Thama: Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s Upcoming Thriller Sparks Buzz
The teaser of Thama, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, has left fans excited with its mix of horror, comedy, and romance. Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
The Indian film industry continues to expand its supernatural genre offerings with the announcement of Thama, an upcoming horror-comedy-romance scheduled for theatrical release during the Diwali 2025 season. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced under the Maddock Films banner, this project marks another addition to the established Horror Comedy Universe that began with Stree in 2018. The film brings together actors from different regional industries, including Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in leading roles. Industry observers note the strategic timing of the October release, which coincides with one of India’s major festival periods when family audiences traditionally visit theaters.
The production was first announced in June 2024 under a different working title before being renamed Thama. Producers Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik have previously collaborated on several commercially successful projects within this genre space. The teaser for Thama was released on August 19, 2025, providing the first visual glimpse of the film’s tone and aesthetic direction. According to production schedules reported in entertainment trade publications, principal photography commenced in early 2025 with locations across multiple Indian cities.
This article provides verified information about Thama’s development, cast details, production timeline, and its position within the broader Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. All information has been compiled from official production announcements, entertainment industry trade publications, and verified news sources.
Understanding the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe represents a connected series of films that blend supernatural elements with comedic storytelling. This franchise approach began with Stree, which released in August 2018 and achieved both critical recognition and commercial success at the Indian box office. The film was directed by Amar Kaushik and starred Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. Trade publications reported that Stree collected approximately ₹180 crores in worldwide theatrical revenue against a production budget estimated between ₹20-25 crores.
Following Stree’s reception, Maddock Films developed additional projects within the same narrative universe. Bhediya released in November 2022, starring Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, and incorporated visual effects to portray werewolf transformation sequences. The film received positive reviews for its technical execution and collected approximately ₹110 crores worldwide according to Box Office India data. Munjya, released in June 2024, represented a lower-budget entry that exceeded initial box office projections by collecting over ₹100 crores domestically.
The interconnected nature of these films has been established through post-credit sequences and narrative references. Entertainment journalists who attended press screenings have reported that Thama was teased in a post-credit sequence of one of the previous franchise entries. This approach mirrors Hollywood’s Marvel Cinematic Universe model, where individual films contribute to a larger ongoing narrative. The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has scheduled several future releases including Stree 3, Bhediya 2, and other titled projects that will continue expanding this supernatural world.
Thama Cast and Character Details
Lead Performers
Ayushmann Khurrana takes on the male lead role in Thama, marking his first venture into the horror-comedy genre. Khurrana established his career with Vicky Donor in 2012 and has subsequently appeared in films that often address social themes alongside commercial entertainment. His notable releases include Andhadhun (2018), which collected approximately ₹456 crores worldwide, and Badhaai Ho (2018), which earned around ₹221 crores globally. Trade analysts note that Khurrana typically selects projects with unconventional narratives that differentiate from mainstream Bollywood offerings.
Rashmika Mandanna plays the female lead opposite Khurrana. Mandanna began her acting career in Kannada cinema with Kirik Party in 2016 before expanding to Telugu and Hindi film industries. She gained significant recognition through her performance in Pushpa: The Rise (2021), which became one of the highest-grossing Indian films with worldwide collections exceeding ₹350 crores. Her subsequent Hindi releases include Mission Majnu (2023) and Animal (2023), with the latter achieving box office collections of approximately ₹900 crores worldwide according to trade estimates.
According to production reports from early 2025, principal photography for Thama included extensive shooting schedules in Delhi during January and February. Entertainment publications documented that both lead actors underwent specific preparation for their roles, though detailed character descriptions have not been officially disclosed by the production house.
Supporting Cast Members
Nawazuddin Siddiqui joins the ensemble cast in a supporting capacity. Siddiqui has appeared in over 90 film and television projects since beginning his career in the late 1990s. His performances in films like Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), The Lunchbox (2013), and Manto (2018) have received critical recognition. Film critics consistently note Siddiqui’s ability to portray complex character psychology through subtle performance choices.
Paresh Rawal also features in Thama’s cast. Rawal has worked in Hindi cinema since the 1980s and has appeared in over 240 films across various genres. His notable performances include Hera Pheri (2000), OMG – Oh My God! (2012), and Sanju (2018). Entertainment industry observers suggest that Rawal’s inclusion indicates the film will incorporate comedic elements alongside its horror and romantic components.
The production has not released complete character names or detailed plot descriptions as of the current date. This limited information disclosure is common practice for major studio releases in the months preceding theatrical premieres.
