Thama Film: A Bloody Love Story in India’s Maddock Universe

The upcoming Bollywood offering Thama is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Diwali releases of 2025. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, this supernatural romance with a vampire twist marks the fifth installment in the highly popular Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU). Featuring a strong ensemble—Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal—the film promises a layered narrative that bridges mythology, folklore, and emotion through two distinct timelines.

Production Background & Creative Vision

Franchise Evolution & Genre Shift

Thama is the latest chapter in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe, which includes hits like Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, and the upcoming However, as revealed by director Aditya Sarpotdar, Thama departs from the horror-comedy template—opting instead for a romantic drama infused with supernatural and mythical elements

Title Significance & Narrative Core

Initially titled Vampires of Vijaynagar, the film was rechristened Thama—a name echoing Ashwatthama, the immortal warrior from the Mahabharata. This allusion suggests themes of immortality, legacy, and mythic vengeance woven into the story of a historian uncovering vampiric lore across present-day India and the ancient Vijayanagar kingdom

Cast, Crew & Filming Journey

Stellar Ensemble

 Filming Schedule & Locations

• Principal photography began in December 2024 in Mumbai and wrapped by mid-2025 after a complex shooting schedule.

• Key locations included Mumbai, Delhi, and the forests of Ooty in the Nilgiris. Fixtures like graveyard sets and Vijayanagar reconstructions were built in Film City

• Only two song sequences remain, signaling the film’s imminent post-production phase

Marketing & Fan Reception

Poster & Teaser Releases

• First-look posters were unveiled on August 18, 2025, offering glimpses of each major character—Ayushmann as the last hope of humanity, Rashmika as Tadaka, and Nawazuddin as the menacing Yakshasan

• The teaser, released on August 19, drew enthusiastic comparisons with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as fans praised the dark, bloody romantic tone of the film

Online Buzz & Controversies

• Fans reacted enthusiastically to the teaser’s tone and visuals, with some calling it a potential blockbuster

• Others sparked debate by comparing a rooftop romance scene in the teaser to a moment from the South Korean drama My Demon, drawing discussion on inspiration versus imitation

• A dance-off featuring Malaika Arora and Nora Fatehi stirred excitement for the film’s celebratory elements beyond its dark undertones

Expectations for Diwali Release

Genre & Market Positioning

• Thama is marketed as the first romantic horror-comedy in Maddock’s expanding universe

• Ayushmann calls it a “supremely unique” project and his “project of a lifetime,” emphasizing its emotional and supernatural scale 

• Rashmika highlighted the universe-building appeal, positioning Thama as imaginative and visually ambitious—especially appealing to younger audiences

Strategic Release Timing

Set to hit theaters globally on Diwali, October 17, 2025, Thama is timed to maximize festive audience engagement and franchise momentum

Quick Reference: Film Highlights

• Franchise Context: Fifth film in Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe.

• Genre Pivot: From horror-comedy to supernatural romance with mythological depth.

• Title Origins: Inspired by Ashwatthama—immortality and myth at its core.

• Cast: Ayushmann, Rashmika, Nawazuddin, Paresh Rawal; plus cameo and dance specials.

• Filming: Completed main shoot across Mumbai, Delhi, Ooty.

• Marketing: Teaser acclaimed; posters sparked mixed reactions; MCU comparisons trending.

• Unique Selling Point: First romantic horror-comedy in the MHCU.

• Release: Scheduled for October 17, 2025 (Diwali).

Conclusion

Thama stands out—a bold chapter in a beloved universe, merging romance, mythology, and supernatural thrills. By repositioning from humor to haunting love, and drawing thematic strength from folklore, the film promises a rich cinematic tapestry for Diwali 2025. With its celebrated cast, mythic undertones, and shared-universe legacy, Thama has all the makings of a cultural and box-office event.