October 22, 2025: Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s vampire comedy delivers a strong debut, but early signs suggest it may be the weakest link in Maddock’s horror-comedy chain.
The much-anticipated fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, Thamma, sank its fangs into the box office with a thunderous opening, raking in an impressive ₹32 crore worldwide on Day 1. The film, which stars Ayushmann Khurrana as a journalist-turned-vampire and Rashmika Mandanna as his conflicted love interest, outpaced the opening day numbers of franchise favorites like Stree, Bhediya, and Saiyaara.
Maddock’s Horror Universe Hits a Soft Spot with ‘Thamma’
Despite the robust debut, industry chatter suggests Thamma might be the first stumble in Maddock’s otherwise hit-laden horror-comedy universe. While the Diwali release window helped draw in festive crowds, early audience reactions have been mixed, praising the performances and visual flair, but critiquing the film’s tonal inconsistency and lack of narrative punch.
Ayushmann, who has long expressed his desire for a Diwali release, called the film’s opening “a dream come true,” but the real test lies ahead. With competition from Kantara: Chapter 1 and a packed post-festival slate, Thamma will need strong word-of-mouth to maintain momentum.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes are on whether this vampire tale can sustain its bite, or fade into the shadows of its more celebrated predecessors.