Basic Info
Title: Thamma
Release Year: 2025 (Released October 21, 2025)
Platform: Cinema (Theatrical Release)
Director: Aditya Sarpotdar
Lead Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana (as Alok), Rashmika Mandanna (as Tadaka), Nawazuddin Siddiqui (as Yakshasan), Paresh Rawal
Genre: Romantic Comedy Horror, Supernatural Romance (part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe)
Runtime: 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes)
Producers: Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik
Writers: Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, Arun Falara
Cinematography: Saurabh Goswami
Music: Sachin–Jigar
Introduction/Context
The Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe has carved a niche for itself in Indian cinema, offering a unique blend of chills and chuckles with previous hits. Expectations were naturally high for its latest installment, “Thamma,” which promised a fresh take on vampire lore intertwined with a supernatural romance. Unfortunately, this much-anticipated cinematic experience, released just in time for Diwali, proves to be a significant stumble, leaving audiences more bewildered than entertained.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
“Thamma” introduces us to Alok (Ayushmann Khurrana), a determined historian whose pursuit of ancient manuscripts leads him to inadvertently awaken the formidable ancient vampire, Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). This fateful encounter transforms Alok into a vampire himself, thrusting him into a shadowy world he never imagined. As he grapples with his new reality, he encounters Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a mysterious vampire with whom he develops a forbidden love. The film aims to chronicle their epic struggle for love against the conspiring forces of nature, bloodlines, and destiny, all while navigating the supernatural elements unique to Indian vampire folklore.
Performances & Characters
The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, yet even their collective efforts struggle to elevate the material. Ayushmann Khurrana, usually a reliable performer in quirky roles, feels oddly restrained here. His transformation from historian to vampire, and his subsequent romantic entanglement, lack the emotional depth needed to truly resonate. Rashmika Mandanna, as Tadaka, attempts to bring an air of mystery, but her character often feels underdeveloped, reducing her to a prop in a convoluted plot rather than a compelling counterpart. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his intense portrayals, is wasted as Yakshasan. His villainous presence feels more like a caricature, lacking the gravitas one would expect from an ancient vampire. Paresh Rawal, a veteran actor, is sadly underutilized in a supporting role. The chemistry between the leads is noticeably absent, making their “epic tale of two star-crossed souls” feel entirely baseless and unearned.
Direction & Writing
Aditya Sarpotdar’s direction struggles to find its footing, resulting in a narrative that is both ambitious and incredibly muddled. The biggest failing lies in the screenplay by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Falara, which can only be described as baseless. The story leaps from one contrived situation to another without establishing any logical or emotional foundation. Character motivations are unclear, plot points appear out of nowhere, and the rules of its own supernatural universe are inconsistently applied. The blend of romantic comedy and horror feels forced, neither genre fully committing to its potential. The dialogues, too, frequently fall flat, attempting humor that rarely lands and dramatic moments that lack any real impact. This results in a narrative that meanders aimlessly, leaving audiences questioning the purpose of many scenes.
Technical Aspects
Technically, “Thamma” shows flashes of potential but ultimately underwhelms. Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography presents some visually appealing frames, particularly in establishing the mythical backdrops and night sequences. However, even strong visuals cannot mask a fundamentally weak story. The editing by Hemanti Sarkar could have been tighter, as the film’s 150-minute runtime feels considerably longer due to pacing issues and redundant scenes. Sachin–Jigar’s musical score attempts to evoke both romance and tension, but it often feels generic and fails to leave a lasting impression. While the visual effects are decent in parts, they aren’t enough to distract from the overarching lack of substance.
Themes & Messages
The film touches upon themes of embracing one’s dark legacy, forbidden love, and destiny, as well as exploring Indian vampire folklore. However, these potentially rich themes are handled with such a superficial and baseless approach that they fail to resonate. The narrative introduces mythological elements without proper explanation or integration, making them feel tacked on rather than integral to the story. The exploration of destiny and bloodlines lacks any philosophical depth, reducing complex ideas to mere plot devices that serve no meaningful purpose.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Some decent visual aesthetics in select scenes.
- The premise of an Indian vampire horror-comedy universe has inherent appeal.
Weaknesses:
- The most glaring weakness is its utterly baseless screenplay. The plot developments lack logical progression, character decisions are arbitrary, and the entire narrative feels constructed on thin air rather than a solid foundation.
- Weak chemistry between the lead actors, making the central romance unconvincing and forgettable.
- Underdeveloped characters with unclear motivations, leading to a disconnect for the audience.
- Inconsistent tone, failing to balance its horror, comedy, and romantic elements effectively.
- Bloated runtime with unnecessary scenes that drag the pacing.
- Wasted potential of a strong cast and an interesting mythological concept.
Comparison/Context
While “Thamma” aims to expand the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe alongside successful films like “Stree” and “Bhediya,” it falls far short of their cleverness and execution. Those films managed to blend local folklore with engaging storytelling and genuine humor. “Thamma,” however, lacks the wit of “Stree” and the compelling mythology of “Bhediya,” ending up as a pale imitation that squanders its potential. It attempts a supernatural romance akin to Western vampire sagas but without the emotional investment or world-building to back it up, making the comparisons unfavorable.
Read also: The Cosmic War: Is Stree 3 Setting Up an Ancient Supernatural Alliance Against a Primordial Evil?
Audience Perspective
This film might appeal to die-hard fans of the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe who are simply curious about its expansion, or those looking for a very light, undemanding watch that doesn’t require much thought. However, viewers seeking a coherent plot, compelling characters, or a satisfying genre blend will likely find themselves deeply disappointed. It’s a film that promises much with its premise and cast but delivers very little in terms of actual substance.
Final Verdict & Rating
“Thamma” is a deeply underwhelming entry into what was once a promising cinematic universe. Its central narrative is utterly baseless, lacking any discernible foundation in logic, character development, or consistent world-building. What could have been an exciting exploration of Indian vampire mythology devolves into a convoluted and uninspired mess. Despite a talented cast, the film fails to create any genuine connection or evoke the intended emotions. Save your time and your money; there are far better supernatural tales to explore.
Rating: ⭐⭐ (1.5/5)
