The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) has always delivered hits, like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya, due to its blends of horror, folklore, and humor into crowd-pleasing entertainers. Now, the latest addition, Thamma, to the MHCU attempts to expand this cinematic universe further. Let’s try to decode the movie with Thamma Review.
Aditya Sarpotdar directs the movie, and features Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Moreover, the film promised a thrilling mix of humor, romance, and comedy. Does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Here is the detailed Thamma Review.
Story: Between Love and the Curse of Blood
Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana) is a Delhi-based journalist who starts on a forest assignment with his team. However, an unexpected bear attack nearly killed him until Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a vampire-like being, came to his rescue. Alok instantly falls for him without knowing that this love will pull him into the world of Betaal, which is an ancient clan led by Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui).
The film follows the transformation of Alok into one of them, his inner conflict, and his fight to protect humanity. However, the premise is fascinating, blending myth, folklore, and humor. Still, the execution wavered to turn what could have been a charming horror-comedy into an uneven ride.
Performances: Rashmika and Ayushmann Shine
It is the performance that keeps Thamma watchable. Rashmika Mandanna gives one of the finest roles in Bollywood to balance grace, mystery, and emotional depth as Tadaka. Moreover, it is no easy feat, but she nails it with conviction.
On the other hand, Ayushmann Khurrana is dependable as always. Plus, his portrayal of a man caught between love and monstrosity adds heart to the story. In addition, his transformation sequence in the second half stands out, showcasing his acting range.
On the other hand, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan feels underutilized. Despite his powerful screen presence, the writing does not allow him to become the menacing antagonist audiences expect. However, his character could be expanded in the movie.
Direction & Technical Aspects
Director Aditya Sarpotdar is popular for Munjya. Now, he brings his trademark mixes of supernatural elements and dark humor. However, Thamma lacks the narrative balance, unlike Stree and Munjya.
The first half of this film is a little slow, as it takes time to build a narrative. However, the second half finds rhythm too late to recover the lost momentum. Plus, Cinematography by Saurabh Goswami captures the mystical forest landscape with finesse.
In addition, the VFX work deserves praise, especially during Ayushmann’s transformation and the climactic fight. Moreover, editing is the biggest weakness of the film. Moreover, many scenes drag unnecessarily, which makes the film feel longer than it should.
Music by Sachin–Jigar is below par. However, the background score adds temporary thrill. Still, the Telugu dubbing and a few awkward translations diminish the viewing experience for regional audiences.
What Works in Thamma
- Fresh and creative plotline rooted in Indian folklore.
- Strong performances by Rashmika and Ayushmann.
- Engaging VFX and solid cinematography.
- Fun cameos and references that connect it to the larger MHCU (including Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya appearance).
What Doesn’t Work
- Uneven screenplay and weak pacing.
- Lack of consistent humour or scares.
- A dull and rushed climax that fails to leave impact.
- Underwritten villain and underwhelming music.
Thamma Review: Verdict
Thamma is a visually polished and uneven horror-comedy that entertains in bits and pieces. Plus, Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana deliver compelling performances. However, the slow pace, inconsistent tone, and weak climax of Thamma prevent it from reaching the highs of Stree or Bhediya.
If you are a fan of Maddock’s Horror Comedy Universe, it offers few surprises and some visual flair. However, you should not expect a film that redefines the genre.
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