Director: Aditya Sarpotdar
Rating: ***
Maddock Films has carved a unique niche in Bollywood by creating a horror-comedy universe that blends mythology, humor, and social commentary. Unlike the typical spy or cop franchises, Maddock consistently explores fresh narratives and settings to keep audiences engaged. From Stree, the ingenious story of a mysterious woman, to Bhediya, which mixes a brutal man-to-animal transformation with political undertones, Maddock Films has shown a flair for innovative storytelling. With Thamma, the makers dive into the realm of vampire comedy, delivering a mix of quirky humour, striking visuals, and OTT characters.
Maddock Films’ Signature Horror-Comedy Universe
Thamma continues Maddock Films’ tradition of blending horror with comedy, but this time, it leans heavily into brain-rot humor and vampire antics. The film’s visual effects maintain the high standard fans expect, creating an immersive experience without overwhelming the narrative. The characters are intentionally exaggerated, highlighting the franchise’s trademark style of over-the-top characterization.
Despite being slightly underutilized, Nawazuddin Siddiqui brings his usual charisma, while Ayushmann Khurrana demonstrates impeccable comedic timing. Rashmika Mandanna, as always, stays delightfully straight-faced, anchoring the absurdity of her surroundings.
Ayushmann Khurrana: The Zany Hero
Khurrana’s character is reminiscent of Shah Rukh Khan in Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Jim Carrey in Bruce Almighty—a zany, wide-eyed journalist who finds himself in a world that defies logic. When he encounters Taadka (Rashmika Mandanna), he becomes the quintessential outsider. Moments later, she steps into his world, flipping the dynamic.
This narrative mirrors Stree, where the heroine often rescues the bumbling hero, a theme that Maddock Films seems to favor. Khurrana, known for portraying imperfect yet endearing heroes, finds his most mainstream footing in Thamma. The choice of vampires as the central motif is clever, ensuring the story is entertaining without treading into taboo territory.
Supporting Cast: Geeta Aggarwal Sharma Shines
Geeta Aggarwal Sharma continues to excel in her role, portraying characters that are perpetually suffering yet compelling. Her performances across films like 12th Fail and Saiyaara reveal a depth that could easily inspire its own cinematic universe. In Thamma, her presence adds gravitas to a narrative that is otherwise filled with comedy and absurd situations.
Music and Item Numbers: A Distraction?
While Thamma offers humor and intrigue, it struggles with pacing due to ill-timed musical numbers. The item song featuring Malaika Arora feels jarring and out of place, while Nora Fatehi’s appearance adds little to the narrative. Unlike Stree 2, where Tamannaah Bhatia played a pivotal role in advancing the plot, these songs in Thamma seem more like interruptions than enhancements.
The film’s structure resembles a comic book universe, with action set pieces inspired by mythology and folklore. Just as a comic reader might be frustrated by inconsequential filler, the audience experiences similar interruptions during these songs. Nevertheless, the interwoven cameos and narrative threads reflect Maddock’s ambitious world-building, keeping fans engaged despite minor distractions.
Humour and Visual Appeal
Thamma delivers on visual creativity and quirky humor, but the comedy wears thin over time. Vampire jokes, while amusing initially, begin to lose impact after repetitive use. A poorly timed romantic scene adds another layer of inconsistency, slightly disrupting the narrative flow.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s Herculean efforts in the climax evoke memories of Hrithik Roshan’s larger-than-life moments, but the sequence lacks cohesion. As Maddock’s horror-comedy universe expands, the growing number of cliffhangers and intertwined narratives might make it challenging for audiences to stay fully connected to the story.
Connecting the Maddock Universe
Despite its flaws, Thamma demonstrates sweep, ambition, and imagination. The film’s universe-building is commendable, connecting characters, cameos, and storylines across different films. Fans can anticipate future installments, including Shakti Shalini, starring Aneet Padda, which promises to carry forward the semi-Saiyaara universe. Geeta Sharma’s involvement will likely remain essential, while surprise cameos—possibly by Mohit Suri—keep the narrative fresh and unpredictable.
Final Verdict
Thamma is an entertaining addition to Maddock Films’ horror-comedy lineup, blending humor, fantasy, and mythology with visually striking effects. While repetitive jokes and unnecessary musical numbers slightly hinder the pacing, the film’s charm lies in its ambitious storytelling and quirky characters.
Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a memorable performance, Rashmika Mandanna anchors the absurdity with her deadpan expressions, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui adds understated brilliance. For fans of the Maddock universe, Thamma is a must-watch, offering fun, fantasy, and a glimpse into an expanding horror-comedy world that promises more surprises in future installments.
