Introduction
After blockbuster hits like Stree and Bhediya, director Amar Kaushik returns with Thamma, another addition to Maddock Films’ growing horror-comedy universe. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, the film promised laughter, mystery, and supernatural chills — and as someone who just watched it, I can confidently say that Thamma lives up to most of those expectations.
It’s not a perfect film, but it’s one of the most enjoyable Diwali releases in recent years — fun, colorful, emotional, and crafted with genuine entertainment value.
Storyline: A Supernatural Mystery Wrapped in Humor
The story begins in the quaint, fog-covered village of Thamma, where people whisper about a spirit that appears under the full moon. Into this eerie yet oddly funny setting arrives Aniket (Ayushmann Khurrana), a city-bred teacher who has taken up a new job in the village school. Life seems peaceful until he starts experiencing strange incidents — doors creaking open, shadows moving, and whispers echoing his name.
The mystery deepens when he meets Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a fearless local woman with a secret past. As Aniket and Tadaka grow closer, he discovers that the spirit haunting Thamma is not what it seems — it’s tied to the village’s dark history and Tadaka’s identity.
Performances: Ayushmann and Rashmika Carry the Film
Ayushmann Khurrana once again proves why he’s among the best actors in modern Hindi cinema. He brings warmth, humor, and sincerity to the role of Aniket. His comic timing is excellent, and his emotional scenes — especially in the climax — connect beautifully with the audience.
Rashmika Mandanna, as Tadaka, is the film’s surprise package. She’s powerful, graceful, and delivers a layered performance. Her chemistry with Ayushmann feels natural and engaging. Together, they make Thamma both heartfelt and entertaining.
Pankaj Tripathi returns as the quirky “Baba Rudranath,” a paranormal expert who adds comic relief in tense moments. His deadpan humor and witty dialogues bring laughter even in the film’s darker scenes. Abhishek Banerjee’s small role continues to tie the Maddock horror universe together.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Amar Kaushik knows his craft — he balances humor and horror like no one else in Bollywood right now. Thamma has the same DNA as Stree, but with deeper emotional layers and a stronger romantic backbone.
The screenplay by Niren Bhatt is sharp and witty in the first half, though slightly stretched in the second. Some scenes feel longer than needed, but the strong characters and emotional payoffs make up for it. Kaushik ensures that Thamma is not just about scares — it’s about love, redemption, and courage in the face of fear.
Cinematography, Music & VFX
Visually, Thamma is stunning. Cinematographer Jishnu Bhattacharjee captures the haunting beauty of the rural landscape with misty lighting and warm tones. The production design gives the film a unique visual identity — spooky but full of life.
The VFX are polished and believable. The spirit sequences are crafted with restraint, focusing more on atmosphere than jump scares.
Music by Sachin–Jigar adds to the festive mood. Songs like “Jadoo Re Thamma” and “Naino Ka Raaz” blend perfectly with the storyline and have already become popular on social media. The background score is energetic and enhances both the comedy and suspense moments.
Audience Experience
Watching Thamma in a packed theatre was an experience in itself. The audience laughed, gasped, and even clapped during some high-energy moments. Families seemed to enjoy it the most — it’s spooky enough for adults but not too dark for kids.
Ayushmann’s punchlines landed well, and Rashmika’s strong emotional scenes earned applause. The film’s mix of romance, humor, and mythological mystery works perfectly for festive audiences looking for clean, engaging entertainment.
My Verdict
As a viewer, I found Thamma to be a complete entertainer — funny, emotional, and visually engaging. It doesn’t try too hard to be “scary,” which actually works in its favor. It’s more about people and their fears than about ghosts.
While the second half drags a bit, the emotional climax ties everything beautifully. The ending also hints at a crossover with the Stree-Bhediya universe — setting up something big for the future of this franchise.
If you’re going to the theatre expecting genuine fun and a touch of supernatural flavor, Thamma is worth every minute.
Final Rating & Conclusion
⭐ Rating: 4/5
🎬 Verdict: A colorful, heartfelt, and highly entertaining film with standout performances from Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Amar Kaushik once again proves that horror-comedy can be meaningful, emotional, and crowd-pleasing at the same time.
Thamma is a must-watch for families and fans of Maddock’s horror-comedy universe
By Chandan Sharma 10-26-2025
