 2025 cinema!). The film’s budget (around ₹145 crore) shows in the grandeur, from haunted woods to ancient prophecies. Sound design in Dolby Atmos amps up the thrills, and the action is inventive without overdoing it.
Music by Sachin-Jigar is a mixed bag: Tracks like “Tum Mere Na Huye” (romantic ballad), “Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka” (energetic), and “Rahein Na Rahein Hum” (emotional) fit the mood, but they’re not consistently memorable. Background score shines in tense moments, though some complain it’s uneven.
The screenplay by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara maintains intrigue with smart humor and emotional depth, but it prioritizes universe-building over nuanced character arcs.
Pros and Cons: The Good, the Bad, and the Bloody
Pros: Stellar performances, especially Rashmika and Ayushmann’s dynamic duo.Outstanding VFX and visuals that elevate the mythology.Fun MHCU crossovers and twists that keep you engaged (no boredom here!).A fresh take on romance in a horror-comedy wrapper – emotional and entertaining.Perfect Diwali family watch with laughs, thrills, and heart.
Cons: The first half feels rushed and predictable, with pacing issues that drag.Villain arc is overdone and cringy at times; chemistry builds slowly.Music and screenplay could be tighter – some parts feel uneven or undercooked.If you’re expecting pure horror like stree , this leans more rom-com, which might disappoint scare-seekers.
Final Verdict: Worth the Bite?
Thamma is a well-packaged entertainer that’s messy, mad, and oddly moving – a bold MHCU entry with heart, howl, and some hiccups. It’s not perfect, but the highs (performances, VFX, second-half energy) outweigh the lows. If you’re a fan of the universe or just want a fun Diwali flick, grab your popcorn. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars – a solid watch that’s entertaining and visually sharp, even if it lacks a bit of bite in places. Box office-wise, it’s off to a strong start with ₹14.76 crore on day one, boosted by the festive season. Have you seen it? Drop your thoughts below!
