Thamma Movie Review, Cast, Story, Release Date & Box Office Collection
Thamma is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy horror film directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew and Arun Fulara. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films. It is the fifth instalment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which includes Stree, Bhediya, Munjya and Stree 2. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal, with Varun Dhawan appearing in a cameo as Bhediya.
Principal photography took place from December 2024 to mid-2025, primarily in Mumbai, Delhi-style sets built at Film City and the forests of Ooty. The film was released in theatres on 21 October 2025, coinciding with Diwali. It follows a struggling journalist who turns into a vampire-like creature called a Betaal and must protect humanity from an ancient sect.
Thamma – Movie Details
| Category | Details |
| Movie Name | Thamma |
| Release Date | 21 October 2025 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi (also released in Telugu) |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy Horror |
| Director | Aditya Sarpotdar |
| Lead Cast | Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui |
| Supporting Cast | Paresh Rawal, Geeta Agarwal Sharma, Faisal Malik, Sathyaraj, Abhishek Banerjee, Rachit Singh, Alexx O’Nell, Varun Dhawan (cameo) |
| Production Companies | Maddock Films |
| Distribution | PVR Inox Pictures (India), Yash Raj Films (overseas) |
| Runtime | About 149 minutes |
| Estimated Budget | ₹145 crore |
| Box Office Collection | About ₹170–188 crore worldwide gross (figures vary) |
| Franchise | Maddock Horror Comedy Universe |
| Previous Film | Stree 2 (2024) |
Plot
Thamma follows Alok Goyal, a struggling journalist from Delhi who is desperate to prove himself. After a stunt in which he fakes a demon sighting in a graveyard turns him into an internet meme, he tries to show his courage on a camping trip with his friends. He wanders into an unmarked jungle trail, runs into a bear and is rescued at the last moment by a mysterious woman named Tadaka, played by Rashmika Mandanna.
Alok falls for Tadaka, even though her behaviour is strange. She has unusual strength, gives him raw food and refuses to eat anything herself. His curiosity soon leads him to her true home, a hidden village of Betaals, an ancient sect of blood-drinking creatures that live by strict rules. Their leader Yakshasan, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is chained in a cave and plans to return. When Alok accidentally insults the Betaals, Tadaka helps him escape, and the two return to his parents’ home in Delhi, where she hides her identity under the name Tarika.
The situation becomes more complicated when Alok’s life is changed forever. He must learn to control a new kind of power. His father Ram Bajaj Goyal, played by Paresh Rawal, struggles to accept the truth. While the Betaal sect demands that the rules be enforced. Unlike earlier films in the universe, Thamma is built around a love story between a human. A supernatural being, and its central narrative revolves around love, identity and the cost of breaking old laws. The film also ties into the wider Maddock universe through a cameo and a final-scene tease for the next chapter.
Main Cast and Characters
Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok Goyal: Alok is a journalist who is eager to prove himself and becomes a Betaal after a series of accidents. Khurrana plays him as an everyman who is awkward, funny and sincere, and his character remains central to the film’s comedy and romance. The film marks his fifth film to cross ₹100 crore at the Indian box office.
Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka / Tarika: Tadaka is a Betaal woman who rescues Alok. Later follows him to Delhi under a new name. Her relationship with Alok drives the story, and the role is described as the meatiest female part in the Maddock universe so far. Mandanna was cast in June 2024 after Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the first choice, left the project for health reasons.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan: Yakshasan is the main antagonist, a powerful Betaal leader who wants to break free and rule. Siddiqui plays him with exaggerated flair, and several reviewers noted that the performance balances between cringe and comedy. He joined the cast in October 2024.
Paresh Rawal as Ram Bajaj Goyal: Ram is Alok’s father, an anxious and comic figure who struggles to accept his son’s transformation. Rawal’s comic timing adds another layer to the film’s humour.
Geeta Agarwal Sharma as Sudha Goyal: Sudha is Alok’s mother, and her scenes with the family add warmth to the story.
Supporting Cast and Characters
Faisal Malik as Inspector P. K. Yadav: Yadav is a police officer who appears in the film’s Delhi sequences.
Sathyaraj as Elvis Karim Prabhakar: Prabhakar is an exorcist whom Alok’s father approaches in his search for answers about his son.
Abhishek Banerjee as Janardhan “Jana”: Jana is a familiar character from the Maddock universe. Who appears in the exorcist’s chamber with a request related to his cousin.
Varun Dhawan as Bhaskar / Bhediya: Dhawan reprises his role from Bhediya in a cameo that was shot over six days in July 2025. His appearance was widely praised by audiences, even before the film’s release.
