Thamma Movie Review of Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s latest film hit theatres on October 21, 2025, just in time for Diwali. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, known for Munjya, the film tries to mix humour, horror, and fantasy into one grand story. But does it succeed in keeping the audience engaged till the end? Let’s find out in this detailed Thamma Movie Review.
Storyline of Thamma
The story begins in 323 BC, where we meet Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) — a hereditary guardian imprisoned for centuries. The narrative then jumps to the present, introducing Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), a journalist searching for meaningful stories beyond internet memes.
His journey takes him deep into a mysterious forest, where he encounters Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a disciplined Betaal who eventually falls in love with him. Unknown to him, she hides her supernatural identity.
The film’s first half is engaging, funny, and intriguing, while the post-interval section fails to maintain the same momentum.
Performances – Ayushmann and Rashmika’s On-Screen Chemistry
Ayushmann Khurrana Shines Bright
Ayushmann once again proves his versatility. His comic timing and emotional depth make Alok Goyal a relatable and endearing character. His transition from humour to seriousness is seamless and powerful.
Rashmika Mandanna’s Subtle Charm
Rashmika’s portrayal of Tadaka is simple and sincere. Though her character lacks emotional depth, she brings freshness to the fantasy setup with her natural screen presence.
Supporting Cast Adds Spark
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal deliver impactful yet brief performances. Nawazuddin’s mystical aura enhances the supernatural aspect, while Paresh Rawal adds comic relief.
Malaika Arora and Nora Fatehi’s dance numbers, however, feel unnecessary and disrupt the film’s rhythm.
Technical Aspects – VFX, Sound, and Cinematography
The VFX and sound design are the true strengths of Thamma. The fight sequence between Alok and the wolf stands out, showcasing Maddock Films’ technical prowess.
The jungle atmosphere, lighting, and background score enhance the mystery, but the film’s length and repetitive jokes reduce its overall impact.
Direction and Screenplay
Aditya Sarpotdar’s direction brings visual appeal but struggles with storytelling balance. The screenplay is inconsistent and stretched, particularly in the second half.
While the film introduces vampire-based humour effectively in the beginning, it becomes repetitive as the story progresses. The emotional connections and cameos from other Maddock universe films add interest but also create confusion.
Connection to Maddock Universe
Thamma Movie Review extends the Maddock horror-comedy universe, linking directly with Stree 2 and Bhediya.
The Sarkata cameo and Nora Fatehi’s role hint at deeper connections within this expanding cinematic world. Fans of the Maddock Universe will enjoy spotting Easter eggs and references to upcoming projects.
Is Thamma Worth Watching?
If you enjoy horror-comedy with a fantasy twist, Thamma offers moments of laughter, visual delight, and emotional warmth. However, the weak screenplay and predictable humour stop it from reaching the level of Stree or Bhediya.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance alone makes it worth a one-time watch.
Thamma Movie Review: Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Shine in a Heartwarming Diwali Hit