Thamma Review: Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana Deliver a Compact, Impactful Fantasy Romance

Rating: ⭐ 2.5/5
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal
Director: Aditya Sarpotdar

Aditya Sarpotdar’s Thamma blends supernatural folklore, dark humor, and unconventional romance into an offbeat Diwali release. Anchored by Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, the film revisits the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (Stree, Bhediya, Munjya) while expanding its supernatural mythology.

Plot and Setting

The film opens with an intriguing prologue — Alexander’s encounter with bloodthirsty vampires in 323 BC. Cut to the present day, where Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), a clumsy TV journalist, finds himself attacked by a bear during a jungle trek. His savior? Taraka (Rashmika Mandanna), a vampire who falls in love at first sniff.

The story unfolds in a hidden vampire commune where humans are forbidden, and Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an imprisoned vampire lord, awaits freedom — and blood. When Alok is captured and presented before Yakshasan, Taraka risks everything to save him, sparking a chaotic romance between life and death.

A Cross-Genre Ride

Thamma successfully mixes fantasy, folklore, and situational comedy. Niren Bhatt’s screenplay, co-written with Suresh Mathew and Arun Fulara, moves briskly between horror and humor without overstaying its welcome.

The film connects threads from Stree and Bhediya, teasing future crossovers in the MHCU. Cameos from Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Banerjee add fan-service appeal.

Performances

Rashmika Mandanna is magnetic as Taraka — her expressive eyes and restrained vulnerability breathe life into the character. Ayushmann Khurrana brings his signature awkward charm to Alok, balancing comedy with emotion.

However, it’s Nawazuddin Siddiqui who dominates the screen. His portrayal of Yakshasan blends menace with mischief — a reminder of his unmatched versatility.

Highlights and Music

The film doesn’t shy away from glamour either. Nora Fatehi and Malaika Arora add sparkle through stylish dance numbers that enhance, not distract from, the narrative.

Despite its playful tone, Thamma touches upon deeper themes — coexistence, love across worlds, and identity.

Final Verdict

Compact and entertaining, Thamma might not redefine horror-comedy, but it keeps you hooked with clever writing, engaging performances, and a crisp finale. For a Diwali watch, it’s an enjoyable, if uneven, ride through fantasy and folklore.

Verdict: Fun, fresh, and fleetingly emotional — Thamma entertains more than it scares.