There’s a lot riding on Thamma. It’s the latest addition to Maddock Films’ much-talked-about horror-comedy universe — the same one that gave us Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. Add to that the charm of Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, and you’d expect a riot of laughs, chills, and chemistry. Unfortunately, Thamma delivers more flash than fun.
The Story
Set in a small North Indian town dripping with folklore and mystery, Thamma follows a journalist (Ayushmann) investigating strange disappearances linked to an ancient local legend. Things get complicated when he meets a mysterious woman (Rashmika) who may or may not be connected to the supernatural events haunting the place.
The story begins with promise — blending humour, suspense, and myth — but quickly loses steam as the film struggles to find the right tone between horror, romance, and comedy.
Performances
Ayushmann Khurrana, as always, is a natural performer. He brings sincerity even when the writing doesn’t quite support him. Rashmika Mandanna looks radiant and does her best to add spark, but her character isn’t fleshed out enough to shine.
The supporting cast, including Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a brief but fun role, adds depth, but the film never fully uses their potential.
What Works
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The film’s visuals are striking — from the eerie nighttime shots to the detailed village sets.
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The music and background score are solid and help sustain the atmosphere when the narrative starts slipping.
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The chemistry between Ayushmann and Rashmika has moments that genuinely work, especially in the quieter, emotional scenes.
What Doesn’t
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The comedy — which should’ve been the heartbeat of a horror-comedy — feels flat. Many jokes fall short or feel recycled from older Maddock films.
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The second half drags, with the story losing focus and leaning too much on visual effects rather than sharp writing.
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Despite its potential, the folklore angle feels underdeveloped. There’s a big myth at play, but the film never digs deep enough to make it meaningful.
Direction & Tone
Director Amar Kaushik, who previously delivered Stree and Bala, knows how to mix satire and scares. But here, it feels like he’s working on autopilot — the pacing is uneven, the humour inconsistent, and the emotional beats don’t always connect.
The problem isn’t that Thamma is bad — it’s that it could’ve been much better. The film wants to be funny, romantic, spooky, and profound all at once… and ends up being a little bit of everything but not enough of any.
Verdict
Thamma is a well-shot, occasionally engaging film that just doesn’t rise to the legacy of its predecessors. Ayushmann and Rashmika try their best, but the writing simply doesn’t give them enough room to soar.
If you’re a fan of the Maddock horror-comedy universe, it’s worth one watch — just don’t go in expecting Stree-level laughs or Bhediya-style energy.
