Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Horror Comedy Universe expands once again with Thamma, and it’s a riot from start to finish. This latest entry blends horror, romance, and humour in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara, Thamma stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui– a dream combo that delivers on every front.
As the festive lights glow brighter this Diwali, Thamma gives audiences exactly what they crave- Laughter, Love, and Chills.
Thamma Movie Review
At its heart, Thamma is a bloody love story. Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), a goofy TV reporter, lives a quiet life with his parents (Paresh Rawal and Geeta Agarwal). A trekking trip gone wrong brings him face-to-face with Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a mysterious woman who rescues him from a bear attack. Love brews amidst the danger, but their romance takes a dark turn when Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), leader of a strange tribe, enters the picture. What follows is a thrilling, emotional, and visually rich narrative about forbidden love, ancient secrets, and the clash of two worlds.
The writing by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara shines in its originality. It’s a story drawn from Indian folklore, layered with emotion, mystery, and humour. The first half is pacy and consistently engaging, while the second half slows down slightly but never loses grip on the audience’s attention. The witty dialogues, especially the ones delivered by Nawazuddin, are absolute scene-stealers.
Direction: Aditya Sarpotdar’s Genre Mastery
After Munjya (2024), director Aditya Sarpotdar cements his reputation as a filmmaker who truly understands the horror-comedy genre. He balances humour, supernatural tension, and heartfelt emotion with remarkable ease. What stands out most is how he keeps the storytelling simple yet cinematic, never letting the scale overpower the soul of the film.
Sarpotdar’s flair for visual storytelling is visible in sequences like Tadaka’s entry, her dinner scene with Alok’s parents, and the stunning pre-climax battle. The intermission point hits just right, and even though the climax could’ve been more impactful, the emotional closure feels satisfying. He also cleverly weaves in cameos and universe links without making them feel forced- something that elevates the Maddock Universe’s continuity.
Performances: A Stellar Trio with Perfect Chemistry
Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a knockout performance. He nails the goofy, charming innocence of Alok in the first half, while transitioning effortlessly into more emotional and intense beats later. His comic timing is unmatched, and his chemistry with Rashmika gives the film its beating heart.
Rashmika Mandanna is radiant and fierce. She’s mysterious when needed, tender when the story demands it, and commands attention every time she’s on screen. This is easily one of her best performances in Hindi cinema yet- a blend of emotion, charm, and power.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is an absolute delight as Yakshasan. His character is menacing yet irresistibly funny, and his delivery of sharp, witty one-liners is pitch-perfect. He brings the unpredictable energy that keeps the narrative alive.
Among the supporting cast, Paresh Rawal shines with his impeccable comic timing, adding warmth and humour to the family portions. Faisal Malik and Geeta Agarwal Sharma provide strong support. The Varun Dhawan cameo as Bhediya is electrifying, and Nora Fatehi’s surprise link to Stree adds a delightful twist that fans of the universe will absolutely love.
Music: Sachin-Jigar’s Groovy Soundtrack
The soundtrack by Sachin-Jigar perfectly matches the film’s festive and spooky tone. Songs like “Tum Mere Na Huye” and “Rahein Na Rahein Hum” stand out for their haunting melody and emotional weight, while “Poison Baby” and “Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka” add a playful, upbeat flavour.
The background score deserves special mention — it heightens tension in the horror moments and amplifies the emotional beats, making the film a complete sensory experience.
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Technical Brilliance: VFX, Visuals & Design
On the technical front, Thamma is a visual treat. Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography captures the misty hills and mystical landscapes with breathtaking detail, while DNEG’s VFX work is polished and immersive — especially during the supernatural sequences.
The production design by Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray lends authenticity to the tribal and mythical settings. The action choreography by Grant Hulley and Parvez Shaikh adds energy to the pre-climax battle, and Hemanti Sarkar’s editing, though slightly uneven in the second half, maintains the narrative’s rhythm.
Final Verdict
Thamma hits the sweet spot- spooky, funny, and full of heart! A visually stunning and emotionally warm ride that cements Maddock’s horror-comedy universe as the best in the business.
The Review
Thamma
Thamma is a lively horror-comedy that mixes laughs, scares, and heart. With stellar performances, it’s a perfect festive entertainer.
PROS
- Ayushmann Khurrana delivers an outstanding mix of humour and emotion.
- Engaging direction with seamless horror-comedy balance.
- Strong VFX, crisp writing, and fun cameos elevate the experience.
CONS
- Slightly slow pacing in the mid-section.
- Climax lacks the explosive punch of earlier Maddock films.
- Some horror moments feel toned down for family audiences.