Rachit Singh as Veeran and Alexx O’Nell as Alexander / Sikander. Both appear as part of the film’s supernatural world and its mythology.
Nora Fatehi and Malaika Arora make special appearances in songs, and Nora Fatehi also returns as the dancer from Stree, known as “Chanderi Ki Rani”. Director Amar Kaushik appears in the song “Poison Baby”, and Sunil Kumar plays the headless monster Sarkata.
Production, Creative and Technical Aspects
Development and Story
Thamma began life as Vampires of Vijay Nagar, which was reported in 2022 as a project for Ayushmann Khurrana and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The film was delayed while the makers prioritised Stree 2, and in June 2023 Maddock announced. It as part of a slate of 15 films with plans to expand its horror-comedy universe. The project was launched in June 2024 with Khurrana. Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, and it was teased in the post-credit scene of Stree 2.
The title was first revealed as Thama on Diwali 2024 and was changed to Thamma in September 2025 for numerological reasons. The word has no meaning in Hindi, although the makers have described it as meaning “leader” for promotional purposes. Director Aditya Sarpotdar, who also made Munjya, has said that the film is not a horror comedy in the same sense as the earlier instalments but a romantic comedy infused with supernatural and mythical elements, and that it draws on myth instead of folklore.
Casting and Characters
Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna were announced as the leads in June 2024. Nawazuddin Siddiqui joined as the main antagonist in October 2024, and Paresh Rawal was added in the same month. Malaika Arora and Nora Fatehi were later confirmed for special song appearances, and Varun Dhawan was brought in for a cameo to connect the film with Bhediya. The returning faces from the wider universe and the new additions together give the film its mix of familiar characters and fresh energy.
Filming and Locations
Principal photography began in December 2024 at Chitra Studios in Mumbai, but the shoot was delayed after Rashmika Mandanna injured her leg. Filming resumed in March 2025 at Film City in Mumbai, where sets of Delhi houses, streets and graveyards were built. In April 2025, the unit moved to the forests of Ooty, the Nilgiri hills and Dodabetta, which were used for the jungle and Betaal sequences, including parts of Siddiqui’s character origin. Khurrana, Mandanna and Siddiqui wrapped their portions by May 2025, and the special songs with Arora and Fatehi were filmed in July 2025.
Production Companies
The film was produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films, continuing the studio’s established production framework for its horror-comedy series. PVR Inox Pictures distributed the film in India, while Yash Raj Films handled the international release. The reported budget of ₹145 crore made it the most expensive film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. The collaboration brought together the resources required for a large-scale supernatural film, including set construction, visual effects, location filming and a wide festive release.
Music and Background Score
The film’s music was composed by Sachin–Jigar, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and others. In a film that mixes romance, comedy and horror, music plays an important role in controlling mood and pace. The songs help separate the film’s romantic moments from its supernatural sequences, while the background score supports the film’s action and suspense. Subtle scoring during key scenes can heighten anticipation, while the dance numbers add the glamour expected from a Diwali release.
Cinematography and Editing
Saurabh Goswami handled the cinematography, while Hemanti Sarkar was associated with the editing. Cinematography plays a central role in establishing the film’s visual tone, using framing, lighting and camera movement to separate the real-world Delhi scenes from the glowing, mythical world of the Betaals. Editing is equally important in a genre film, where the timing of jokes, scares and reveals can influence the audience’s response. Reviewers praised the film’s visuals and visual effects, although several felt that the runtime and some repetitive jokes affected the pace. Together, these technical elements help shape the film’s look and rhythm.
Music and Soundtrack Details
The soundtrack of Thamma features four songs composed by Sachin–Jigar and runs for about 13 minutes. The four singles were released in the weeks before the film, and they range from a romantic ballad to a high-energy dance number. The four tracks are “Tum Mere Na Huye”, “Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka”, “Rahein Na Rahein Hum” and “Poison Baby”. Critics generally praised the music and visuals, even when they were less convinced by the script.
- Tum Mere Na Huye
“Tum Mere Na Huye” is the first single, released on 29 September 2025. It is sung by Madhubanti Bagchi, Sachin–Jigar, Rana Mazumder, Sumonto Mukherjee and Divya Kumar, and runs for about three minutes and 15 seconds. The song presents Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in a romantic setting and introduces the film’s love story.
- Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka
“Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka” was released on 7 October 2025 and is sung by Rashmeet Kaur, Jigar Saraiya, Abhishek Singh and Amrit Sharma. It features Nora Fatehi in a special appearance, in her role as the “Chanderi Ki Rani” dancer from Stree, and runs for about two minutes and 49 seconds. The song links the film to the earlier universe.