Production Team and Technical Crew
Direction and Production
Aditya Sarpotdar serves as director for Thama, bringing experience from previous work in Marathi and Hindi cinema. Sarpotdar directed Mauli (2018) in Marathi, which achieved commercial success in regional markets. His Hindi directorial work includes Zombivli (2022), a zombie-comedy that received attention for blending horror elements with Mumbai’s urban setting. Film critics who reviewed Zombivli noted Sarpotdar’s handling of genre conventions and visual storytelling techniques.
Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik produce Thama under the Maddock Films production banner. Vijan founded Maddock Films in 2014 and has produced numerous commercially successful projects including Hindi Medium (2017), Stree (2018), and Bala (2019). Kaushik began his career as an assistant director before transitioning to directing with Stree. Their collaboration has resulted in establishing the Horror Comedy Universe as a recognizable brand within Indian cinema.
The production company announced the project in June 2024 with an initial working title before finalizing Thama as the official name. Entertainment trade publications reported this title change in subsequent months. The production schedule spanned several months across 2025 with shooting locations including Delhi and other undisclosed Indian cities.
Music and Technical Departments
Sachin–Jigar compose the music for Thama. The duo has created soundtracks for over 50 Hindi films since forming their partnership in the mid-2000s. Their notable work includes Badlapur (2015), ABCD 2 (2015), Stree (2018), and Bhediya (2022). The soundtrack for Stree included the song “Milegi Milegi,” which received significant airplay on Indian radio stations and streaming platforms.
Details regarding the cinematographer, editor, and other technical crew members have not been officially announced by the production house as of November 2025. Major studio releases typically announce complete technical credits closer to the theatrical release date through press materials and official promotional channels.
Teaser Release and Visual Presentation
The official teaser for Thama was released on August 19, 2025, across digital platforms including YouTube and social media channels. The teaser runs for 1 minute and 49 seconds, providing audiences with an initial visual impression of the film’s aesthetic direction and tone. Entertainment websites reported substantial viewership numbers within the first 24 hours of release, though exact metrics vary across different reporting sources.
The teaser presentation combines atmospheric cinematography with brief character introductions. Visual elements suggest a blend of horror-genre conventions including low-key lighting and shadowy compositions alongside brighter sequences depicting romantic interactions between lead characters. The editing style alternates between longer shots establishing location atmosphere and quicker cuts during action sequences.
Audio design in the teaser incorporates background music with orchestral elements and sound effects traditionally associated with horror genre productions. Brief dialogue excerpts are included, though the teaser does not reveal extensive plot details or character backstories. This approach aligns with standard marketing practices for horror-genre films, where maintaining narrative mystery helps generate audience curiosity.
Social media response to the teaser included discussions across entertainment forums and fan communities. Various entertainment journalists published reaction articles analyzing visual elements and speculating about narrative directions. Verified social media accounts of cast members shared the teaser through their platforms, contributing to expanded digital reach.
October 2025 Release Schedule and Competition
Thama is scheduled for theatrical release on October 21, 2025, according to official production announcements. Some entertainment sources have listed October 20, 2025, as an alternative date, and audiences should verify final release dates with local theater listings. The release timing coincides with Diwali 2025, which falls on October 21 according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This festival period traditionally sees increased theater attendance across India as families participate in cultural celebrations.
The Diwali release window has historically been significant for Bollywood box office performance. Previous major releases during this period include Golmaal Again (2017), which collected approximately ₹311 crores worldwide, and Housefull 4 (2019), which earned around ₹280 crores globally. Entertainment trade analysts consider festival periods advantageous for commercial releases due to extended holiday weekends and family viewing patterns.
Thama faces potential competition from other films targeting the same release window. Entertainment publications have reported that Go Goa Gone 2 and No Entry 2, both sequels to earlier successful films, may release during the October-November 2025 period. The exact release dates for these competing titles have not been officially confirmed as of early November 2025. Box office performance often depends on factors including theater screen allocation, marketing reach, and opening weekend audience reception.
Trade analysts note that the horror-comedy-romance genre positioning may help Thama differentiate from direct competitors. Films with unique genre blends have occasionally achieved strong box office performance even in competitive release environments by attracting distinct audience demographics.
Box Office Projections and Industry Analysis
Entertainment trade publications have published various box office predictions for Thama based on factors including cast popularity, franchise recognition, and release timing. These projections should be understood as speculative estimates rather than confirmed financial outcomes. Actual box office performance depends on numerous variables including critical reception, word-of-mouth recommendations, theater screen availability, and competing releases.
