Thamma is a love story set in a world where vampires exist. Alok (Ayushmann Khurrana) meets Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), and what follows is a tussle between love and the supernatural. Overall, with Thamma and the MHCU (Maddock Horror Comedy Universe), there has been a valiant attempt to reclaim this genre. For the most part, Thamma delivers on being a well-made fantasy film.
The world of Thamma is very familiar. In part, it borrows from its predecessors, Stree and Bhediya, in terms of look and feel—color palette, screenplay structure, and the cross-pollination of characters moving between these films. The rest, it borrows familiar elements from Western vampire lore: training montages, the werewolf–vampire connection, and a ‘head’ clan governed by strict rules. Yet, Thamma manages to feel refreshingly original. The film’s well-handled treatment of the genre, seamlessly woven into an Indian cultural context, coupled with good performances and technical finesse, makes Thamma pleasantly surprising and a thoroughly entertaining watch.
My apprehensions going into the movie were high — I was nervous it would be yet another cringe attempt at the vampire genre, weighed down by a ridiculous backstory and shoddy execution. But I am overjoyed to be proved wrong. The portrayal of vampires is handled impressively. They’re given a concise yet compelling origin story, and the attention to detail in hair, makeup, and practical effects—from the fangs to the eye color—is notably well-executed. It’s these little touches that make a huge difference, helping you stay locked into a narrative you initially expect to be absurd, but ultimately find yourself laughing along, enjoying the ride.
Aditya Sarpotdar’s frames have a rare tangibility to them. His direction brings a sense of grounded-ness, using visual effects only when the story demands it and never as a crutch. The film stands strong across its technical departments — from visuals, sound design, and dialogue to comedy and hair and makeup — each working cohesively to enhance the cinematic world he builds. The way he used the camera and the framing of the shots to depict the “spider-senses” of the human-to-Betal transformation was very sophisticated and well-executed.
Where it stumbles is in the “love story” of it all. For a film marketed as a love story and consistently emphasizing the heart and heartbeat (the ultimate symbols of love), it falters on two essential fronts that define an epic romance: the soundtrack and the chemistry between the lead pair. Ayushmann does the heavy lifting in trying to generate that chemistry, to the point that the labored effort becomes visible on screen. Still, Rashmika’s stoic interpretation of Tadaka makes it difficult for their connection to cross the finish line fully.
The VFX effects in Thamma never appear overdone or artificial; instead, the balance between practical effects and VFX is carefully maintained. This restraint keeps the film’s world believable and visually consistent, even within its fantastical premise.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s screen presence and dialogue delivery land every joke with ease, drawing genuine laughter. His portrayal of Alok is sincere, infused with a foolish naivety that makes him instantly endearing. Rashmika Mandanna portrays Tadaka, a Betal (vampire) whose limited exposure beyond her clan and forest life leaves her socially unversed and withdrawn until she meets Alok. However, Rashmika’s interpretation of this social detachment feels somewhat disjointed. Social ineptitude doesn’t necessarily equate to emotional blankness, a space her performance, unfortunately, wanders into.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui steps into Yakshasan’s shoes with trademark eccentricity. We even have Paresh Rawal playing Alok’s father, a typical Indian father archetype who has spent one too many hours watching Crime Patrol and digging through conspiracy theories on the internet.
Thamma succeeds where many stumble — by keeping its heart intact. It is a fun time at the movies that will keep you entertained and intrigued. (Running time 149 minutes)
– Review by Akkshita Gupta
Cast of Thamma:
Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok Goyal
Rashmika Mandanna as Taraka
Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan
Paresh Rawal as Ram Bajaj Goyal
Geeta Agarwal Sharma as Sudha Goyal
Faisal Malik as Inspector P. K. Yadav
Rachit Singh as Veeran
Alexx O’Nell as Sikander
Ankit Mohan as Jimmy
Vinod Suryavanshi as Ambhu
Hritika Kanwar as Tanya
Deepak Kalra as Joy
Raj Premi as Raktaksh
Credits of Thamma
Production company – Maddock Films
Producers: Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar
Written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, Arun Fulara
Cinematography – Saurabh Goswami
Edited by Hemanti Sarkar
Music by Sachin–Jigar
Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya
Casting Director: Anmol Ahuja