- Rahein Na Rahein Hum
“Rahein Na Rahein Hum” is the third single, released on 10 October 2025. It is sung by Soumyadeep Sarkar and Sachin–Jigar, and at about four minutes it is the longest track on the album. It is a romantic composition connected to the central love story.
- Poison Baby
“Poison Baby” was released on 13 October 2025 and is the album’s dance number, sung by Jasmine Sandlas along with Sachin–Jigar and other singers. It features Malaika Arora in a special appearance, and fans also spotted a cameo by producer-director Amar Kaushik in the song. It runs for about three minutes.
Background Score
Sachin–Jigar also contributed to the background score, which supports the film’s romantic scenes, supernatural confrontations and comic moments. Unlike the songs, the background score works primarily through instrumental music and scene-specific sound design. It helps control the pace of the scares and the jokes, building anticipation before reveals and emphasising dramatic moments. The score also supports the contrast between the ordinary world of Alok’s family and the dangerous world of the Betaals. Together with the soundtrack, it contributes to the film’s overall sound and atmosphere.
Release Date and Theatrical Distribution
Thamma Release Details
| Detail | Information |
| Film Title | Thamma |
| Release Date in India | 21 October 2025 (Diwali) |
| First Look Poster | 18 August 2025 |
| Teaser Release Date | 19 August 2025 |
| Trailer Release Date | 26 September 2025 |
| Certification | U/A 16+ |
| Production Companies | Maddock Films |
| Theatrical Distribution | PVR Inox Pictures (India), Yash Raj Films (overseas) |
| Worldwide Release Date | 21 October 2025 |
| Languages | Hindi, Telugu |
| OTT Release Date | 16 December 2025 (subscription streaming) |
| OTT Release Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
Official Release Date
Thamma was released in Indian cinemas on 21 October 2025, coinciding with Diwali, and opened worldwide on the same day. The festival date was chosen to take advantage of the long holiday weekend, and it also meant competition from other Diwali releases such as Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. The film marks the fifth step in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which has built a reputation for blending jokes with supernatural stories.
The promotion began with first look posters on 18 August 2025 and a teaser titled World of Thamma on 19 August. The trailer was launched at an event at Bandra Fort in Mumbai on 26 September 2025, where Shraddha Kapoor unveiled the logo of the universe. The trailer drew some criticism for humour that viewers found derivative and repetitive, but Varun Dhawan’s cameo received strong praise. Four songs were released as singles between 29 September and 13 October.
Worldwide Theatrical Release
The film received a worldwide theatrical release, allowing audiences in India and overseas markets to watch it around the same release window. PVR Inox Pictures handled the Indian distribution, and Yash Raj Films released the film internationally. Overseas, the film earned between about ₹22 crore and ₹24 crore, which extended its reach beyond the domestic Hindi-speaking audience. A Telugu version was released in India, and it also screened in markets such as the United Kingdom and Australia, where it received a rating for supernatural themes and violence.
Certification and Runtime
Before its theatrical release, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted Thamma a U/A 16+ certificate on 15 October 2025. This classification recommends parental guidance for children below 16. The board asked for a few changes, including reducing a kissing scene by about five seconds and replacing one dialogue line. The reported runtime is about 149 minutes, equivalent to two hours and 29 minutes, although some international listings show 147 minutes. The extended runtime gives the film room to develop its romance, its mythology and its action, although some critics felt that it also made the story feel overlong.
Theatrical Formats and Presentation
The film was released in standard, IMAX, 4DX and D-Box formats, depending on theatre availability. The 4DX shows recorded very high occupancy on the opening day, which suggests that the format suited the film’s action and supernatural scenes. Availability varied by cinema and location, so not every format was offered at every venue. The makers encouraged audiences to watch the film in cinemas during the Diwali holidays.
Significance of the Release
The release matters for several reasons. It expanded the Maddock universe beyond village folklore into vampire mythology, and it is the first mainstream Hindi film to explore the legends around vampires on this scale. It marked Ayushmann Khurrana’s fifth film to cross the ₹100 crore mark in India and was the most expensive film in the franchise. At the same time, it was positioned as an origin film in a new corner of the universe, and it ends with a tease for the next chapter. Its theatrical release therefore represented both a new chapter in the series and a bet on a Diwali family audience.
OTT Release and Streaming Availability
Thamma began streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India, with subscription streaming starting on 16 December 2025, about eight weeks after its theatrical release. Reports at the time also mentioned that the film was first available on the platform for rental before the free streaming date. The film is available in Hindi and Telugu. Streaming availability can change over time and may vary by region, so viewers should check the current listing on Prime Video before planning to watch.
