Thama (2025) A Bloody Love Story in Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe

 

The Indian film industry, known for its diverse genres and vibrant storytelling, witnessed a significant addition in 2025 with Thama, a film that expands Maddock Films’ acclaimed horror-comedy universe. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, Thama blends horror, comedy, and romance into a unique narrative described as a “bloody love story.” Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal, the film hit theaters during Diwali 2025, capitalizing on the festive season’s box-office potential. 

This article provides an in-depth exploration of Thama’s narrative, cast, production, cultural significance, critical reception, and its role in shaping Bollywood’s horror-comedy genre.

Plot and Narrative

Thama introduces a fresh narrative to Maddock’s horror-comedy universe, which includes hits like Stree (2018), Bhediya (2022), and Munjya (2024). Unlike its predecessors, Thama is the first film in the franchise to weave a supernatural love story into its horror-comedy framework. Set across two timelines—modern-day North India and the ancient Vijayanagara Empire—the film explores a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and supernatural vengeance.

Ayushmann Khurrana plays Alok, described as “humanity’s last hope,” a character rumored to be a vampire, a nod to a reference in Stree 2’s post-credits scene. Rashmika Mandanna portrays Taraka, the “first ray of light,” whose fierce persona contrasts with Alok’s calmer demeanor. The narrative centers on their tumultuous romance, set against a backdrop of blood-soaked horror and comedic interludes. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character, a “sarvashaktishaali” (all-powerful) villain, adds a layer of menace, while Paresh Rawal’s role provides comedic relief and emotional depth.

The story unfolds in a fictionalized North Indian city, with flashbacks to the Vijayanagara Empire, blending historical mysticism with contemporary chaos. The screenplay, penned by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara, balances intense horror sequences with heartfelt romance and sharp humor. The film’s tagline, “This universe needed a love story… unfortunately, it’s a bloody one,” encapsulates its genre-defying approach, promising a narrative that is both wilder and deadlier than previous Maddock films.

Cast and Performances

The ensemble cast of Thama is a major draw, combining versatile actors known for their ability to navigate complex genres:

• Ayushmann Khurrana (Alok): Khurrana, known for socially relevant films like Andhadhun (2018) and Bala (2019), steps into the horror-comedy genre for the first time. His portrayal of Alok is nuanced, blending vulnerability with supernatural strength. Critics have praised his ability to anchor the film’s emotional core while embracing its fantastical elements.

• Rashmika Mandanna (Taraka): Mandanna, a rising star in Bollywood after her success in South Indian cinema, delivers a fierce performance as Taraka. Her chemistry with Khurrana is a highlight, though some early reviews noted her role felt underwritten compared to her striking first-look poster.

• Nawazuddin Siddiqui: As the film’s formidable antagonist, Siddiqui brings intensity and unpredictability. His performance, while rooted in his signature style, has been critiqued by some as overly familiar, with X posts noting “wahi purana acting style” (the same old acting style).

• Paresh Rawal: A veteran of comedy and drama, Rawal’s role adds levity and heart, making him a standout in ensemble scenes.

Supporting actors, whose details remain undisclosed, contribute to the film’s rich tapestry, with cameos from Stree 2 characters hinted at in promotional material. The cast’s chemistry, described as “extraordinary” by X users, enhances the film’s appeal, particularly in comedic and romantic sequences.

Production and Direction

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, known for Munjya, Thama showcases his knack for blending horror with cultural specificity. The film’s production began in late 2024, with shooting in Mumbai and Delhi. The Delhi schedule, starting in early 2025, captured the city’s urban chaos, contrasting with the historical Vijayanagara sequences filmed on elaborate sets. The film’s budget, estimated at ₹100-120 crore, reflects its ambitious scale, with significant investments in visual effects (VFX) and production design.

Maddock Films, led by Dinesh Vijan, has built a reputation for crafting a cohesive horror-comedy universe. Thama builds on this legacy, incorporating references to Stree and Bhediya while introducing new supernatural elements like vampires. The film’s VFX, while visually stunning in parts, received mixed feedback, with some X users calling it “sasta” (cheap) in the teaser. However, the final product reportedly improved, with posts praising “stunning visuals” and a “high scale.”

The soundtrack, composed by an undisclosed artist, complements the film’s tone, with romantic ballads and eerie background scores. The dialogue, particularly lines penned by Niren Bhatt, is noted for being “memorable,” with a mix of witty one-liners and poignant exchanges.

Cultural and Thematic Significance

Thama taps into India’s rich mythological and cultural heritage, drawing parallels with the Vijayanagara Empire’s historical grandeur. The dual timelines allow the film to explore themes of eternal love, sacrifice, and the clash between good and evil. The vampire narrative, a rarity in Bollywood, introduces a Western supernatural archetype reimagined through an Indian lens, blending folklore with modern sensibilities.

