Diwali 2025 is around the corner, and the industry is buzzing with one big question—when will Thama finally hit theatres? Maddock Films’ festive release is confirmed for the season of lights, but the makers have kept the exact date under wraps. With October 17, October 21, and October 22 all in play, trade experts, fans, and rivals are eagerly awaiting the final announcement. The suspense is only adding to the hype, keeping Thama trending across film circles. Audiences say the wait for clarity is building even more excitement for the movie.
Why the Release Date Matters
For over a decade, most films have avoided releasing on Diwali day itself. Audiences are often busy with Laxmi Pujan, which reduces theatre footfalls. Instead, the post-Diwali holiday has been the go-to slot, delivering massive collections thanks to festive fervour and family outings. This box-office strategy has helped many blockbusters secure historic openings in the past. With Thama, however, the buzz suggests the team may break this long-standing norm. If they succeed, it could create a new trend for future Diwali releases.
October 21: A Bold Diwali-Day Move?
Reports indicate that Thama might release on Tuesday, October 21, coinciding with the Diwali celebrations. If this happens, it would be a bold departure from tradition, signaling strong confidence in the film’s content. A Diwali-day release could create instant word-of-mouth hype, while also capitalizing on the holiday audience to boost opening day earnings. Trade analysts believe this strategy may turn Thama into one of the biggest openers of the year. The risk factor is high, but the rewards could be game-changing for Maddock Films.
October 22 or October 17: Safer Bets?
The team is also considering an October 22 release, which could secure a strong mid-week start. Another option discussed is October 17, the pre-Diwali Friday. While the days leading up to Diwali are usually weak for business, past Hollywood blockbusters like Black Adam (2022) and Venom – The Last Dance (2024) have thrived in the same period. With Dinesh Vijan’s track record, trade insiders believe Thama could repeat that success. Choosing this route would also give the film a longer festive run, maximizing its box office journey. If any filmmaker can pull this off, it’s Dinesh Vijan.
The Competition and the Suspense
Adding to the excitement, Milap Zaveri’s Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, is also eyeing an October 21 release. This potential clash raises the stakes even higher. With Maddock Films yet to make an official announcement, the suspense around Thama’s release date has become the hottest topic in trade circles. Whether it’s October 17, 21, or 22, the final decision will shape Diwali’s box office battle. The clash could split audiences, but it could also create healthy competition, pushing both films to perform better. Fans and insiders alike are glued to updates, waiting for confirmation.
Fans Can’t Keep Calm
As the suspense lingers, fans have taken to social media with memes, polls, and hashtags like #ThamaDiwali and #WhenIsThamaComing. Many believe Maddock is intentionally creating mystery to amplify hype. The chatter is so intense that Thama trends on X (formerly Twitter) almost daily, even without promotions. Industry insiders say this organic buzz is priceless, ensuring that when the official announcement drops, it will dominate headlines instantly. Audiences are already planning their festive movie outings, making Thama the most talked-about Diwali release of the year.
Box Office Expectations Riding High
Trade experts are already predicting strong numbers regardless of the final release date. Early estimates suggest Thama could open anywhere between ₹30–35 crore if it lands on a holiday, with lifetime collections expected to cross ₹200 crore if word of mouth clicks. With Dinesh Vijan’s golden touch and a star-studded cast, the film has all the makings of a Diwali blockbuster. Insiders say the film’s success could redefine how Bollywood strategizes around festive releases in the future.
