Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 20: After a two-year hiatus, Bollywood’s versatile actor Ayushmann Khurrana is set to make a grand return this Diwali with Thamma, the latest installment in Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe. Paired for the first time with Rashmika Mandanna, the film promises a mix of folklore, romance, and comic thrills that has already created a buzz among fans.
Ayushmann’s journey in cinema has been marked by a unique blend of socially relevant storytelling and mainstream entertainment. From his daring debut in Vicky Donor (2012), where he played a sperm donor and co-wrote the hit song Pani Da, to films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), Andhadhun (2018), Badhaai Ho (2018), Article 15 (2019), Dream Girl (2019), and Bala (2019), the actor has continuously pushed boundaries in content and performance.
However, recent years saw a lull, with films like Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, Anek, and An Action Hero receiving mixed reactions at the box office. Fans and critics questioned if Ayushmann needed a reinvention after his earlier streak of hits.
Thamma marks a return to the Maddock horror-comedy universe, which began with the 2018 hit Stree, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. This universe is known for blending Indian folklore with comedy and supernatural elements. While earlier films explored legends from Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Arunachal Pradesh, Thamma introduces a “bloody love story” where Ayushmann plays Alok, a historian turned vampire, who falls in love with the enigmatic Tadaka, played by Rashmika.
The film also features Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Malaika Arora is expected to add star power to a high-energy musical number. Thamma weaves together myth, horror, romance, and humour, aiming to offer audiences an engaging cinematic experience this festive season.
Industry insiders say Thamma could potentially revive Ayushmann Khurrana’s blockbuster streak, blending his comic timing with new dramatic shades as he navigates a world of vampires, cosmic forces, and forbidden love.
Fans are already excited, making the film one of the most anticipated releases this Diwali, as Ayushmann steps back into the spotlight with a story that promises to be bloodier, thrilling, and entertaining than ever.