Thama: Ayushmann Khurrana’s Upcoming Mythical Romantic Horror-Comedy

 

Thama: Ayushmann Khurrana’s Upcoming Mythical Romantic Horror-Comedy1. What Is Thama About?

Thama is the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU). Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar (known for Munjya), the film combines horror, myth, an romance in a unique blend. It follows a historian—played by Ayushmann Khurrana—as he investigates the mythological origins of vampirism in Indian folklore across two interwoven timelines: contemporary India and the ancient Vijayanagar kingdom IndiatimesThe Economic TimesWikipedia+1.

2. Title and Inspiration

Originally titled Vampires of Vijaynagar, the film’s new name, Thama, is believed to draw inspiration from Ashwatthama, the immortal warrior of the Mahabharata, hinting at themes of vengeance, legacy, and supernatural power IndiatimesWikipedia.

3. Cast Highlights

Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok, the historian-vampire investigator.

Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka, his counterpart in the intertwined storylines.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the antagonist Yakshasan.

Paresh Rawal appears as Ram Bajaj Goyal.

Varun Dhawan makes a cameo as Bhaskar / Bhediya.

Malaika Arora and Nora Fatehi feature in a high-energy special dance performance The Times of India+1Wikipedia+1.

4. Release Date & Production

Scheduled for a Diwali release on October 17, 2025, Thama is currently in post-production Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2. Filming took place between December 2024 and mid-2025 in Mumbai and Ooty Wikipedia+1.

5. Teaser Buzz & Public Reactions

The first look poster was revealed on August 18, 2025, with the teaser titled World of Thama launching on August 19, 2025 The Times of IndiaWikipediaThe Economic Times.Netizens were thrilled by its “bloody love story” vibe and lauded the dark comedic romance The Times of India.

A viral scene comparison sparked debate on creative originality, as a rooftop sequence resembles a moment from the K‑drama My Demon—though filmmakers haven't commented yet Indiatimes.

6. Behind the Scenes

Ayushmann, who shot parts of Thama in Ooty, spoke about the importance of unity in Indian cinema and how regional silos hinder the industry's growth The Times of India.AttributeDetailsGenreRomantic Horror-ComedyUniverseMaddock Horror-Comedy UniverseDirectorAditya SarpotdarRelease Date17 October 2025 (Diwali)CastAyushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal; cameos by Varun Dhawan, dance numbers with Malaika Arora & Nora FatehiFilmingDec 2024 – mid‑2025 (Mumbai, Ooty)MarketingFirst look: Aug 18; Teaser: Aug 19, 2025HighlightsMyth-inspired storyline, dual timelines, dance spectacle, teaser buzz, creative comparisons

Let me know if you'd like deep dives into trailers, OTT options for previous MHCU films, or insights into Ayushmann’s other upcoming projects!