Budget and Box Office Collection
Thamma Budget and Box Office
| Box Office Detail | Reported Figures |
| Estimated Production Budget | ₹145 crore (some trackers cite a lower figure) |
| Release Date | 21 October 2025 |
| Opening Day Collection (India Net) | About ₹24 crore |
| Second Day Collection (India Net) | About ₹18.6 crore |
| First Week Collection (India Net) | About ₹108.40 crore |
| India Net Collection | About ₹134.78 crore (lifetime) |
| India Gross Collection | About ₹150 crore or more |
| Overseas Collection | About ₹22–24 crore |
| Worldwide Gross Collection | About ₹169.75 crore to ₹187.59 crore, depending on the tracker |
Production Budget
The reported budget of Thamma is approximately ₹145 crore, making it the most expensive film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, although some trackers have mentioned a lower figure of around ₹125 crore. The production budget covers expenses associated with filming, cast and crew, sets, locations, visual effects and post-production, while the wider figure can include marketing and release-related costs. These amounts are industry estimates rather than publicly audited figures. The film’s commercial performance is therefore assessed against both its production expenditure and the additional costs involved in promoting and distributing it.
Opening Day Box Office Collection
Thamma opened in Indian cinemas on 21 October 2025, a Tuesday coinciding with Diwali. Trade reports estimated its first-day India net collection at about ₹24 crore, although figures varied between tracking services, with some early estimates going higher. The opening day began slowly in the morning shows, with occupancy rising through the afternoon and evening. The opening benefited from the established popularity of the Maddock universe, Ayushmann Khurrana’s return to a big-screen entertainer and the Diwali holiday. The film did not have the biggest opening for Rashmika Mandanna, but it was described as the best opening for an origin film in the franchise.
First Week Box Office Collection
During its first week, the film continued to add substantial revenue despite the usual decline in weekday collections. Day 2 earned about ₹18.6 crore net, and the film held steady through the extended holiday weekend before dropping in the following days. The first-week India net total was approximately ₹108.40 crore, and the film crossed the ₹100 crore mark in India within about a week. The second week added about ₹18.70 crore, and daily collections fell below ₹2 crore by the third week. Actual totals may vary according to reporting cut-off times, revisions and the methodology used by individual box-office trackers.
India Net and Gross Collection
By the end of its theatrical run, reports placed the film’s India net collection at approximately ₹134.78 crore, with Hindi accounting for almost all of it and a small share from the Telugu version. The India gross collection had already reached about ₹150 crore by the third week. India net refers to ticket revenue after taxes, whereas India gross represents ticket revenue before those deductions. These figures measure different aspects of box-office performance and should not be treated as interchangeable. The theatrical run has long ended, so the totals can be treated as final, although sources report slightly different numbers.
Overseas and Worldwide Collection
The film also recorded substantial overseas earnings, with reports estimating international gross collections at approximately ₹22 crore to ₹24 crore. Markets outside India, including the Gulf, the United Kingdom, Australia and other territories, contributed to its international theatrical performance. Combining domestic and overseas earnings, the worldwide gross is reported at about ₹169.75 crore by one tracker and ₹187.59 crore by another, and the film finished as the tenth highest-grossing Hindi release of 2025. Its commercial status has been described as moderate or above average rather than a blockbuster, given its high budget. Different publications may report slightly different totals because of variations in reporting periods and collection estimates. Worldwide gross revenue should not be confused with the amount ultimately received by the producers or distributors.
Ratings, Reviews and Audience Reception
| Rating Platform | Rating / Review |
| IMDb | 5.8 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 36% (11 critic reviews, average 5.3/10) |
| Critics’ Star Ratings | Mostly 2 to 3.5 out of 5, with a few 4-star reviews |
| Audience Reviews | Mixed to positive, with praise for Varun Dhawan’s cameo and the music |
Ratings and review availability should be verified against current listings before publication, as scores and audience votes can change.
IMDb Rating and User Reviews
A verified IMDb rating was not available at the time of writing, and IMDb ratings can change quickly as more users submit votes. Viewers have shown interest in the film’s premise, its songs and the Varun Dhawan cameo. Discussion has focused on Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance, Rashmika Mandanna’s expanded role and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s flamboyant villain. Common complaints include the repetitive humour, the length and the lighter horror compared with earlier films in the universe. IMDb ratings can change as more users submit votes, so the score should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent rating.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating and Audience Response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 36% positive rating from 11 critics, with an average rating of 5.3 out of 10, though the number of international reviews is small. Audience reaction was warmer than the critics’ response, with the music and the Varun Dhawan cameo drawing particular praise, while others compared the film unfavourably with earlier instalments of the universe. The platform’s rating and vote count may change as more people submit reviews.
