Thamma Movie Review: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna Deliver a Spooky Yet Heartwarming Diwali Treat

This Diwali, Bollywood's horror-comedy universe expands with "Thamma," starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in leading roles. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, the movie attempts to recreate the charm of Stree and Bhediya while exploring a new corner of Indian folklore.

The story (kept under wraps by the makers) unfolds in a small Indian town haunted by a supernatural force. What follows is a mix of spooky encounters, emotional subplots, and clever humour - all packaged as a festive entertainer.

Performances That Click

Ayushmann Khurrana once again proves his knack for balancing comedy with tension. His character, who refuses to believe in superstitions until they hit close to home, grounds the story with relatability and wit. Rashmika Mandanna, meanwhile, brings warmth and innocence to the screen, her chemistry with Ayushmann adding lightness amid the chaos.

Supporting performances by Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui add comic depth, while Varun Dhawan's cameo serves as a smart Easter egg for fans following Maddock's horror-comedy universe.

The Good

What works most for Thamma is its tone - it never takes itself too seriously. Aditya Sarpotdar maintains a fun rhythm, allowing scares and laughs to co-exist without undercutting each other. The writing sparkles in the second half, especially when the folklore element ties back to modern-day dilemmas.

The film's music and background score play a huge role in amplifying both tension and comic relief, keeping viewers hooked.

The Not-So-Good

While Thamma entertains, it doesn't quite reach the freshness of Stree. The first half moves a bit slowly, relying on repetitive gags. Some horror sequences feel predictable, and a few jokes fall flat. However, strong performances and tight direction pull it back on track by the interval.

With Thamma, Maddock Films delivers a spooky yet heartwarming festive treat. It's not perfect, but it's packed with the right amount of laughs, scares, and family-friendly fun - exactly what audiences want during Diwali.

Trade analysts predict a strong weekend, with early audience reviews praising its blend of humour, emotion, and folklore.

As of now, Thamma earned around 5.13 Cr India net on its first day for all languages.

A clean, crowd-pleasing entertainer that proves Bollywood's horror-comedy universe still has life - and laughs - left in it.