Thamma Movie Review Starring Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana
Thamma Review: A Bloody Good Rom-Com with More Howl Than Horror
Rating: 3.5/5
Maddock Films has once again proven that they know the pulse of the horror-comedy genre, giving us a film that is less about jump scares and more about setting up an eccentric, entertaining love story within their ever-expanding monster universe.
The Plot of the Movie Thamma: Forbidden Love Gets a Betaal Bite
Director Aditya Sarpotdar (of Munjya fame) takes the familiar human-meets-supernatural trope and gives it a distinctly Indian folklore twist, centering it around Betaals—ancient, blood-sucking beings with strict moral codes.
The story follows Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), a goofy, accident-prone TV reporter. While on a jungle expedition, he's saved from a bear attack by Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a fierce, beautiful Betaal who is part of a coven that has vowed never to harm humans. When Tadaka saves Alok's life, an irresistible, cross-species attraction takes root. The real chaos begins when Tadaka brings Alok back to the city to meet his suspicious, hilarious father (a pitch-perfect Paresh Rawal), and Alok's life takes a dark turn, forcing him to embrace his own new, fanged reality.
The core conflict is driven by the imprisoned Betaal King, Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), whose quest for human blood threatens the fragile co-existence and puts Alok and Tadaka in the middle of a massive supernatural war.
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Performances That Shine
Ayushmann Khurrana is back in his element, effortlessly switching from the vulnerable, flustered boy next door to a reluctant hero with fangs. His comic timing is impeccable, especially in the scenes where he tries to hide his new "dietary requirements" from his family.
But the real revelation is Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka. She’s glamorous, fierce, and manages to carry the mystique of a centuries-old creature while making her emotional turmoil believable. She anchors the film's surprisingly intense romantic heart.
The supporting cast, however, steals the show. Paresh Rawal, as the father who suspects his son’s new girlfriend is a man-eater, provides some of the movie’s loudest laughs. And while Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s screen time as Yakshasan is limited, he is absolutely magnetic, bringing a theatrical menace that sets him apart from the franchise's previous villains.
Technical & Universe Integration
The film’s VFX is top-notch. The Betaal transformations look slick, and the fight sequences are well-choreographed, especially one epic confrontation in the second half. The background score is electrifying and lifts the tension exactly when needed.
For fans of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, this film is a treasure trove. The connections to Stree and Bhediya are organic and genuinely thrilling, particularly the scene-stealing cameo by Varun Dhawan (as Bhediya) and the comic relief provided by Abhishek Banerjee (as Jana). It feels like the universe is finally finding its rhythm, making the crossovers feel necessary rather than forced.
The Drawbacks
Thamma isn't perfect. The first half, while charming, takes its sweet time setting up the romance, causing the pace to drag a little. Moreover, if you're looking for genuine horror, you might be disappointed; the film prioritizes comedy and romance over scares. Some of the comic beats, especially in the initial confrontation scenes, don't land as hard as they should.
Final Verdict
Thamma is a perfect festive entertainer. It's a delightful, high-energy mix of mythology, romance, and meta-humor. While it struggles with some tonal inconsistency and pacing issues, the strong central performances and the sheer ambition of its universe-building make it a bloody entertaining watch that sets the stage for exciting things to come! Go watch it for the laughs, the star chemistry, and the sheer spectacle of a betaal-versus-werewolf showdown!
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