Thamma is a 2025 Bollywood horror-comedy movie directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The film is a mix of folklore, supernatural tension, romance, and humor, making it a well-packaged entertainer that blends Indian mythic soul with contemporary storytelling.
Plot and Story
The story revolves around Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), a small-town journalist, who after a bear attack, is saved by Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a mysterious woman. Their budding romance takes a dark turn when Alok is captured by a strange tribe led by Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Tadaka defies her clan to rescue him, which ignites conflict and intertwines their destinies with ancient secrets. The narrative draws from Indian folklore and folklore-inspired supernatural elements, creating a rich mystical world. The screenplay maintains tension and curiosity, although some aspects like characterization and pacing have minor flaws.
Performances
Ayushmann Khurrana excels in portraying vulnerability, comic timing, and intensity fluidly. Rashmika Mandanna impresses with her charm and fierce, controlled performance, while Paresh Rawal adds warmth and comic relief as Alok’s father. Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays a restrained yet powerful antagonist with dark intrigue, providing depth to the film's mythology.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Aditya Sarpotdar’s direction balances supernatural thrills with emotional depth and humor skillfully. The cinematography by Saurabh Goswami is captivating, especially in creature and mystical visuals enhanced by DNEG’s VFX. The action choreography is slick and energetic, especially the climactic battle scenes. The background score by Sachin-Jigar heightens the tension and romantic elements, with a soundtrack integral to the film’s narrative rhythm.
Themes and Impact
Thamma explores themes of love, folklore, supernatural conflict, and the tension between human and non-human worlds. It is not just a horror movie but a folk-fantasy that evokes fear, laughter, and emotional resonance. The film expands the Maddock Horror-Verse franchise, creating a connected mythology and universe that engages fans with layered storytelling and cinematic spectacle.
Reception
The movie has been well received for its fresh approach, genre blending, performances, and technical excellence. Critics have rated it highly (around 3.5 to 4 out of 5), praising its entertainment value, depth, and visual grandeur. It is seen as a Diwali blockbuster with strong box office potential due to its festive release and appeal.
In summary, Thamma is a bold and thrilling addition to Indian horror cinema, offering a unique blend of folklore, horror, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling that stands out in the genre.