Trailer
Review
In 'Thamma,' director Aditya Sarpotdar masterfully blends the seemingly incompatible genres of horror and comedy into a thrilling, emotionally resonant tale of forbidden love. Set in a mystical world where ancient prophecies and supernatural forces dictate fate, the film follows two star-crossed lovers (Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna) as they defy family, nature, and spectral entities to be together. From its opening scenes, 'Thamma' establishes a unique tonal balance—moments of genuine dread are punctuated by sharp, character-driven humor, ensuring the 149-minute runtime never drags. The narrative cleverly uses Indian folklore as a backdrop, weaving in themes of destiny versus free will without becoming overly preachy. Sarpotdar's direction is confident, particularly in the visually stunning second act where the lovers confront a forest spirit, a sequence that is both terrifying and oddly beautiful. The screenplay smartly avoids clichés by making the supernatural threats metaphors for societal pressures, giving the horror deeper meaning. While the plot follows a familiar 'love against all odds' arc, the inventive genre fusion and rich world-building make it feel fresh and engaging.
Pros
- ✓Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a career-best performance, perfectly balancing romantic earnestness with comedic timing, especially in scenes opposite Paresh Rawal
- ✓Aditya Sarpotdar's visionary direction seamlessly merges horror and comedy, creating a unique tonal palette that never feels jarring
- ✓Stunning visual effects and production design bring the mystical world to life, particularly in the ethereal forest and ancestral temple sequences
- ✓Nawazuddin Siddiqui's supporting role as a cryptic sage adds depth and unpredictability, elevating every scene he appears in
Cons
- ✗The runtime feels slightly excessive, with a middle section that could have been tightened by 10-15 minutes for better pacing
- ✗Some horror-comedy transitions are abrupt, potentially disorienting viewers who prefer consistent genre treatment
- ✗Rashmika Mandanna's character lacks the same development as Khurrana's, making her arc feel somewhat secondary at times
'Thamma' is a triumph of genre-blending cinema that delivers far more than its supernatural romance premise suggests. While not without minor flaws in pacing and character balance, the film succeeds spectacularly in creating an immersive world where laughter and chills coexist naturally. Ayushmann Khurrana and Nawazuddin Siddiqui give performances worth the price of admission alone, and Aditya Sarpotdar proves himself a director with both visual flair and narrative confidence. The film's true achievement lies in making its central romance feel both epic and intimate—when the lovers finally confront the ancient prophecy threatening their union, you're genuinely invested in their fate. For audiences tired of predictable genre offerings, 'Thamma' offers a refreshing, emotionally satisfying experience that entertains while occasionally making you jump in your seat. It's one of 2025's most inventive releases and sets a new standard for what Indian horror-comedy can achieve.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of genre-blending films, supernatural romance enthusiasts, viewers who enjoy folklore-based narratives, and audiences who appreciate horror with emotional depth and humor
⭐ Standout Elements
The seamless fusion of horror and comedy tones, Ayushmann Khurrana's multifaceted performance, and the innovative use of Indian mythological elements within a contemporary romance framework
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents exceptional filmmaking that deserves your attention.
