Thamma REVIEW: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna’s Horror Comedy Is The Perfect Diwali Watch; Pataakha Cameos Add More Sparkle

Film:
Thamma

Director: Aditya Sarpotdar

Writer: Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, Arun Falara

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal

Runtime: 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes)

Platform: In Theatres

Aditya Sarpotdar – who directed the sleeper hit Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) Munjya, has delivered once more. The 5th film in the universe – Thamma, released in theatres globally today and proves to be the perfect Diwali 2025 watch. So what is the film all about?

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Set in the mountains of north India, Thamma is centred on the Indian folklore creatures Betaals. Unknown to humankind, a group of these creatures – created Maa Kali during her fight to eliminated the asura Raktabeej from earth, resides in the mountain and do their best to stay away from humankind. Enters Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana) a reporter who want to report about the supernature. In order to do so, he heads to the mountains with his collegues only to be chased by a bear and meet the love of his eternal life Tadaka/Taarika – as he introduces her to human (Rashmika). When caught by her people aka the other betaals, Alok is thrown into a cave with an imprisoned Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and barely manages to be saved and return to society.

But how does Alok become a betaal? Why is Yakshasan imprisoned? Who are the past characters making cameo and what are the revelations being made? You need to watch Aditya Sarpotdar directorial ASAP to know these answers. Read our Thamma review to know what’s great about it and why you should watch it with friends and family in theatres this festive season.

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What Works

The cameos and the interlinking of the character and their stories is top notch – one of the best universes in Indian cinema. The set design and cinematography also impress alongside Ayushmann and Nawazuddin’s stellar acting.

What Doesn’t Work

Unfortunately, Rashmika delivers a flat performance. Nawaz’s limited time on screen.

Technical Analysis

Story & Direction

Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew and Arun Falara have given their 100% to Thamma and that’s clearly visible, however, The Vampire Diaries fans – and I am one, will get a feeling of deja vu at one critical point. Otherwise, this Indian folklore character is well written and connected to the other creatures roaming in the MHCU. Aditya Sarpotdar delivers and there’s no complaints there.

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Music

The music of Thamma doesn’t stand one as one the best in the MHCU but still manages to leave an impression. The film – despite having 3 item songs, still manages to let each shine. The score by Sachin–Jigar helps maintain the pace and flavour of the film.

VFX

While not top notch when compared to some of Indian cinema’s biggest film or those of Hollywood, Thamma deliver an above-average product when it comes to VFX and CGI. You will know what I mean when you see Ayushmann fight the bear.

Editing

Hemanti Sarkar could have done a better job. While not bad, the editing could have been much better.

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Thamma Star Cast

Ayushmann Khurrana wins hearts as the naive but romantic and strangely brave Alok. Be it his innocence while talking to his dad or him falling head-over-heels for Tadaka, he makes you fall in love with his character. Nawazuddin Siddiqui steals the show every time he appears on screen as Yakshasan and his delivering English dialogues is highly entertaining. Wish we had more of that.

Rashmika Mandanna character seems half baked and seems clueless at times despite being alive for nearly a century. Paresh Rawal is an ace actor and showcases his acting prowess once more despite his limited screen time Sathyaraj – who reprises his role as Elvis Karim Prabhakar, delivers as does Abhishek Banerjee as Janardhan ‘Jana’ Sharma.

The other cameo appearance of characters already part of the MHCU – we aren’t revealing who they are, also impress.

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Conclusion

From balanced doses of comedy and horror as well as meta references and dhamaakedar cameos & revelations, Thamma has all the right ingredients to make you laugh your hearts out with family and friends this festive season. Do head to your nearest theatres to catch this laughter riot that will also teach you a little more about India folklore.

Watch The Trailer Of Thamma Here:

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Also Read: Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari REVIEW: Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rohit Saraf And Sanya Malhotra Take You On Love-Filled Journey Complete With The Dharma Essentials

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.