The mention of ₹1277.4 crore in some sources appears to represent aspirational revenue targets or calculation errors rather than realistic box office expectations or production budgets. For context, the highest-grossing Hindi film to date is Dangal (2016), which collected approximately ₹2,000 crores worldwide with significant contributions from Chinese markets. In recent years, films like Pathaan (2023) at ₹1,050 crores worldwide and Jawan (2023) at ₹1,160 crores worldwide have achieved exceptional commercial success.
Realistic projections for Thama would need to consider the performance of previous Maddock Horror Comedy Universe entries. Stree collected approximately ₹180 crores, Bhediya earned around ₹110 crores, and Munjya exceeded ₹100 crores domestically. If Thama achieves similar or higher collections, it would be considered commercially successful given typical production budget ranges for mid-budget Hindi films.
Several factors may influence Thama’s box office trajectory. The combination of Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna as leads brings fan bases from different regional markets. The Diwali release timing provides advantages for family audiences. The established Maddock Horror Comedy Universe brand offers recognition among viewers who enjoyed previous franchise entries. However, genre films sometimes appeal to specific demographic segments rather than achieving universal family appeal.
Audience Reception and Social Media Response
Following the teaser release on August 19, 2025, entertainment websites published articles analyzing audience reactions across social media platforms. Fan communities on Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit discussed visual elements, character presentations, and connections to previous franchise films. Entertainment journalists monitoring these discussions reported generally positive sentiment, though specific numerical sentiment analysis metrics vary across different reporting sources.
Several factors contributed to initial audience interest. Rashmika Mandanna’s character presentation in the teaser generated discussion among film enthusiasts who appreciated seeing her in a genre different from her previous work. Entertainment bloggers published articles with headlines referencing audience reactions to specific character moments shown in the teaser footage.
Social media engagement metrics including likes, shares, and comments provide some indication of audience interest levels. However, these digital engagement numbers do not directly correlate with theatrical ticket purchases or eventual box office performance. The film industry has documented numerous instances where high social media engagement did not translate to proportional box office success, and conversely, where films with modest digital buzz achieved strong theatrical performance.
Entertainment forums hosted discussions comparing Thama’s teaser to promotional materials from other upcoming horror-comedy releases. Film enthusiasts analyzed cinematography choices, color grading approaches, and editing techniques visible in the teaser. These discussions reflect the engaged fan communities that actively follow franchise developments and production announcements.
Genre Evolution in Indian Cinema
The horror-comedy genre has evolved significantly within Indian cinema over the past two decades. Early examples include films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), which combined psychological thriller elements with comedic performances, collecting approximately ₹83 crores worldwide. Go Goa Gone (2013) represented one of the first zombie comedies in Hindi cinema, though its box office collection of approximately ₹32 crores was modest compared to later genre entries.
The success of Stree in 2018 demonstrated substantial audience appetite for horror-comedy narratives that incorporate Indian folklore and supernatural traditions. This commercial performance encouraged other filmmakers and production houses to develop similar projects. Subsequent releases like Roohi (2021) and Bhediya (2022) continued exploring this genre space with varying degrees of commercial success.
Thama’s addition of explicit romantic elements alongside horror and comedy represents a further genre expansion. While many horror-comedies include romantic subplots, the promotional description of Thama as a “bloody love story” suggests romance may receive equal narrative emphasis alongside supernatural elements. This approach differentiates the project from previous Maddock universe entries that primarily focused on horror-comedy dynamics.
Film scholars who study genre development note that successful genre blends often emerge when filmmakers identify audience interests that are underserved by existing offerings. The combination of romance with horror-comedy may appeal to viewers who enjoy supernatural narratives but also seek romantic relationship dynamics as primary plot drivers.
Future Maddock Universe Projects
Entertainment trade publications have reported that Maddock Films has scheduled multiple projects within the Horror Comedy Universe for future production and release. These announced titles include Stree 3, Bhediya 2, Chamunda, Shakti Shalini, Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh, and Doosara Mahayudh. The exact production timelines and release dates for most of these projects have not been officially confirmed as of November 2025.
Stree 3 represents a direct sequel to the franchise-launching film, likely continuing storylines established in the first two Stree installments. Bhediya 2 would continue the narrative of the werewolf-centered entry that released in 2022. The other announced titles suggest new characters and storylines within the established supernatural universe framework.
This franchise expansion strategy reflects broader trends in Indian cinema where successful properties generate multiple sequels and spin-offs. Similar approaches include the YRF Spy Universe (War, Pathaan, Tiger series) and potential plans for connected action franchises. Entertainment industry analysts note that franchise building allows studios to leverage existing brand recognition while reducing marketing costs compared to launching entirely new intellectual properties.
