Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s latest release Thamma has started its box office journey on a high note. Released on Diwali Tuesday, the horror comedy directed by Aditya Sarpotdar witnessed a strong turnout across theatres nationwide.
Thamma Earns ₹24 Crore On Day 1
According to a report by Sacnilk, Thamma collected an impressive ₹24 crore on its opening day in the domestic market. The film recorded an overall 34.50% Hindi occupancy on Tuesday, indicating a solid response from audiences.
With these figures, Thamma ranks as one of the top-performing Bollywood films of 2025, only behind Chhaava (₹31 crore), War 2 (₹29 crore), and Sikandar (₹26 crore) in first-day net collections.
A Stellar Cast With First-Time Pairing
Thamma marks the first-ever on-screen collaboration between Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, a pairing that has generated huge curiosity among fans.
The film stars Ayushmann as Alok Goyal, Rashmika as Tadaka, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan, and Paresh Rawal as Ram Bajaj Goyal.
It also features Geeta Agarwal Sharma, Faisal Malik, Rachit Singh, Alexx O’Nell, and Ankit Mohan in supporting roles. The film’s star appeal is further enhanced by cameos from Nora Fatehi, Malaika Arora, Amar Kaushik, Sathyaraj, Abhishek Banerjee, and Varun Dhawan.
Plot: A Vampiric Twist In Indian Folklore
Thamma follows the intriguing journey of a journalist who, after encountering a mysterious woman, transforms into a vampiric creature known as Betal. What follows is a thrilling battle to protect humanity from the bloodlust of an ancient evil.
This blend of folklore, fantasy, and horror brings a refreshing twist to the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe, offering both scares and laughter in equal measure.
Critical Reception: A Fun Yet Flawed Diwali Treat
In his review for NDTV, critic Saibal Chatterjee gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as a “fun Diwali watch rooted in folklore and fantasy.”
He wrote, “Does Thamma have enough crackle to be a fitting Diwali release? For the most part, yes. Rooted in all-encompassing folklore, it mashes up fantasy conventions and tests the boundaries of credulity—but in a fun sort of way.”
He further noted that the film, scripted by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara, balances “a solemn streak with playful energy,” maintaining a tone that merges horror with humor seamlessly.
Part Of Maddock Films’ Expanding Horror-Comedy Universe
Thamma serves as the fifth installment in Maddock Films’ popular Horror-Comedy Universe, following Stree, Stree 2, Munjya, and Bhediya. The production house continues to build this genre-driven franchise, blending supernatural themes with relatable Indian storytelling.
Conclusion: A Promising Start For Ayushmann’s Horror Streak
With a ₹24 crore opening and positive initial audience reactions, Thamma has laid a strong foundation for the days ahead. The Diwali holiday advantage, coupled with strong word-of-mouth, could push the film toward a blockbuster run.
As Ayushmann Khurrana’s first full-fledged horror outing, Thamma adds another exciting chapter to Maddock’s ever-expanding horror-comedy universe.
