Maddock Films returns with yet another ambitious crossover event — Thamma, released in theatres on October 21, 2025. Featuring an ensemble cast including Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, Sathyaraj, and a special appearance by Varun Dhawan, this film marks a monumental step for the Maddock Horror Cinematic Universe (MHCU). Thamma isn’t just another horror-fantasy project; it’s an audacious mix of mythology, mass appeal, sharp humor, and emotional depth that places Indian genre filmmaking on a whole new pedestal.
Story
The film opens amidst a breathtaking, ancient forest — a magical realm where myth and reality coexist. The forest’s protectors follow one sacred rule: humans must never be harmed. But when this rule is broken, chaos erupts across timelines — past, present, and future — blending folklore, fantasy, and human emotion into one thrilling narrative.
Ayushmann Khurrana plays Alok, a small-town journalist who stumbles into a cosmic conflict far beyond his understanding. His journey from a light-hearted, talkative man to a warrior confronting ancient evils anchors the film’s emotional depth. Rashmika Mandanna’s Tadaka, meanwhile, breaks the mold of the typical “screaming heroine.” She’s fierce, grounded, and carries a genuine emotional gravitas that complements Ayushmann’s character arc.
Performances
Ayushmann delivers one of his most dynamic performances yet, effortlessly transitioning between humor, fear, and intensity. Rashmika is a revelation — her character’s emotional arc and chemistry with Ayushmann feel organic and unforced.
Paresh Rawal brings comic brilliance as Alok’s skeptical yet witty father, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s debut in the MHCU is pure cinematic gold. He flawlessly balances menace and charm, portraying a villain driven by dark ambition. Sathyaraj returns as the quirky “Hand of God” Mr. Elvis, providing both humor and crucial narrative connections between major Maddock franchises. And yes — Nora Fatehi’s cameo is more than just glamour; it’s an essential puzzle piece linking Thamma to the original Stree storyline.
Behind the Scenes
Director Amar Kaushik and the Maddock creative team craft an intricate cinematic experience packed with stunning VFX, seamless choreography, and a pulsating score. The soundtrack complements the narrative instead of interrupting it — every musical number has story relevance. Easter eggs linking to Stree, Bhediya, and other MHCU titles keep fans on the edge, hunting for clues.
The much-anticipated Betaal vs Bhediya showdown deserves special mention — a jaw-dropping fusion of visual grandeur, kinetic action, and emotional storytelling that leaves audiences cheering. It’s pure cinematic electricity.
Final Verdict
Thamma is more than a movie — it’s a cultural event for Indian cinema. Combining folklore, fantasy, and high-octane entertainment, it sets a new benchmark for shared-universe storytelling. With strong performances, emotionally driven writing, and stunning visuals, it manages to be both a crowd-pleaser and a narrative powerhouse.
For fans of Stree and Bhediya, Thamma is the perfect festive blockbuster — thrilling, heartfelt, and loaded with surprises. It’s the dawn of a much larger, interconnected Maddock universe, and this chapter will have audiences anticipating what’s coming next.
