Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s movie Thamma: This Diwali, Bollywood promised a blast and Thamma arrived with the bang of a thousand crackers. Directed under the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, the Ayushmann Khurrana–Rashmika Mandanna starrer had the perfect setup: a spooky-romantic comedy with fangs, flair and festive fever.
But as one witty Reddit user said, “Thamma lights up like a rocket… only to go out before reaching the sky.”
So, does Thamma live up to the hype? Let’s bite into it. 🧛♀️✨
🩸 The Vampire Romance That Needed More Spark
Ayushmann plays Alok, a vlogger who’s all about followers and filters, until he literally bumps into Taadka (Rashmika Mandanna), a centuries-old vampire with charm dripping like blood-red lipstick.
The premise sounds deliciously bizarre, social media meets supernatural love, but the chemistry between the leads doesn’t always sizzle.
As one Reddit comment put it “Their chemistry flickers inconsistently, convincing for a few moments, then completely lost in others.”
And honestly, they’re right. The film tells us they’re in love more than it shows it. There are tender scenes, yes, but the emotional pull feels like it’s missing a heartbeat.
Still, Rashmika is mesmerizing, her vampire elegance and vulnerability make Taadka unforgettable.
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⏳ Pacing Problems: When the Firecracker Delayed the Fuse
If there’s one ghost haunting Thamma, it’s pacing.
The first half feels like a lazy Sunday scroll — long setup, slow burn, and too much world-building. But the second half finally catches fire, with cameos, chaos, and a ton of “wait, what just happened?” moments. “The first half moves at a glacial pace. The second half? Feels like they suddenly remembered the movie was supposed to end,” said a used.
Comedy That Misses Its Mark
Let’s be real, when it comes to Maddock’s horror comedies, we expect the laughs to land as sharply as the jump scares. But here, the humor feels like a recycled WhatsApp forward.
“Beyond one or two laughs, it feels like mid-2000s comedy reloaded,” fans were quick to point out.
There are meme references, Sachin jokes, and cricket puns that try too hard. It’s like the movie forgot that internet humor works best online, not onscreen.
Still, Ayushmann’s impeccable timing and expressive face do earn a few chuckles — especially in scenes where he mocks his own influencer persona.
Standout Performances in a Half-Baked Plot
If Thamma works at all, it’s because of its cast. Rashmika shines, she brings grace, mystery, and a haunting charm that stays with you. Many fans called her “the soul of the film.”
Ayushmann, as always, gives 100%. He’s sincere, relatable, and occasionally the only thing keeping the movie alive.
Sadly, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s villain, Yakshasan, feels like a missed opportunity. His presence commands attention, but the script gives him little to chew on. “Every time Nawaz enters the frame, the movie suddenly feels alive again,” said a user.
Read More: Are People Bored Of Rashmika Mandanna? PR, Overacting And Cringe Hindi, Says Reddit
Universe Building Over Storytelling
Thamma is clearly a bridge film, connecting past MHCU hits like Stree and Bhediya while teasing what’s next. The much-talked-about Varun Dhawan cameo sent fans into frenzy, “Bhetal vs Bhediya” was trending within hours of release.
But here’s the catch: that same universe-building energy steals time from the main story. It’s fun for fans, confusing for newcomers.
🎬 Technical Aspects: Great Ideas, Rough Execution
While some shots look cinematic and atmospheric, the visual effects sometimes feel unfinished. Transformation scenes (the fangs, red eyes, eerie glow) could’ve used the finesse that Bhediya nailed.
Also, three unnecessary songs slow down the tension. The background score could’ve been stronger — a horror-comedy needs rhythm, not random remixes.
💬 Public Verdict
Social media reactions have been mixed. Here’s what people are saying online:
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“A fun Diwali watch if you don’t expect depth.”
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“Loved Rashmika, bored by the pacing.”
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“Ayushmann deserves better writing.”
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“Cameo game strong. Universe growing. Plot shrinking.”
🧠 Quick Quiz: Are You Team Thamma or Team Drama?
1️⃣ Which horror-comedy did you love most?
A. Stree
B. Bhediya
C. Thamma
D. None, bring back Bhool Bhulaiyaa vibes!
2️⃣ Would you date a vampire like Rashmika’s Taadka?
A. Only if she promises no bites 😅
B. 100% yes, eternal love sounds good!
C. Nah, I need sunlight and samosas.
3️⃣ Which element do you think Thamma 2 needs most?
A. Better humor
B. Stronger story
C. More crossovers
D. All of the above!
🎆 Final Verdict
Thamma is like that Diwali firecracker that starts with a bang but fades before you can say “Happy Diwali!” It’s visually grand, occasionally fun, and boosted by solid performances, but the weak writing and uneven pacing stop it from becoming a true dhamaka.
Still, if you’re in the mood for festive popcorn fun, a bit of horror spice, and Rashmika in a stunning gothic avatar, go for it.
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5 – Watchable but wobbly.
“It’s not a disaster, just a missed opportunity,” one viewer wrote and that pretty much sums up Thamma.
