Did Ayushmann Khurrana Find His Perfect Role in ‘Thamma’?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ayushmann Khurrana finds a new niche in horror-comedy with ‘Thamma’.
- The film’s opening day collection of INR 25 crore is a career highlight.
- ‘Thamma’ explores a unique vampire narrative within a romantic context.
- It signifies a potential new franchise in the horror-comedy genre.
- Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film showcases a blend of myth and modern storytelling.
Mumbai, Oct 25 (NationPress) Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana has celebrated what is arguably one of the most significant hits of his career with the release of ‘Thamma’, stating that the film feels “tailor-made” for him.
In an interview with IANS, the actor shared his excitement over the film’s success, noting that it achieved a remarkable INR 25 crore nett on its opening day, marking his best start yet.
This film represents a bold shift for Khurrana, moving away from his familiar boy-next-door persona as he usually portrays relatable characters rooted in Indian culture. ‘Thamma’ unveils a grand, mythical tale about a vampire.
Khurrana remarked, “I genuinely believe that ‘Thamma’ was crafted for me, as I've predominantly taken on realistic and flawed roles. This transition has been incredibly exhilarating since audiences haven’t previously seen me in a powerful, action-oriented character.”
“This role provided a fantastic arc for my character and myself as an actor. I’m recognized for selecting distinctive films, and this one—being the genesis of the next chapter in the Maddock horror-comedy universe—stands out because it dives into the origins of Betaal. I’m thrilled it has resonated with audiences,” he continued.
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, ‘Thamma’ premiered on October 21, 2025, coinciding with the Diwali festivities. The film features Khurrana as a timid journalist who becomes embroiled with a mysterious vampiric figure portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna, set against the backdrop of Betal’s mythos. While part of the established horror-comedy universe (MHCU), it leans more towards romance and fantasy rather than pure horror.
With a strong opening, Ayushmann’s first-day earnings are his highest to date. The film's success positions it as a potential franchise, further solidifying the strength of the horror-comedy universe, which includes hits like ‘Stree’, ‘Bhediya’, ‘Munjya’, and ‘Stree 2’.