Movie Review: Thamma (2025)
A clear and direct take on the film, its strengths, its weaknesses – and how it’s doing at the box office.
Thamma movie was released on 21 October 2025, just in time for Diwali. Thamma joins the horror-comedy universe from Maddock Films, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. It draws on Indian folklore (betaals rather than Western vampires) and mixes romance, myth, horror, and comedy. The Times of India+2Bollywood Hungama+2
What Works
Visuals & Style – The film is well-packaged. The supernatural designs, the forest and tribal settings, and the mythological ambience all stand out. Reviewers say the visuals “elevate” the experience. Bollywood Hungama+1
Lead Performances – Ayushmann and Rashmika do credible jobs. Rashmika especially receives praise for bringing warmth to her role. Social chatter includes:
“#RashmikaMandanna is a pleasant surprise, her performance feels natural and heartfelt.” Hindustan Times
Entertainment Value – If you’re in the mood for a festive theatrical outing with a mix of myth, humour, and spectacle, the film delivers. As one review says:
“THAMMA is a well-packaged entertainer… Bound to do well at the box office.” Bollywood Hungama
What Doesn’t
Story & Emotional Depth – While the premise is fresh, the emotional impact doesn’t always hit. One critique: “the emotions never quite land.” Wikipedia
Pacing & Overall Structure – The film is stronger in the first half in terms of set-up, but slows down in the second half. Some characters and subplots feel underdeveloped. Hindustan Times+1
Expectations vs. Ambition – Because the film carries the franchise brand and a big Diwali release, there is pressure and comparison. Some say it doesn’t reach the heights of earlier entries in this universe.
Box Office & Audience Response
Advance Booking & Opening Day – The film recorded solid advance bookings: around ₹6.37 crore in advance tickets, according to one trade source. Koimoi+1 On the morning occupancy of Day 1, it posted ~15.76% nationwide. Koimoi
Opening Day & Weekend Projections – Estimates suggested an opening day of around ₹18-20 crore. The Times of India+1 Actual reported figures are still varying; one source lists net collection at about ₹5.13 crore for Day 1, though these are early and incomplete. Sacnilk
Audience Feedback – Mixed but leaning positive. Many viewers call it a “perfect Diwali watch” and “crowd-pleaser”. The Times of India. However, some feel the screenplay falter,s and the film is “not a must-watch”. Hindustan Times
Franchise Brand & Timing Advantage – The Diwali release and the built-in franchise awareness from the Maddock universe give this film an advantage. The brand boost improves the chances of strong box‐office returns.
Final prediction
Thamma delivers more than many might expect from a franchise film, especially given the scale and the Diwali timing. It is worth watching if you enjoy supernatural stories, folklore-inspired thrillers, and a big-screen experience with some laughs and chills. On the flip side, if you prefer deeply emotional narratives or tightly wound thrillers, you may find it a bit uneven.
Rating: ~ 4 out of 5 (based on critical review consensus and early box office signals), Bollywood Hungama
Should you watch it?
