Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s Thamma continues its steady march at the box office, maintaining momentum even as it enters its second week. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced under the Maddock Films banner, the movie — released on October 21 during the Diwali weekend — has proven to be one of the most successful films of the festive season. With a collection of ₹108.25 crore in just ten days, Thamma has solidified Ayushmann Khurrana’s position as one of the most bankable stars in the Indian film industry today.

A Strong Start for Maddock’s Fifth Horror-Comedy

Thamma marks the fifth installment in Dinesh Vijan’s growing Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which includes hits like Stree (2018), Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024), and Stree 2 (2024). While each film in the franchise has explored supernatural themes mixed with humor and social commentary, Thamma adds a darker, more adventurous twist to the formula. Its blend of eerie folklore, atmospheric tension, and Ayushmann’s trademark comedic timing has resonated strongly with audiences.

The film opened to impressive numbers, raking in ₹24 crore on its first day. Over the Diwali weekend, it collected ₹55.6 crore in the first three days and reached ₹95.6 crore by the end of its first week. These numbers marked not only Ayushmann’s biggest opening to date but also one of the strongest starts for any Bollywood film released in the post-pandemic era.

In its second week, Thamma continued to perform well despite competition from Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa’s Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. According to data from trade website Sacnilk, the film earned ₹5.75 crore on Tuesday, ₹3.65 crore on Wednesday, and ₹3.25 crore on Thursday, taking its total domestic collection to ₹108.25 crore. The consistency in weekday collections reflects sustained audience interest, particularly from family viewers and younger audiences drawn to its unique blend of humor and horror.

A Fresh Entry in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe

Each entry in Maddock’s horror-comedy lineup has built upon the previous one, expanding the shared universe that began with Stree. Thamma continues this legacy but brings a distinct tonal shift. The film introduces a new set of mythological elements while teasing future crossovers with other characters from the universe.

The story centers on Alok (Ayushmann Khurrana), a journalist who sets out to investigate strange occurrences in a remote forested region. There, he encounters Tadaka (Rashmika Mandanna), a mysterious woman with an enigmatic aura and hidden secrets. As Alok delves deeper, he discovers a world inhabited by “betals” — vampiric creatures that thrive in darkness and prey on human weakness. What begins as an investigative story soon transforms into a dangerous journey that challenges Alok’s understanding of reality, fear, and morality.

The narrative balances supernatural suspense with sharp humor and emotional depth. Rashmika’s character adds intrigue and emotional intensity, offering a refreshing departure from her usual romantic roles. The chemistry between the leads — both playful and haunting — is one of the film’s highlights. Critics have praised Rashmika for bringing grace and mystery to her role and Ayushmann for maintaining his natural comedic rhythm even amid the darker elements of the plot.

Box Office Performance and Audience Response

The commercial response to Thamma underscores the continuing strength of Maddock Films’ horror-comedy brand. The movie’s combination of relatable humor, regional folklore, and visual spectacle has struck a chord with multiplex audiences across major cities and Tier-2 towns alike. The film’s weekday stability — after a massive weekend opening — demonstrates its wide appeal.

Thamma has already surpassed the lifetime collections of Bhediya and Munjya, establishing itself as one of the franchise’s most successful entries. However, the benchmark set by Stree 2 — which earned a staggering ₹597.99 crore domestically — remains a distant goal. Trade analysts believe that while Thamma may not reach that record-breaking level, its performance reaffirms the franchise’s enduring popularity and its ability to draw audiences for original Indian horror concepts.

The film’s performance is also significant for Ayushmann Khurrana, who has been known for his socially-driven comedies and slice-of-life dramas. With Thamma, he successfully transitions into a larger-scale commercial entertainer while still retaining the intelligence and wit that define his brand. The result is a film that manages to blend mass appeal with smart storytelling.

Ayushmann Khurrana on the Film’s Milestone

Speaking about the film’s performance and audience reception, Ayushmann Khurrana expressed gratitude and pride during an interview with ANI. “I am feeling good. Validation by the public is the biggest validation,” he said. “For me, this is the biggest opening of my career and hopefully my biggest film as well.” He added that while he was drawn to the script for its originality and emotional core, the commercial success has been an unexpected bonus. “As an actor, I found the script exciting. Whatever is happening now is like a cherry on the top,” he noted.

Ayushmann also shared his excitement about the future of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. “I’m excited to see how different characters from this universe will merge and clash in upcoming films,” he said, hinting at potential crossovers that fans have been anticipating since Stree 2. His statement reflects how Thamma is not just a standalone success but also a crucial link in Maddock Films’ long-term cinematic vision.

Rashmika Mandanna and the Expanding Universe

For Rashmika Mandanna, Thamma represents a significant step in her Hindi film career. Known for her performances in South Indian cinema and for her pan-India appeal, she brings a unique energy to the Maddock Universe. Her portrayal of Tadaka — both alluring and terrifying — adds a new archetype to the franchise’s collection of supernatural characters. Industry insiders have praised her for seamlessly fitting into the horror-comedy space while maintaining her signature screen charm.

Following Thamma, Maddock Films is set to continue its interconnected storytelling with Bhediya 2, starring Varun Dhawan and Shakti Shalini, alongside newcomer Aneet Padda. The studio has confirmed that the upcoming installment will further intertwine the narratives of Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, and Thamma, paving the way for an ensemble crossover event in the near future.

The Significance of Thamma’s Success

The success of Thamma carries broader implications for Bollywood’s evolving landscape. In a market increasingly dominated by large-scale action spectacles and franchise sequels, a film rooted in Indian folklore and humor performing beyond expectations is noteworthy. It reinforces the idea that audiences continue to crave original storytelling, cultural depth, and inventive genre-blending.

Additionally, the film’s success story runs parallel to that of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, another Diwali release that featured outsiders in leading roles. Both films thriving simultaneously is a healthy sign for the industry, demonstrating that the audience is open to diverse stories and talent beyond traditional star power.

Conclusion

As Thamma crosses ₹108 crore at the Indian box office, it stands as a testament to the enduring charm of the horror-comedy genre and the creative vision of Maddock Films. The movie’s success validates Ayushmann Khurrana’s versatility as an actor willing to explore new cinematic territories and highlights Rashmika Mandanna’s growing appeal among Hindi audiences.

With strong word-of-mouth, sustained collections, and its place within one of Bollywood’s most beloved shared universes, Thamma has not only delivered commercially but also reaffirmed faith in the power of originality and genre innovation. As fans await Bhediya 2 and the eventual crossover that will unite these supernatural worlds, Thamma will be remembered as the film that kept the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe thrilling, unpredictable, and alive with imagination.