Thamma Movie Review 2025: A Bloody Good Time or Just Another Vampire Bite in the Maddock Universe?
Hey there, fellow Bollywood lovers! It’s Zoya Virelle signing in from the bustling from India. If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m a die-hard fan of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). From Stree’s chill-inducing laughs to Bhediya’s werewolf howls and Munjya’s quirky ghosts, these films have become my annual Diwali ritual – popcorn in one hand, goosebumps in the other.
Released on 21 October 2025, Thamma (meaning “Leader” in this folklore-rich context) is the fifth instalment and the first to dive deep into betaal (vampire-like mythical creatures) lore. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films, this 149-minute romantic comedy-horror promises fangs, romance, and universe-expanding twists.
Did it deliver? I watched it twice – once in a packed Hyderabad theatre during Diwali weekend and once on Prime Video for a calmer re-watch. Here’s my full, no-holds-barred review. Grab your chai (or blood-red mocktail), and let’s sink our teeth in!
(Imagine the official poster here: Ayushmann with glowing eyes, Rashmika in ethereal jungle vibes – pure cinematic eye-candy!)
Story Overview: Folklore Meets Modern Masala (Spoiler-Free)
Thamma follows Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), a struggling Delhi journalist who fakes a demon sighting for clicks and ends up mocked online. A camping trip gone wrong leads him to Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a mysterious woman with superhuman strength, an abandoned plane home in the jungle, and a diet that raises eyebrows. What starts as a whirlwind romance quickly spirals into a world of ancient betaal sects, prophecies, and bloodlust.
Without spoiling a drop, the film cleverly blends Indian Betaal folklore (think Vikram-Betaal tales with a vampire twist) with rom-com tropes. Alok’s transformation and the couple’s fight against an ancient order form the core. It’s not pure horror – expect laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt family drama, and social commentary on destiny, identity, and “leadership” in a patriarchal setup.
The screenplay by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara keeps the first half breezy and flirty. Post-interval, it amps up the action and MHCU connections. At 149 minutes, it feels a tad long, but the VFX-heavy jungle sequences and Delhi street chaos keep you hooked. If you loved the interconnected Easter eggs in Stree 2, you’ll grin ear-to-ear here.
Performances: Ayushmann Bites Into the Role, Rashmika Owns the Night
Ayushmann Khurrana is in his element as Alok – the everyman hero who evolves from bumbling journalist to reluctant “Thamma.” His comic timing shines in the early faking scenes, and the physical transformation (those glowing eyes and heightened senses) feels authentic. He balances awkward romance with intense betaal rage beautifully. It’s his fifth century hit for a reason – the man commits 100%.
Rashmika Mandanna, however, is the MVP. As Tadaka/Tarika, she brings innocence, ferocity, and quiet strength. Her superhuman moments are graceful yet terrifying, and her chemistry with Ayushmann crackles. From jungle rescues to Delhi dinner-party disasters, Rashmika makes you root for this forbidden love. Hyderabad audiences (including me) cheered every time she flipped the script on toxic men. She’s not just the “national crush” – she’s a force.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan is pure menace. His gravelly voice and calculated evil steal every scene. Paresh Rawal as Alok’s father adds relatable desi dad humour. Supporting cast – Faisal Malik, Rachit Singh – delivers solid laughs. Cameos? Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya blink-and-miss, Nora Fatehi and Malaika Arora’s sizzling item numbers, and Abhishek Banerjee’s walk-on are fan-service gold.
The ensemble feels lived-in, like a big dysfunctional betaal family. Standout? Rashmika and Nawaz’s confrontations – electric!
Direction, Technical Brilliance & Music: Slick VFX Meets Sachin-Jigar Magic
Aditya Sarpotdar (Munjya) directs with confidence. He keeps the horror light but the stakes high, never letting comedy undercut tension. Filmed across Mumbai, Delhi, and Ooty’s misty forests, the cinematography by Saurabh Goswami is lush – golden hour jungles contrast neon Delhi nights perfectly.
VFX (handled by the Maddock team) are inventive and slick. Betaal transformations, night chases, and cave battles look premium without feeling overdone. Budget ₹145 crore shows on screen – no cheap jumpscares here.
Music by Sachin–Jigar (with Ariyan Mehedi) is a highlight. Romantic tracks melt your heart, while the pulsating background score elevates action. Item songs with Nora and Malaika are chartbusters already – “Poison Baby” is my current gym anthem!
Editing by Hemanti Sarkar is crisp in action but drags slightly in repetitive humour bits.
How Thamma Fits (and Expands) the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe
This is where Thamma shines brightest. It ties betaals to werewolves, headless rakshasas, and Stree’s ghosts seamlessly. The mid-credits scene? Pure hype for Bhediya 2. As a Hyderabad girl who’s seen every MHCU film on day one, I loved how folklore from different regions collides. It’s ambitious world-building that rewards repeat viewers without alienating newcomers.
Themes of chosen family, breaking curses, and modern masculinity feel fresh. Alok’s journey from fake news to true leader mirrors real-world growth – subtle yet impactful.
Pros & Cons: The Fang-tastic Balance Sheet
Pros:
- Stellar lead chemistry – Ayushmann + Rashmika = fire
- Jaw-dropping VFX and cinematography
- Nawazuddin’s villainy and strong ensemble
- Hilarious one-liners and heartfelt moments
- Perfect Diwali entertainer with MHCU Easter eggs
- Strong female gaze in a male-led franchise
Cons:
- Slightly overlong with repetitive vampire jokes
- Script feels stretched in the climax
- Less “horror” than Stree or Bhediya – more rom-com
- Some cameos feel forced
- Pacing dips post-interval for non-fans
Overall, it’s a crowd-pleaser that could’ve been tighter.
My Final Verdict & Rating: 3.5/5 – A Solid Bite Worth Your Time
Thamma isn’t the scariest or funniest in the MHCU, but it’s the most romantic – and that heart makes it special. It’s a fun, visually stunning ride that leaves you smiling (and slightly thirsty for more universe lore). In a year of big Bollywood releases, it stands out for its charm and box-office proof (₹169+ crore worldwide, profitable, and 9th/10th highest Hindi grosser of 2025).
If you love light-hearted supernatural masala with strong performances and gorgeous visuals, watch it. Families, couples, and MHCU fans – this one’s for you. Skip if you want pure chills.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars Recommended for: Weekend binge on Prime Video (streaming since December 2025). Best watched with: Friends who scream at jumps and dance to item songs.
Final Thoughts from Zoya Thamma proves the Maddock universe is here to stay – evolving, connecting, and entertaining. Ayushmann and Rashmika have given us a couple worth rooting for across sequels. As someone who grew up on Vikram-Betaal stories in Telugu dubs, seeing it on the big screen felt magical.
What did you think? Did the romance win you over or did the betaal battles steal the show? Drop your ratings in the comments below! Share this review if you’re planning a re-watch, and follow for more honest Bollywood takes from Hyderabad.
Until the next horror-comedy drops… stay spooky, stay fabulous! 🦇