Thamma is a film that hit the theatres on October 21, just in time for Diwali. It is also going to be a part of the Maddock Films’ Horror Comedy Universe (which includes Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, and Stree 2) that is shared by the rest of the films.
The fact that the film is backed by a strong brand and released during a holiday means that it will enter the market with great distribution and audience expectations. Thematic release timing assuredly provides the film with momentum that it might not have solely based on its merits.
Impressive Cast, but Poor Execution
The cast of the film is nothing short of amazing: Ayushmann stars as Alok, the vampire-lover who is an NRI, and Rashmika’s Tadaka adds a mysterious and mythic dimension to their love affair. Reviewers admit that the two performers are working hard, particularly the lead pair’s presence and chemistry on the screen are very strong.
The main actors in the film, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, Abhishek Banerjee, and even a much-anticipated guest appearance, add a sense of urgency and comfort to the movie. Even though there is a lot of talent, the script does not come anywhere near its promise: the comedy slips, the writing is repetitive, and the ending fades out.
Myth, Visuals & Missed Opportunities
The Thamma crew has confirmed that the filmmaker attempts to use Indian traditional stories (folklores of ghosts, shape-shifting tribes) instead of Western vampire myths. The creature design, jungle-mountain location, and VFX have been credited with being the most creative things in the film visually.
The ambition, however, does not always lead to a clear narrative; the first part of the movie takes slow character and back-story development, and the second part is quite fast through actions, leaving unfulfilled emotional beats behind. The film’s ‘over-stuffed’ cameo-friendly universe setup deprives the reviewers of focus to a great extent, as they all say.
Unnecessary Item Numbers
Lately, the film has been turning heads in the industry and around the world as well. To make it even worse, besides its horror-comedy identity, Thamma also incorporates three lavish item songs, which mostly just divert the audience’s attention from the main plot instead of enhancing it. These sequences of dancing and singing feel more like a show-off of colours and lights rather than a part of the story and, thus, affect the film’s timing and tone. It has three hefty item numbers, but none of them actually leave a mark.
Whether it’s Rashmika’s ‘Tum Mere Na Huye’ or Nora Fatehi’s ‘Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka’, or Malaika Arora’s ‘Poison Baby’, which also has Mandanna in it, all are just another failed attempts by Maddock to sell some extra tickets at the box office by over-sexualising and objectifying its actresses once again.
Fan Reaction: A Mixed Bag with Lean Toward Positive
Many filmgoers on the internet characterise Thamma as a crowd-pleaser and perfect Diwali watch, thanks to its visual beauty, mythology, and star cast.
The overall positive reaction from the audience indicates that the film has indeed performed the festive release task that it had to do: entertain, dazzle, and be a common outing.
#Thamma proves why good writing and genuine performances matter. #AyushmannKhurrana’s versatility and #RashmikaMandanna’s charm make it a must-watch entertainer. pic.twitter.com/NMtUlkJJFt
— Isha (@_precious_bean_) October 21, 2025
Despite minor flaws, #Thamma stands tall as a complete entertainer. Funny, emotional, and visually grand a perfect family watch this Diwali! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/1YO2koPD7z
— Moonlight🌙 (@Kairavii_Rajput) October 21, 2025
The fun, emotion, and thrills in #Thamma make it the perfect Diwali watch! Every moment feels alive with energy and warmth. pic.twitter.com/6X7J2MPBQ5
— Suresh Parmar® (@iamSureshParmar) October 21, 2025
just caught Thamma on its big Diwali drop, and damn, it’s a wild ride! 👀
— The SohilVerse 💬 (@sohilverse) October 21, 2025
The plot?
Two lovers fighting fate, family, and some bloodthirsty Betaals. It’s ambitious, maybe too much at times, but the twists keep you hooked.
– Ayushmann’s the MVP, nailing the emotional bits and… pic.twitter.com/50hYc1p3Xh
Final Verdict: Fun Enough for Festivity, But Not Fully Fulfilling
In case you want to have fun during Diwali with your family and friends and want something spooky yet not scary, Thamma, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, is a good choice. The image of the Maddock horror-comedy universe, the presence of big stars, the fantastic myth of the monster, and the timing of the release are all plus points.
Thamma is a well-packaged Diwali entertainer. But it lacks quality due to the repetitive nature of Maddock’s horror comedy universe. If you were expecting a well-developed script, a really new idea, and a steady flow of laughs, then you might be disappointed. It’s a ride that is worth taking during the festival- just not one that stays in the memory for a long time.
Buzztag Rating: 2.5/5
You can watch Thamma at your nearest theatre.
