Thamma Movie Review (2025): Ayushmann Khurrana’s Horror-Comedy Bites Big but Misses Some Depth

🧛‍♂️ Introduction

With Thamma (2025), Maddock Films continues expanding its Horror-Comedy Universe that began with Stree and carried through Bhediya and Munjya. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thamma steps into uncharted territory — introducing vampires, ancient myths, and a Diwali-sized dose of entertainment. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this film aims to merge Indian folklore with modern fantasy and humor.

⭐ Story Overview

Thamma follows Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), a journalist whose quest for a mysterious legend in the forests of Madhya Pradesh turns into a life-altering experience. In his pursuit of truth, he encounters Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna) — a woman with an enigmatic past — and Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a dark entity bound by an ancient curse.
When Alok becomes the unwitting vessel of the mythical Betal spirit, he must confront his new identity while preventing Yakshasan from awakening a deadly vampire cult. The narrative mixes humor, myth, and moral conflict — leading to a visually charged showdown between light and darkness.

🎭 Performances

Ayushmann Khurrana carries the film with his natural charisma and comic timing. He transitions smoothly between witty journalist and conflicted supernatural hero, grounding the story even when it gets chaotic.
Rashmika Mandanna delivers an earnest performance as Tadaka, adding warmth and emotional pull to the narrative. Her chemistry with Ayushmann works well, providing a human touch amidst the supernatural chaos.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui once again proves why he’s among the finest actors in the industry. As Yakshasan, his menacing yet eccentric presence elevates every scene he’s in. Supporting performances from Paresh Rawal and Abhishek Banerjee add comic relief and continuity to the Maddock universe.

🎥 Direction, Screenplay & Technicals

Director Aditya Sarpotdar deserves credit for visual ambition — Thamma is easily one of the most visually stunning entries in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe. The film’s IMAX and 4DX presentation brings a grand cinematic feel, and the VFX sequences — especially those depicting the vampire realm and mythic backdrops — are impressive.
However, the screenplay (by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew & Arun Falara) falters in pacing. The first half builds tension effectively with humor and mystery, but the second half becomes stretched, juggling too many subplots.

The music and background score by Sachin–Jigar blend folk sounds with haunting choral tones, adding energy to action and emotional moments. The cinematography captures India’s forest landscapes beautifully, giving the film a mystical texture.