Ayushmann & Rashmika's 'Thama' Wins Thumbs Up as Halloween Horror‑Comedy Hits India

October 22, 2025 0 Comments Aarav Khatri

When Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna teamed up for the much‑buzzed‑about horror‑comedy ThamaIndia, movie‑goers got more than just a spooky ride – they got a full‑blown family entertainer.

The film opened across 3,200 screens in India on 21 October 2023, timed perfectly with the Diwali holidays. Directed by Aditya Sarpootdar and produced by Madock Films, the 150‑minute venture blends terror, romance, and slapstick in a way that’s rare for Bollywood’s MACU (Madock Horror‑Comedy Universe).

Fans didn’t just walk out of the theater with popcorn crumbs; they left with thumbs up, memes, and a buzzing conversation about where the franchise is headed next.

How the MACU Franchise Got Here

Madock’s Horror‑Comedy Universe started with "Stree" in 2018, a satirical take on patriarchy that earned both critical acclaim and box‑office gold. It was followed by "Bhediya" (2022), an environmental allegory featuring a were‑wolf, and "Munjaara" (2023), which tackled consent and personal agency. Each installment pushed a different social theme while staying true to the signature blend of scares and laughs.

"Thama" is the fourth chapter, but unlike its predecessors, it isn’t built around a single social message. Instead, the film sets the stage for future cross‑overs, stitching together characters from the earlier movies in cameo flash‑forwards and meta‑jokes that reward long‑time fans.

Plot, Cast, and The ‘Female Betal’ Twist

Ayushmann plays Alok Goyal, an adventure‑seeker who ventures into dense forests for a trek. Mid‑way, a ferocious bear attacks, and at the brink of death, he’s rescued by the enigmatic Tadaka, portrayed by Rashmika. Tadaka isn’t just a mysterious woman – she’s a “female Betal”, a mythic spirit that haunts the woods, adding a fresh supernatural layer to the narrative.

Veteran actor Pareesh Rawat appears as Alok’s father, delivering both gravitas and comic timing. The ever‑energetic Nawazuddin Siddiqui returns as Yaksashan, a self‑styled guru whose half‑English, half‑Hindi banter became an instant meme.

Special appearances keep the surprise factor high: Varun Dhawan transforms into a snarling wolf for a mid‑movie stunt, while Malika Arora and Nora Fatehi light up an item song that feels like a neon‑lit carnival.

Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag That Still Sparks Joy

The rating board of the independent watchdog "The Lallantop" gave the film a modest 2.5 stars, noting, “There’s no pure horror, no solid romance, and hardly any comedy – it feels more like a franchise teaser than a standalone story.” Yet that very quote became a talking point on Twitter, with users jokingly calling the review “the perfect spoiler.”

On the other side, (BHT) Review’s YouTube channel praised the movie for “action, emotion, thriller suspense, twists, and a wholesome family vibe.” According to a poll by E24 Bollywood, 78 % of viewers rated the film as a “perfect family entertainer.”

Newspaper Nava Bharat Times highlighted Rashmika’s performance, stating, “She delivers a power‑packed portrayal of a female Betal, turning the role into a surprise package.” Meanwhile, the Times of India’s box‑office tracker recorded an opening‑day collection of ₹11 crore, surpassing the average for mid‑budget releases.

Box‑Office Numbers and What They Mean

Within its first weekend, "Thama" amassed roughly ₹55 crore domestically, with overseas markets in the Gulf and North America adding another ₹8 crore. The film’s budget, estimated at ₹120 crore, suggests a breakeven point around the second week, which it appears to be approaching thanks to strong word‑of‑mouth and repeat viewings.

Streaming rights were clinched by a major OTT platform for a reported ₹30 crore, ensuring that the franchise will stay visible even after the theatrical run ends.

What’s Next for the Madock Horror‑Comedy Universe?

Industry insiders say the real payoff lies in the planned crossover slated for early 2025, where characters from "Stree", "Bhediya", and "Thama" will share screen time. The cameo‑heavy strategy in "Thama" was clearly a teaser for that larger puzzle.

Fans can also look forward to a spin‑off centered on Nawazuddin’s Yaksashan, rumored to explore his back‑story and the origins of his quirky Hindi‑English lingo.

With Ayushmann and Rashmika both signing on for future MACU projects, the franchise appears set to maintain its blend of commercial viability and cult‑status humor for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does "Thama" cater to family audiences?

The film balances light‑hearted scares with romance and slapstick, avoiding graphic gore. Its 150‑minute runtime includes several comic set‑pieces that appeal to both kids and adults, which is why social‑media surveys called it a perfect family entertainer.

What sets "Thama" apart from previous MACU movies?

Unlike "Stree" or "Bhediya", which leaned heavily on a single social theme, "Thama" focuses on world‑building. It introduces the concept of a female Betal and includes numerous cameo appearances that lay the groundwork for a massive crossover in upcoming installments.

Who are the main characters and who plays them?

Ayushmann Khurrana stars as Alok Goyal, an adventurous trekker. Rashmika Mandanna portrays Tadaka, the mysterious female Betal. Nawazuddin Siddiqui appears as Yaksashan, the eccentric guru, while Pareesh Rawat plays Alok’s father.

How did critics and audiences react to the film?

Critics gave mixed scores – The Lallantop rated it 2.5 stars, citing a lack of cohesive genre focus. Audiences, however, responded positively; 78 % gave it a thumbs‑up on social platforms, and box‑office numbers indicate strong repeat viewings.

What can fans expect from the next MACU release?

The upcoming crossover slated for 2025 will weave together protagonists from "Stree", "Bhediya", and "Thama". Early teasers suggest a larger mythological battle and more meta‑humor, with Ayushmann and Rashmika confirmed to reprise their roles.

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