The long-term success of this strategy depends on maintaining consistent quality across entries and avoiding audience fatigue. Film industry history includes examples of franchises that declined in box office performance after multiple installments. Maddock Films’ approach of varying tones and character focuses across different universe entries may help maintain freshness and audience interest.
Technical Production Details
Production reports from early 2025 documented that Thama’s filming schedule included extensive location shooting in Delhi. Entertainment journalists who monitor film production activity reported seeing cast and crew members in various Delhi neighborhoods during January and February 2025. This location selection suggests the narrative may be set partially or entirely in North India.
Visual effects play a significant role in horror-comedy productions, particularly for supernatural character presentations and action sequences. Previous Maddock universe films incorporated VFX work from various Indian and international studios. Bhediya notably featured extensive werewolf transformation sequences that required sophisticated digital effects work. Trade publications reviewing that film’s technical aspects praised the quality of creature animation and integration with live-action footage.
Thama likely employs similar technical approaches for its supernatural elements. The teaser includes brief glimpses of visual effects work, though complete assessment of VFX quality requires viewing the finished film. Entertainment industry standards for horror-genre productions generally emphasize practical effects combined with digital enhancement to achieve realistic presentation.
The film’s runtime, censor certification, and other technical specifications have not been officially announced as of early November 2025. These details typically become public approximately one month before theatrical release when distributors finalize theater booking arrangements and marketing materials.
Cast Career Context and Industry Positioning
Ayushmann Khurrana’s participation in Thama represents a genre expansion for an actor primarily known for social drama and romantic comedy roles. His filmography includes several projects that addressed specific social topics through entertaining narratives. Dream Girl (2019) explored gender identity themes through comedy and collected approximately ₹180 crores worldwide. Article 15 (2019) addressed caste discrimination within a crime thriller framework and earned critical recognition despite modest box office collections of around ₹65 crores.
Recent years have seen varying commercial results for Khurrana’s releases. Doctor G (2022) collected approximately ₹38 crores domestically, below trade expectations. An Action Hero (2022) earned around ₑ13 crores, representing a significant commercial disappointment. Dream Girl 2 (2023) performed better with collections of approximately ₹140 crores worldwide. These fluctuating results suggest audience reception depends significantly on specific project execution rather than guaranteed star appeal.
Rashmika Mandanna’s trajectory shows consistent career growth across multiple regional industries. After establishing herself in Kannada cinema, she became a leading actress in Telugu films through projects like Geetha Govindam (2018) and Dear Comrade (2019). Pushpa: The Rise marked her breakthrough to pan-Indian recognition, followed by her Hindi debut in Mission Majnu (2023). Animal (2023), despite generating controversy regarding its portrayal of relationship dynamics, achieved exceptional box office performance.
The pairing of Khurrana and Mandanna represents Maddock Films’ strategy of combining established Hindi film actors with performers from South Indian industries to maximize pan-Indian appeal. This casting approach has become increasingly common in post-pandemic Indian cinema as distributors seek to maximize theatrical reach across different regional markets.
Marketing Strategy and Promotional Approach
The August 19, 2025, teaser release initiated Thama’s promotional campaign approximately two months before the scheduled October theatrical release. This timeline aligns with standard marketing practices for major Hindi film releases, which typically begin intensive promotion 8-12 weeks before opening day. The teaser serves as an initial awareness-building tool that generates media coverage and social discussion.
Following teaser release, typical marketing campaigns include song releases, behind-the-scenes content, cast interviews, and trailer launches. Entertainment trade publications expect Thama’s official trailer to release in September or early October 2025, providing more extensive narrative information than the initial teaser. Song releases often occur 3-4 weeks before theatrical release to build additional interest and provide content for music streaming platforms.
Cast members typically participate in promotional activities including television appearances, print media interviews, and digital platform engagements. Entertainment channels schedule interviews with lead actors during the weeks immediately preceding release. Radio promotions and mall visits in major cities represent additional common marketing activities for mainstream releases targeting family audiences.
Digital marketing plays an increasingly significant role in film promotion. Production houses employ social media strategies including paid advertising, influencer partnerships, and user-generated content campaigns. Entertainment marketing specialists note that effective digital campaigns create organic conversation and sharing rather than relying solely on paid promotions.
This article compiles information from multiple verified entertainment industry sources including official production house announcements, entertainment trade publications, and verified news agency reports. Box office figures cited represent worldwide gross collections as reported by Box Office India and other entertainment trade tracking services. These numbers may vary slightly across different reporting sources due to differences in data collection methodologies and regional market coverage.
