MUMBAI: What happens when a horror film dares to be more than just scary? Thamma is that rare genre-bender that blends ancient folklore with emotional depth, outrageous humour, and a touch of madness. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, it doesn’t merely extend the horror-verse — it elevates it. With mythology, wit, and heart all colliding, this one’s a total crowd-pleaser.
The story opens deep in mythical forests where ancient protectors lie dormant and forbidden secrets start to stir again. Thamma doesn’t spoon-feed its lore — it lets you feel it. The world-building is rich and evocative, filled with curses, oaths, and destiny, yet grounded in emotion. At its core, the film explores boundaries: between good and evil, human and non-human, reason and instinct.
At the heart of this chaos is Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok, a small-town journalist whose ordinary life spirals into the bizarre after a strange encounter in the woods. What begins as light comedy soon transforms into something intensely personal. Khurrana shines as the everyman caught in extraordinary circumstances, switching seamlessly between humour and heartbreak. Rashmika Mandanna, avoiding horror-comedy stereotypes, brings quiet strength and sincerity — fierce, grounded, and wonderfully restrained.
Then comes the explosive second half — both literally and emotionally. The Alok vs. Bhediya face-off is pure cinematic adrenaline: a high-octane sequence powered by exemplary VFX and a thunderous sound design. Yet beneath the spectacle lies something deeper — a mythological connection that poses the question: what really ties these two beings together? Fans of the Maddock horror-verse will recognize the significance and start theorizing right away.
The battle between Bhediya and Thamma is electric — fierce, fast, and full of hidden meaning. It’s more than a fight; it’s a moment of revelation. Bhediya’s rage meets Thamma’s deep-rooted fury head-on. Every blow feels earned. It leaves you rattled, and wanting more.
Sathyaraj’s return as Elvis, the eccentric paranormal expert known as The Hand of God, is a genuine treat. This time, his role goes beyond comic relief. In a pivotal scene, he subtly hints at a mysterious link between Alok’s newfound Betaal and Bhediya — last seen clashing with Sar Kata in Stree 2. It’s a clever, understated connection that strengthens the shared universe without overshadowing Thamma’s standalone story.
Universe-building here is handled with genuine care. The reappearance of Sar Kata stands out as one of the film’s most chilling moments, signalling a darker turn for what lies ahead. The connection to Stree 2 is woven in smartly — not as a forced setup for sequels but as an organic continuation that makes the entire franchise feel alive with possibility.
The ensemble cast around them sparks with energy. Paresh Rawal is hilarious as Alok’s tradition-bound father, lacing the laughs with surprising tenderness. Nawazuddin Siddiqui captivates as the film’s quiet menace — his arc evolving from shadowy mystery to a powerful reflection of temptation and legacy. His slow-burn performance becomes one of Thamma’s defining strengths.
And yes, the much-hyped Nora Fatehi cameo doesn’t disappoint. More than just a stylish guest appearance, it acts as an emotional bridge back to Stree, connecting the dots of the horror-verse in a way that’s clever and satisfying. Fans will cheer — not just because it’s cool, but because it matters.
Though the promotions emphasized spectacle and music, Thamma’s songs serve a deeper purpose. True to Maddock’s tradition, each number advances the narrative, shaping mood and character rather than pausing the story. The soundtrack doesn’t decorate the film; it enriches it.
In the end, Thamma isn’t just a horror-comedy; it’s a folk-fantasy celebration that marries fear and feeling with finesse. Aditya Sarpotdar crafts a visually mesmerising experience that honours India’s mythological heritage while expanding a cinematic universe like no one else. Watch it for the laughs, stay for the lore, and leave with the thrilling sense that the Maddock Horror-Verse has only just begun to bare its fangs.
4/5 stars
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