- Director: Aditya Sarpotdar
- Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal
- Genre: Romantic-Horror-Comedy
- Runtime: 148 minutes
- Rating: 3/5
In Thamma, director Aditya Sarpotdar takes a bold step into the dense, ghostly woods of Indian mythology, blending horror, comedy, and romance into a visually ambitious addition to the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, the film reimagines the legend of the betaal with a modern twist, offering audiences a spectacle-driven story that’s as much about ancient curses as it is about confused love stories and punchlines. But while the film dazzles in parts and teases a rich supernatural world, it doesn’t always deliver on the emotional or narrative depth it promises.
Plot: Thamma opens in the era of Alexander the Great, where the powerful betaal Yakshashan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) gains immortality by drinking the invader’s blood. In the present day, Delhi-based journalist Alok (Ayushmann Khurrana) enters a remote jungle with two companions to investigate strange sightings. After a violent run-in with a deceptively harmless-looking bear, Alok is rescued by Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a mysterious woman living inside the wreckage of an old plane.
As Alok heals, he grows fond of Tadaka, unaware she belongs to the secretive betaal clan and harbors eerie, otherworldly traits. Meanwhile, Yakshashan, now imprisoned by his own people for breaking an ancient code, crosses paths with Alok. When Tadaka saves Alok from her clan, he takes her home, only to face suspicion from his father (Paresh Rawal), who questions her origins. As secrets unravel and Tadaka’s true identity is exposed, love and loyalty are tested. The story builds toward a high-stakes showdown, featuring surprise cameos from Maddock’s horror-comedy universe, and ends on a note that hints at more to come.
What Works
1. Production Design & World-Building: The film is at its best visually. Dense forests, eerie caves, and ancient Indian myth come alive with real atmosphere. You can see where the budget went — it’s immersive, and unlike anything else currently in Hindi cinema.
2. Performances: Ayushmann brings his usual blend of charm and depth, though the writing doesn’t stretch him far. Rashmika plays “mystical” convincingly, even if her character isn’t deeply explored. Paresh Rawal provides much-needed comic relief, and Nawazuddin — in a short but sharp appearance — steals a scene or two. Sathyaraj and Varun Dhawan are entertaining in their brief cameos, adding delightful surprise and extra energy to the film.
3. Conceptually Bold: There’s a unique ambition here: horror not just for jump-scares, but rooted in Indian mythology. The idea of betaals as more than just “ghosts” is intriguing, and the film touches on themes of memory, duty, and forgotten stories.
What Falls Flat
1. Shaky Tone: Balancing horror, comedy, and romance is tricky — and Thamma doesn’t always succeed. One moment it’s playful, the next it’s grim, and the transitions often feel clunky. The emotional beats especially don’t land with the weight they need.
2. Underwritten Romance: The central bond between Alok and Tadka feels more told than shown. Their love arc feels rushed, like it exists more for plot convenience than emotional investment.
3. Weak Scares, Lighter Stakes: Despite being a “horror-comedy,” it leans very light on the horror. Most of the scares are either predictable or played for laughs, which undermines the darker mythological undertones. You never truly feel danger — just mild suspense.
4. Pacing Issues: The first half drags with exposition and repetitive humor. It only picks up in the second half, but by then, some viewers may already be disengaged.
Final Thoughts: Thamma is fun but forgettable. It’s not bad — it just doesn’t live up to the potential of its concept. There’s enough here to enjoy for fans of the Maddock universe or those looking for a festive watch, but don’t expect the tight storytelling of Stree or the emotional depth of Bhediya.
