Summary: Thamma is a new addition to the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe. It is a supernatural love story with Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Watch it if you love the MHCU, enjoy grand action with good VFX, and want a fun, festive entertainer. The lead actors and the universe connections are the major strong points. Skip it if you dislike slow first halves, want a proper horror film, or feel Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s talent is being wasted. Overall, Thamma is a good, high-energy Diwali watch, but it is not perfect.
5 Reasons to Watch or Skip Thamma
Thursday, October 23, 2025: The Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU) has given us hits like Stree and Bhediya. Now, it brings its newest chapter, Thamma. This film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. It hit the screens this Diwali season, starting on October 21.
Thamma is a story of a human who turns into a ‘betaal’ (a vampire-like creature). He falls in love with a female betaal. The movie mixes romance, comedy, and horror. It also has stars like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. But should you spend your holiday money on it?
We break down five key reasons to watch this film—or maybe give it a miss.
5 Reasons to Watch Thamma
1. The Expanding Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU)
This is the biggest reason for many fans. Thamma is the fifth film in the Maddock Universe. The movie connects very well to previous films. It shows that the creators have a good plan for this universe.
You will see exciting connections to films like Bhediya and Stree. The way the storylines link is smooth and feels natural. The biggest highlight for many is the surprise cameo by another popular character.
This adds huge excitement and promises a bigger future for the universe. If you love Indian cinematic universes, this is a must-watch.
2. Strong Lead Performances
Ayushmann Khurrana gets a different role this time. He moves away from his usual ‘common man’ image. He plays a news anchor who becomes a betaal. Ayushmann shines in the comedy and emotional parts.
Rashmika Mandanna is the biggest surprise. She plays Tadaka, the mysterious betaal. Her role is tough, asking for both menace and emotion.
Critics have praised her for a sincere and natural performance. The chemistry between the lead pair is a major plus point.
3. A Unique Romantic Core
While it’s a horror-comedy, Thamma is mainly a love story. It is a ‘bloody love story’ between a human (who becomes betaal) and a betaal. The romance is at the heart of the film.
The second half of the movie focuses strongly on this emotional track. This is new for the MHCU. The love story makes the film feel different from its predecessors. It adds a layer of heart to the supernatural chaos.
4. High-Octane Action and VFX
The film has some truly impressive action sequences. The climax, especially, is getting good reviews. The battle scenes, particularly the one involving the cameo character, are very well done.
The Visual Effects (VFX) in Thamma are also better than some past films in the universe. The creature designs and fight scenes look grand on the big screen. The background music is also powerful, making these scenes even more exciting.
5. Family-Friendly Diwali Entertainment
The movie has a good blend of humour and mild horror. It works as a fun, ‘masala’ entertainer. The funny one-liners and situational comedy land well with the audience.
It has the right mix of elements for a festive watch. People are calling it a “perfect Diwali watch” on social media. It offers a high-energy experience that can be enjoyed with friends and family.
5 Reasons to Skip Thamma
1. The First Half is Slow
Many reviewers agree that the movie takes too long to start. The first half spends a lot of time setting up the story. It focuses on the lead couple’s romance.
This slow pace can test the audience’s patience. The real action and universe connection only starts post-interval. If you prefer a fast-paced plot from the start, you might find the initial hour dragging.
2. Lack of Real Horror
If you are looking for genuine scares, you might be disappointed. The ‘horror’ element is quite mild. It mostly features mythical creatures like the betaal, not traditional ghosts.
The film relies more on comedy and action than on making you jump. It is much more of a supernatural romance-comedy. People who loved the scares in films like Stree might feel something is missing here.
3. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is Underused
Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the villain, Yakshasan. He is a talented actor, but his role is not as impactful as expected. His screen time is limited.
Some critics felt his character was a bit overdone or a caricature. He does not feel like a big threat to the main characters. His talent could have been used better to make a more memorable villain.
4. Uneven Comedy
While the one-liners are good, the comedy is not always consistent. The film tries too hard to be funny in some places. The situational comedy does not always land perfectly.
Some reviewers noted that the film feels less sharp and witty compared to Stree. The writing gets lazy at times. The film could have benefited from tighter dialogue and less forced humour.
5. Item Songs and Long Climax
The film includes a few item songs. Some viewers found these songs unnecessary and distracting. They break the flow of the story.
Also, the climax is reported to be too long. The final action sequence stretches out more than needed. A shorter climax would have made the ending more impactful.
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