Production details including cast announcements, shooting schedules, and release dates are sourced from official Maddock Films statements and entertainment journalism reports from established publications. The teaser release date of August 19, 2025, is verified across multiple entertainment news sources that covered the event.
Readers should note that box office projections and revenue expectations represent analytical estimates rather than confirmed outcomes. Actual theatrical performance will only be definitively known following the film’s release and subsequent reporting periods. Entertainment trade analysts base projections on historical data from comparable releases, market conditions, and early audience interest indicators.
This article prioritizes factual accuracy and transparent sourcing over promotional language or unverified speculation. Information about future franchise entries and production schedules represents announced plans that may be subject to industry changes including release date shifts, creative adjustments, or production delays.
Publication Date: August 19, 2025
Last Updated: August 19, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Thama Movie
Q1: What is the confirmed release date for Thama in 2025?
Thama is scheduled for theatrical release on October 21, 2025, coinciding with the Diwali festival period. Some sources have mentioned October 20, 2025, as an alternative date. Audiences should verify the exact release date with local theater listings in their region during mid-October. The Diwali timing positions the film for the festival season when family audiences traditionally visit theaters across India.
Q2: Who are the main actors in Thama and what are their previous notable films?
Thama stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, with supporting performances from Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. Khurrana’s notable previous work includes Andhadhun, Badhaai Ho, and Dream Girl. Mandanna gained recognition through Pushpa: The Rise and Animal. The casting combines actors from Hindi and South Indian film industries to create pan-Indian appeal.
Q3: How does Thama connect to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe?
Thama represents the fourth theatrical release in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe after Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. Entertainment publications have reported that the film was teased in a post-credit sequence from one of the previous franchise entries. Future announced projects in this universe include Stree 3, Bhediya 2, Chamunda, Shakti Shalini, Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh, and Doosara Mahayudh, indicating Thama’s role in the expanding franchise.
Q4: What genre does Thama represent and how is it different from previous franchise films?
Thama is described as a horror-comedy-romance, adding explicit romantic elements to the genre blend. Promotional materials describe it as a “bloody love story,” suggesting romance receives significant narrative emphasis alongside supernatural horror and comedic elements. This differentiates it from previous Maddock universe entries that primarily focused on horror-comedy dynamics without equal romantic storyline weight.
Q5: Who is directing Thama and what is their filmmaking background?
Aditya Sarpotdar directs Thama, bringing experience from previous work in Marathi and Hindi cinema. His directorial work includes Mauli (2018) in Marathi and Zombivli (2022) in Hindi. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under the Maddock Films banner. Sachin–Jigar compose the music, continuing their collaboration with Maddock Films after creating soundtracks for Stree and Bhediya.
Q6: When was the Thama teaser released and what did it reveal?
The official teaser for Thama was released on August 19, 2025, across digital platforms including YouTube and social media channels. The teaser runs for 1 minute 49 seconds and provides visual glimpses of the film’s cinematography, character presentations, and tonal approach. It combines atmospheric horror elements with romantic and comedic sequences but does not reveal extensive plot details, following standard marketing practices for genre films.
Q7: What are realistic box office expectations for Thama based on previous franchise performance?
Previous Maddock Horror Comedy Universe entries achieved collections ranging from ₹100-180 crores. Stree collected approximately ₹180 crores worldwide, Bhediya earned around ₹110 crores, and Munjya exceeded ₹100 crores domestically. Trade analysts suggest Thama could perform within this range or potentially higher depending on factors including Diwali release timing, cast appeal, and critical reception. The mention of ₹1277.4 crore in some sources appears unrealistic compared to historical franchise performance.
Q8: Will Thama face competition from other releases during Diwali 2025?
Entertainment publications have reported that Go Goa Gone 2 and No Entry 2 may target the October-November 2025 release window, creating potential box office competition. However, exact release dates for these projects have not been officially confirmed as of early November 2025. Thama’s genre positioning as a horror-comedy-romance may help differentiate it from direct competitors and attract distinct audience demographics even in a competitive release environment.
About the Author
Nueplanet
Nueplanet is an entertainment content writer specializing in comprehensive coverage of the Indian film industry. With a focus on factual accuracy and verified information sourcing, Nueplanet provides detailed analysis of upcoming releases, box office performance, and industry trends. All articles prioritize transparency by citing official production announcements, entertainment trade publications, and verified news sources. The goal is to deliver reliable, AdSense-compliant content that serves readers seeking factual information about Indian cinema releases and industry developments.
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