Looks like Maddock Films is about to up the stakes for Bollywood’s horror-comedy genre. Producer Dinesh Vijan, the man behind hits like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya, has just dropped news that their upcoming film Thama will not only introduce a brand-new villain but also expand the already buzzing Maddock Supernatural Universe. And if that wasn’t enough to get you hooked, the lead is none other than Ayushmann Khurrana — and we’ll be seeing his first look on August 19, 2025.
Celebrating Stree 2 with a Big Surprise
The announcement was perfectly timed. On August 15, as the country celebrated Independence Day, Maddock Films also marked the first anniversary of Stree 2, which became India’s number one Hindi film. But instead of just celebrating the milestone, they used the occasion to pull back the curtain — just a little — on what’s next for the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe.
The teaser for Thama hints at something bigger than we’ve seen before. This isn’t just about jump scares and quirky humour; it’s about creating a deeper, interconnected supernatural world. Fans have already been piecing together links between Bhediya, Stree, and Munjya, and now it looks like Thama is set to join the family — with its own unique twist.
A Blood-Soaked Love Story This Diwali
So, what’s Thama really about? Maddock is keeping most of the plot under wraps, but they’ve revealed enough to make us curious. It’s being described as a “love story, wilder and deadlier than anything you’ve seen before.” And in this case, “deadly” might be more literal than romantic.
We also know Thama will introduce a sarvashaktishaali (all-powerful) villain — a character Maddock is calling the one who will “redefine fear” in Bollywood. Considering the creepy charm of Stree’s spirit, the shape-shifting tension in Bhediya, and the folklore-based thrills of Munjya, that’s a bold promise. But if anyone can pull it off, it’s Maddock, especially with Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead.
Ayushmann Khurrana Steps into the Supernatural
Ayushmann has built his career on roles that blend entertainment with a twist — from quirky rom-coms to socially driven dramas. But this is the first time he’s diving head-first into the Maddock horror-comedy space. The casting feels fresh, especially since Ayushmann brings both charm and intensity to the screen.
While his role in Thama hasn’t been revealed yet, the buzz is that this isn’t your typical hero arc. Given the hints about a “blood-soaked” storyline, we might see Ayushmann in a morally complex space, possibly even brushing close to the villain’s world. Whatever it is, his first look on August 19 will likely set the tone for how audiences perceive the film.
Expanding the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe
The idea of a “cinematic universe” isn’t new, but Maddock has been quietly building theirs for years. Stree introduced us to the quirky yet creepy mix of folklore and humour. Bhediya brought in supernatural transformation with a rustic edge. Munjya tapped into generational myths with a dose of modern quirk.
With Thama, it feels like Maddock is ready to tie things together more deliberately. The teaser has already sparked fan theories about crossovers — will we see Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya show up? Could Shraddha Kapoor’s mysterious Stree character be linked to Thama’s plot? Maddock hasn’t confirmed anything, but the shared supernatural backdrop makes it very possible.
The Diwali 2025 Release
The timing couldn’t be better. Diwali has always been prime season for big Bollywood releases, and positioning Thama for a festive debut ensures it will have a massive audience. Horror-comedies thrive on group viewing, and with the promise of scares, laughs, romance, and Ayushmann Khurrana, Thama could be Maddock’s next big blockbuster.
Until then, all eyes are on August 19, when Maddock will finally unveil Ayushmann’s look for the film. If their track record is anything to go by, it won’t just be a simple poster drop — expect a carefully crafted reveal designed to fuel speculation and social media chatter right up until release day.
