A Diwali Gift from Maddock Films
This Diwali season, Maddock Films brought a fresh dose of entertainment to the big screen with Thamma, a horror-comedy that blends supernatural thrills with heartfelt romance. Featuring an exciting ensemble of Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the film debuted in theatres on October 21 amid much fanfare and anticipation.
Box Office Performance: Day 1 Earnings
According to the latest report from Sacnilk, Thamma raked in ₹24.87 crore on its opening day. With little competition at the box office—the only other notable release being Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat—the film enjoyed a relatively smooth theatrical run on its first day.
Comparisons with Previous Hits
Despite a promising start, Thamma couldn’t surpass the opening records set by its predecessors within the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). Last year’s Stree 2 opened to ₹35 crore, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 starring Kartik Aaryan earned ₹32 crore on its first day, even amid competition from Rohit Shetty’s ensemble action film Singham Again. This makes Thamma’s debut respectable, but slightly underwhelming in comparison.
About the Film: A Bloody Twist on Romance
A New Chapter in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe
Thamma marks the fifth entry in the growing MHCU franchise, which includes popular titles such as Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. This latest chapter ventures into the world of vampires, offering audiences a thrilling tale filled with humor, horror, and heart.
The Storyline: Love Bites—Literally
The film follows Ayushmann Khurrana’s character, who unexpectedly transforms into a vampire. Amidst this bizarre transformation, he finds himself falling in love with Rashmika Mandanna’s character, only to face a host of supernatural and emotional challenges that threaten their relationship. The narrative is laced with elements of Indian mythology, particularly drawing from the tale of Rakhtbeej, adding depth to the eerie yet emotional plot.
A Fresh Take on Horror-Comedy
Speaking to ANI, Ayushmann explained, “My character isn’t like Stree, Bhediya, or even Munjya. He is ‘Thama’ or ‘Betaal’—something entirely new. This film pushes the boundaries of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe while remaining a fun, family-friendly entertainer. Even the horror elements are designed in a way that children can enjoy without getting too scared.”
Critical Reception: Praise for the Chemistry and Story Integration
The Hindustan Times commended the film’s narrative pacing and interconnectivity with the wider MHCU. “There’s genuine chemistry between Ayushmann and Rashmika. The interval arrives at a perfect point, and the second half becomes a thrilling roller-coaster ride. Integrating the mythological legend of Rakhtbeej into the storyline is a brilliant move, and solidifies MHCU as the only Indian film universe consistently getting it right,” the review noted.