It’s always a treat to see Ayushmann Khurrana return to the big screen — this time with Thamma, a horror comedy that aims to expand Maddock Films’ ever-growing Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU). Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles. While the premise shows promise, Thamma struggles to maintain its sharpness beyond its intriguing setup.
A Bold Start With Historical Roots
The film opens in 323 BC, when Alexander the Great (Sikandar) ventures into mysterious Indian forests despite warnings about a bloodthirsty creature known as Betal. When the emperor ignores the caution, chaos follows, setting the tone for a tale that blends history, myth, and imagination.
Fast forward to the present day, where journalist Alok (Ayushmann Khurrana) and his team trek into the same woods in search of a story — only to find themselves hunted by a bear and something far darker. Just when death seems certain, Alok is rescued by Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a mysterious woman with supernatural secrets.
A Tale Of Vampires, Morality, And Redemption
Soon, Tadaka reveals she belongs to the Betal clan — immortal beings who survive on human blood. Their leader, Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), was the same entity who once attacked Alexander. The internal conflict arises when Tadaka, disillusioned by humanity’s cruelty, decides to renounce human blood and protect innocent lives.
As the story unfolds, Tadaka and Alok’s bond deepens, and when a tragic twist turns Alok into a vampire himself, the duo must confront Yakshasan and restore morality to their kind. Themes of redemption, coexistence, and the fine line between good and evil run throughout the film.
Cameos That Add Spark
Fans of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe are in for a treat — Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya and Abhishek Banerjee’s beloved Jana make fun cameo appearances. Jana’s one-liners and comic timing bring much-needed humor and nostalgia to the film, reminding audiences why MHCU remains a unique cinematic experiment in Bollywood.
Performances That Stand Out
Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a measured performance as Alok, balancing wit and vulnerability. Rashmika Mandanna impresses as Tadaka, portraying strength and grace in equal measure. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is convincing as Yakshasan, though his character could have used more depth. Paresh Rawal lends maturity and grounding to the supernatural chaos.
Abhishek Banerjee once again proves his impeccable comic flair, stealing scenes whenever he appears. The chemistry between Ayushmann and Rashmika feels organic and lends emotional weight to an otherwise exaggerated storyline.
Weak Writing, Strong Intentions
The film’s biggest strength — its ambition — also becomes its Achilles’ heel. The script juggles too many tones, moving from mythological fantasy to slapstick comedy, and even emotional drama. While the first half holds attention with creative world-building, the second half becomes predictable and drags toward the climax.
Some of the dialogues and pop-culture references, including nods to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, feel forced rather than funny. However, Sachin–Jigar’s background score and the film’s visually rich production design elevate the overall experience.
Jay-Ho! Final Frame
Thamma is a well-intentioned yet uneven addition to the horror-comedy genre. It attempts to blend mythology, humor, and emotion into one supernatural package — succeeding in parts but stumbling in others. For fans of Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, it’s worth a one-time watch for their performances and the ambitious attempt to push genre boundaries.