Critics Reviews and Overall Reception
Critics gave Thamma mixed reviews, praising its music and visuals but criticising its humour, script, climax and lack of horror compared with the earlier films. Star ratings ranged from two to four out of five. Supportive reviewers described it as a well-packaged entertainer, a film that finally finds the rhythm of the universe and a thoroughly entertaining watch with engaging humour, strong performances and inventive visual effects. Others felt that the film is overlong and repetitive, that the vampire jokes wear thin and that the storytelling stays too restrained for a film exploring a new kind of mythology.
Several reviews noted that Rashmika Mandanna gets the meatiest role in the universe so far, that Ayushmann Khurrana is endearing and funny, and that Nawazuddin Siddiqui walks a thin line between cringe and comedy. Some critics said that the film has ambition and imagination but very little soul, while others observed that the world-building feels like a set of writers’ room ideas that do not go far enough. Taken together, professional reviews and audience feedback offer different perspectives on the film’s strengths and weaknesses.
Thamma Movie Review: What Works and What Does Not
What works: The film’s biggest strengths are its lead pairing, its music and its visual effects. Ayushmann Khurrana brings his usual charm to the role of an awkward journalist turned vampire, and Rashmika Mandanna gets a larger, more active part than most heroines in the universe. The songs are polished, the Betaal world looks distinctive, and the Varun Dhawan cameo and the final tease are crowd-pleasers. As a festive entertainer, the film offers romance, jokes and a few big set pieces.
What does not: The film is long, and several jokes repeat the same vampire gags. The horror is lighter than in earlier films, and the climax is considered by many to be flimsy. The mythology introduces many characters and rules, but not all of them are developed. Viewers who expect the sharp, quotable humour of Stree 2 may find the comedy less consistent. Overall, Thamma is a fun and visually inventive Diwali film that works best for fans of the Maddock universe and viewers who want romance with their supernatural comedy.
Thamma Photos
The photo gallery of Thamma features memorable moments from the film, including Alok and Tadaka in the jungle, the Betaal village, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan, the song sequences with Nora Fatehi and Malaika Arora, and Varun Dhawan’s cameo as Bhediya. These photos offer a closer look at the cast, the film’s fantasy atmosphere and important moments from the horror comedy.
Where to Watch Thamma
Thamma was released in theatres in India on 21 October 2025, but its theatrical run ended months ago, so viewers now watch it at home. The film has been streaming on Amazon Prime Video since December 2025. Its current availability may vary by region and licensing agreements, so viewers should check the listing before planning to watch. The following options can be used to find it:
- Amazon Prime Video: Search for the film to check whether it is included with your subscription or available to rent in your region.
- Digital stores: Look for rental or purchase options on major digital stores.
- JustWatch: Use the streaming guide to see which services currently list the film in your country.
Availability depends on the region, platform and current licensing agreements. These links lead to the platforms’ main websites; search for the film there to confirm whether it is available.
Is Thamma Worth Watching?
Thamma is worth considering for viewers who enjoy romantic comedies, light supernatural stories and the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna lead the film with an easy chemistry, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal bring comedy and menace. The film’s main appeal lies in its vampire mythology, its songs, its visual effects and the question of whether Alok can save both the woman he loves and the world. Fans of Stree, Bhediya and Munjya may appreciate the connections to the wider universe, including the Varun Dhawan cameo. However, viewers who expect strong scares or the sharp comedy of Stree 2 may be disappointed, and the long runtime and repetitive jokes have divided opinion. Overall, it is worth considering for fans of the franchise and for families looking for a light festive watch, and it works well as a casual evening viewing on streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Thamma was released in Indian cinemas on 21 October 2025, coinciding with Diwali.
Aditya Sarpotdar directed the film, which was written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew and Arun Fulara.
Ayushmann Khurrana plays Alok Goyal, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal.
Yes. It is the fifth instalment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, and Varun Dhawan appears in a cameo as Bhediya.
The film’s reported production budget is approximately ₹145 crore, excluding some promotional expenses.
The film earned about ₹134.78 crore net in India and roughly ₹170–188 crore gross worldwide, depending on the tracker, and it finished as the tenth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.
Thamma has been streaming on Amazon Prime Video since December 2025, although availability may vary by region.
It is worth considering for fans of the Maddock universe and viewers who enjoy light romantic comedies with supernatural elements, although critics gave it mixed reviews.