Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma: A New Chapter in the Maddock Horror Universe

Basic Facts

Cast & Characters

Here are the major cast members and their roles:

• Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok Goyal (the journalist-turned supernatural being) Wikipedia+1
• Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka / Tarika (mysterious woman who resembles a supernatural creature) Wikipedia+1
• Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan (antagonist, leader of the ancient sect) Wikipedia+1
• Paresh Rawal as Ram Bajaj Goyal (Alok’s father) Wikipedia+1
• There are also cameo appearances by other notable actors and special-song roles (which we’ll dive into later). Wikipedia

Story / Plot Summary

Here’s a more detailed outline (spoiler light) of what the film is about:

• Alok Goyal is introduced as a television journalist — confident on-screen but somewhat lacking in real courage. My Blog+1
• During an assignment, he gets stranded in a jungle. He is rescued by Tadaka, a mysterious woman connected to a secret supernatural sect of “Betaals” (ancient mythical beings). Wikipedia+1
• Tadaka belongs to a community bound by mythological rules: they are not supposed to kill or feed on human beings, due to a pact as old as Partition era horrors. Yakshasan, the sect’s old leader, is opposed to this restraint. Wikipedia
• Alok brings Tadaka back to his old life in Delhi under a false identity (Tarika). Slowly, their relationship deepens but his father and society start sensing something odd. Wikipedia
• A turning point: an incident where Tadaka unleashes her powers, which leads to Alok being fatally injured and then revived — by being bitten, he becomes one of them. Wikipedia
• With his new identity, Alok must learn to navigate his powers, the sect’s politics, and his love for Tadaka — while Yakshasan sees an opportunity to break his ancient constraints and take control. Wikipedia+1
• The climax deals with battles of mythic proportions, combining folklore, modern setting, and a supernatural romance. My Blog+1

Universe & Themes

• Thamma is part of the shared universe called the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), which includes previous films like Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, Stree 2. Wikipedia+1
• The film uses Indian-folklore rather than western vampire tropes — for example, the concept of Betaals (a mythic being in Indian stories) is central. The Times of India
• Themes include: love across species/supernatural divide, ancient rules vs modern world, myth vs reality, identity transformation, duty vs desire.
• Visually, the film blends romance + horror + supernatural spectacle, aiming for mass-appeal with mythic roots. indiasaga.com

Production Notes

• The film was initially announced under working titles like Vampires of Vijay Nagar. Wikipedia+1
• Filming began December 2024, across locations including Delhi, Mumbai, and the hills of Ooty (for forest scenes). Wikipedia+1
• During production there were delays (e.g., Rashmika Mandanna sustained a leg injury). My Blog
• Notable special songs:
  • “Tum Mere Na Huye” – promo single. Wikipedia+1
  • “Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka” – featuring a big dance number. Wikipedia+1
  • “Poison Baby” – another high-profile song with cameo appearances. Wikipedia
• Distribution: In India via PVR Inox Pictures, internationally via Yash Raj Films. Wikipedia+1

Critical Reception & Box-Office

• Reviews are mixed: some critics praise the ambition, performances and visuals; others feel the film becomes repetitive or lacks depth. Wikipedia+1
  • For example, Times of India gave around 3.5/5. The Times of India
  • On Rotten Tomatoes (aggregated) ~40% positive from first 10 reviews. Wikipedia+1
• Box office: First weekend collections made headlines; film is being positioned as a significant Diwali release. The Times of India+1
• Budget: Reportedly around ₹145 crore (Indian rupees) for production. Wikipedia+1

Music & Soundtrack Highlights

• The composer duo Sachin–Jigar created the score and songs. Wikipedia+1
• Key tracks:
  • “Tum Mere Na Huye” – released late September 2025. Wikipedia+1
  • “Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka” – October 2025. Wikipedia+1
  • “Rahein Na Rahein Hum” – also part of the album. Wikipedia
  • “Poison Baby” – includes dance cameo by Malaika Arora; promotes the film’s high-scale song sequences. Wikipedia

Why It’s Worth Watching

• If you like genre-blending: romance + supernatural myth + spectacle, the film delivers a fresh mix.
• The cast is strong — major names in Hindi cinema delivering within a high-budget formula.
• The mythological angle (Betaals, ancient sects, folk horror) gives it more than standard horror-comedy fare — it taps into India’s folklore rather than just jump-scares.
• Visually it aims big — especially for the Diwali release season, which often calls for bigger-screen spectacles.

Things to Note / Potential Weaknesses

• Some reviewers say the narrative becomes predictable after a while, with familiar tropes and too much padding. indiasaga.com
• Despite big ambitions, some feel the story doesn’t dig as deep as it could into its mythic roots — more style than substance in places. Wikipedia+1
• Run-time is long; may test the patience of viewers wanting tighter pacing.

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