Is Ayushmann Khurrana’s ‘Thamma’ a Good Family Watch? A Detailed Parental Guide for Indian Audiences

Summary: Thamma is a Hindi romantic comedy-horror released on October 21, 2025. It is more focused on fantasy, romance, and comedy than on intense horror. It is suitable for most Indian families and older children (above 8-10 years) under parental guidance. Be aware of some fantasy action, a couple of edited intimate scenes, and a few item songs. Overall, audience response suggests it is a fun, high-energy Diwali entertainer that can be watched with family and friends.

Is Thamma Family-Friendly? Parental Guide & Warnings

The latest Hindi movie, Thamma, hit the screens on October 21, 2025, as a big Diwali release. This film is the newest part of the popular Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe. It stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. It promises a mix of romance, comedy, and supernatural elements.

Many Indian families choose a big movie release for their festive outing. So, the question is: Is Thamma suitable for the whole family, including children? Here is a detailed guide for parents planning a trip to the cinema.

The Film’s Genre and Tone: More Comedy, Less Horror?

Thamma is officially a romantic comedy-horror film. But many critics and early viewers are calling it more of a fantasy romance with comedy. This is a key point for parents. The focus is less on extreme scares and more on the love story and funny moments.

One of the lead actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, even said this is the first film his own children can watch. This suggests the content is much lighter than his usual intense movies. The director has tried to balance fear with laughter. This formula has worked well for the Maddock universe before, with films like Stree and Bhediya.

Content Warnings: What Parents Should Know

While the film is generally called a “perfect Diwali watch” for families, it is not completely free of mature content. Parents should be aware of a few things:

• Supernatural and Mild Horror Elements: The story features a journalist who becomes a “Betal,” a type of vampiric creature. It explores Indian folklore and vampire myths. There are scenes involving bloodlust and a final fight. These may be a bit intense for very young or sensitive children. However, the film is not described as deeply scary. It leans on fantasy and action over pure horror.
• Action and Violence: The movie has fight sequences, especially in the second half. It includes fantasy action between the main characters and the antagonist. The violence is usually not very graphic or bloody. It is more in line with a fantasy action film.
• Mature Themes and Dialogue: Being a romantic comedy, there are themes of love and romance. The Censor Board reportedly made a few small cuts, including reducing a kissing scene and changing some dialogue. The movie includes some unnecessary “item songs” that might be brief but contain suggestive dancing.
• Pacing and Length: Some reviews mention that the first half of the film is a bit slow. The film’s running time is about 2 hours and 29 minutes (149 minutes). Younger children with a short attention span might find this length challenging.

Is Thamma Suitable for Children? Age-Wise Recommendations

Judging by the reviews, Thamma is likely to be rated U/A (Unrestricted Public Exhibition – but with a Parental Guidance warning) by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India. This rating means children below 12 years should watch it under parental supervision.

• Below 8 Years: The movie might be too long, and the supernatural themes could be confusing or slightly frightening. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
• 8 to 12 Years: Most children in this age group should be fine, especially if they have watched other light horror-comedies like Stree or Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Be prepared to explain the fantasy elements like the ‘Betals’.
• Above 12 Years: This age group is the primary target audience. They will likely enjoy the humour, the romance, and the special effects.

Why Audiences Call it a ‘Family Entertainer’

Many viewers on social media are recommending Thamma as a “total crowd-pleaser.” The main reasons are:

1. Emotional Core: Despite the horror-comedy setting, the film has a strong emotional story about love and family.
2. Clean Comedy: The humour, mainly from actors like Paresh Rawal, is appreciated for being clean and entertaining.
3. Diwali Release Vibe: The festive release slot is usually reserved for films that appeal to large, multi-generational audiences. The film fits this “feel-good” energy.