Ayushmann Khurrana is all set to shake up this Diwali with Thamma, his first outing in the ever-expanding Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. Known for his grounded, socially relevant characters, Ayushmann now steps into an entirely different zone — playing a journalist who transforms into a betaal, a mythical vampire-like creature rooted in Indian folklore. The film promises a cocktail of horror, action, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos, wrapped in a festive entertainer.
During a special sneak peek session hosted for select media and fans, Ayushmann opened up about the dual nature of his character and how personal the journalist part felt to him. “We’re all journalists in some way,” he said with a smile. “I studied journalism after college, so I’ve always had that curiosity. We all love to question things, explore the truth — that’s what makes us natural journalists.”
But while slipping into the shoes of a journalist came easily to him, the supernatural side of his character — the betaal — was a different beast altogether. “Preparing for the betaal was honestly tough,” Ayushmann admitted. “I’ve never done so much action in my entire career. I’m falling off cliffs, getting thrown around by bears, being beaten up from every direction. I’ve taken more hits in this film than I ever did in school or college combined!”
Ayushmann also spoke fondly and humorously about his co-stars. “When Nawaz sir came on the set and started doing all that screaming and intense stuff, my ears actually went numb. It was scary — scarier than the horror in the script!” he laughed. “And speaking of dads, Paresh Rawal sir plays my father in the film. He’s such a powerhouse performer — truly a ‘baap’ actor in every sense.”
Thamma is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, the duo behind hits like Stree and Bhediya. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, who plays Ayushmann’s love interest, adding a romantic thread to this madcap supernatural journey. Nawazuddin Siddiqui steps in as a mysterious and possibly menacing character, while Paresh Rawal brings his seasoned charm to the fatherly role. The trailer and songs of the film have already created a strong buzz, hinting at a story that’s equal parts funny, eerie, and heartwarming.
As with other films in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, Thamma blends Indian folklore with modern storytelling, using supernatural elements not just for scares, but for satire and social commentary.With a Diwali release locked in, Thamma is poised to deliver a full-on festive entertainer — packed with quirky characters, big laughs, and unexpected thrills.