Thamma (2025) Review!!

Synopsis – Two destined lovers battle supernatural forces, family ties, and nature itself to defend their forbidden romance in a mystical world where ancient powers and prophecies threaten to keep them apart.

My Take – Despite seeing many stumbles, the universe building craze continues on in world cinema, and while Indian cinema is arguably still finding its feet, the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has (so far) done a pretty good job. Mainly as the MHCU, rooted in all-encompassing folklore and mashed up with a medley of fantasy tales in which the boundaries of naivety are constantly tested but in a very fun sort of way, keeps pulling off the most unexpected ideas.

Their connections aren’t stitched together for show, nor do certain sequences bail it out for convenience. Every link is earned, every crossover organic, and of course, being all wrapped in a grand, humorous emotionally charged tale, each installment has been perfectly designed for big-screen viewing.

Thankfully, this fifth installment continues that winning streak in the form of a refreshing, imaginative, and delightfully entertaining experience. With director Aditya Sarpotdar back at the helm, after scoring a surprise hit with last year’s Munjya, the film works as yet another winning blend of humor, horror, and heart. One that keeps you hooked with its messy, mad, and oddly moving cinematic energy.

Sure, the scares are almost non-existent, and the humor does not always land, yet, there is an originality in how it resists the urge to be formulaic.

In spirit, this is a film that knows its universe, plays within its rules, yet experiments with rhythm and tone. It begins with intrigue, dips into uneven waters for a while, and ends on a surprisingly emotional crescendo. But most importantly, it cleverly sets up the next chapters, ensuring viewers leave the theater eager for more.

Opening with a prologue in 323 BC that introduces the bloodthirsty mythical being known as Betals/vampires and their maniacal leader, Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), the story then jumps to present-day Delhi and follows Alok (Ayushmann Khurrana), a meek reporter who has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Seeking escape and redemption, he ventures into the forest along with his friends to film an adventure vlog, only to find himself mercilessly chased and attacked by a brown bear.

But when he wakes up Alok find himself in the care of Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a betal, who nurses him back to the health, and takes him back to the city, despite opposition from certain members of the sect. Members who instead want to serve Alok to Yakshasan, their former head, who has been chained in a cursed cave for the past 75 years for his desire to feed on humans and assert his dominance on the world.

However, Tadaka finds herself drawn to Alok’s human vulnerability, while Alok finds himself both infatuated and terrified by her existence. What unfolds next sets a stage for a collision between chaos, romance, and revelation.

As viewers we all are purvey to countless vampire tales like Dracula, Nosferatu & the Twilight series, but writers Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew and Arun Falara manages to make the genre taste fresh by adding a mythical Indian twist and an emotional angle rooted in love and morality. Yes, the film takes its time with the setup.

But within this space, you find frequent bursts of humor and some genuinely engaging character moments. These little sparks remind you of what the MHCU does best, take an absurd situation and make it human. Even when the pace might seem to drags, the clever writing and the performers’ sincerity prevent the story from sinking. However, it’sa the second half where the film truly the shines.

Yet, despite all world-building, mythological layering and supernatural distractions, the film is ultimately a full-fledged love story. A bloody, eccentric, and surprisingly emotional one. It is strikingly compact and impactful. The music here is fine, but the film impresses on the technical front. The action blocks are slickly choreographed, and the visual effects are impressive — especially during the major fight sequences.

Performance wise, Ayushmann Khurrana brings his usual sincerity and leads the film with conviction. His character’s transformation from a naive lover to a fierce vampire-warrior is handled beautifully, particularly in the second half and climax. Rashmika Mandanna elevates every scene she’s in. She plays Tadaka with conviction, alternating between menace and tenderness, and makes the supernatural feel strangely relatable. She looks spectacular but also acts with restraint, never letting beauty overpower the performance.

Paresh Rawal brings his usual impeccable comic timing, making even the simplest lines land perfectly. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is clearly having fun. His entry in the final act injects chaos and wit, though his tendency to overplay at times slips through.

In special appearances, Sathyaraj and Abhishek Banerjee also bring in ample doses of laughter in their portions. But a special mention must go to Varun Dhawan’s cameo, which is nothing short of explosive. His high-octane fight scene with Ayushmann Khurrana will have fans cheering, thanks to the sharp editing and top-tier VFX. On the whole, ‘Thamma‘ works as a perfect blend of myth, laughter and love resulting in a refreshing, imaginative, and delightfully entertaining experience.