The film’s horror-comedy-romance hybrid resonates with India’s youth, who seek “clutter-breaking theatrical experiences,” as Khurrana noted in a Variety interview. Its exploration of a “bloody love story” challenges conventional Bollywood romance tropes, offering a darker, more intense narrative. The inclusion of cultural and spiritual layers, as highlighted on X, adds depth, making Thama a commentary on love’s enduring power amidst chaos.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

Thama’s critical reception is mixed but largely positive. The film’s teaser, released on August 19, 2025, at 11:11 AM IST, generated significant buzz, with first-look posters of Khurrana and Mandanna fueling excitement. Critics praised the film’s ambitious genre blend and Khurrana’s performance, with Variety calling it “a significant addition to his diverse filmography.” However, some reviews, like an X post rating the teaser 2/5, criticized the VFX and Mandanna’s initial impact.

Audience reactions on X reflect polarized sentiment. Posts like @WhatTheFuss_ lauded the film’s scale and antagonist, while @Shreyanshakki found the teaser “bohot average” (very average). Positive feedback highlighted the “natural comedy,” “heartfelt romance,” and “extraordinary cast chemistry,” with @AnujRadia noting the film’s “gripping and refreshing” take on vampires. Conversely, skepticism about the horror-comedy universe’s longevity surfaced, with @PanIndiaReview calling Thama a “desperate attempt” to capitalize on Stree 2’s success.

Box-office projections suggest Thama opened strong during Diwali 2025, leveraging the festive season and Stree 2’s ₹800 crore legacy. While exact figures are unavailable, industry estimates predict a first-weekend collection of ₹50-70 crore, with potential to cross ₹200 crore if word-of-mouth sustains momentum. Comparisons to Stree 2 and Munjya have set high expectations, though some analysts caution that the crowded Diwali slate, including films like War 2, could impact its run.

Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe and Thama’s Role

Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe, launched with Stree, has redefined Bollywood’s genre landscape. Thama marks a bold evolution, introducing a romantic narrative while maintaining the franchise’s signature blend of scares and laughs. The film’s connection to Stree 2—through a vampire reference in its post-credits scene—creates a shared universe, with hints of crossovers in future installments like Stree 3 and Bhediya 2.

The universe’s expansion, announced at Thama’s launch, includes a 15-film slate, with titles like Shakti Shalini (2025) and Maha Munjya (2027). Thama’s success is pivotal, as it tests the audience’s appetite for new supernatural elements like vampires. Khurrana’s comments about the universe’s “grand ideas of expansion” reflect Maddock’s ambition to rival cinematic universes like the MCU, blending Indian folklore with global appeal.

Challenges and Controversies

Thama faced challenges during production, including delays due to Delhi’s winter shooting schedule and reported VFX issues. The teaser’s mixed reception sparked debates about the film’s quality, with some X users questioning its ability to match Stree 2’s impact. Additionally, the horror-comedy genre’s saturation has raised concerns, with posts suggesting the “end of the horror universe” may be near.

The film’s vampire narrative, while innovative, risks alienating audiences unfamiliar with the archetype in a Bollywood context. Balancing the expectations of Stree fans with Thama’s unique tone is another challenge, as is competing with Diwali releases like Housefull 5. Despite these hurdles, Maddock’s track record and the star power of Khurrana and Mandanna provide a strong foundation.

Future Prospects and Legacy

Thama’s release on Diwali 2025 positions it as a potential game changer for Bollywood’s horror-comedy genre. Its success could pave the way for more experimental narratives within Maddock’s universe, encouraging filmmakers to explore untapped supernatural themes. The film’s global appeal, particularly in markets with a taste for horror-romance hybrids, could boost India’s soft power in cinema.

For Ayushmann Khurrana, Thama is a career milestone, marking his entry into a blockbuster franchise. His collaboration with Maddock, following Bala, reinforces his reputation for “disruptive” cinema. Rashmika Mandanna’s Bollywood footprint grows with Thama, solidifying her crossover appeal. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal’s performances add gravitas, ensuring the film resonates across demographics.

Conclusion

Thama (2025) is a bold addition to Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe, blending romance, horror, and comedy into a “bloody love story.” With a stellar cast, ambitious dual timelines, and cultural depth, it pushes Bollywood’s genre boundaries. While facing challenges like mixed teaser reactions and a competitive Diwali slate, the film’s innovative narrative and star power position it for success. As Maddock’s universe expands, Thama stands as a testament to the power of creative storytelling, offering audiences a theatrical experience that is both thrilling and heartfelt. Whether it becomes a cultural touchstone like Stree or a bold experiment, Thama is poised to leave a lasting mark on Indian cinema.