The horror-comedy genre continues to find its footing in Bollywood, and Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films has successfully expanded this universe with its latest release, Thamma. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the film has managed to maintain strong box office performance, crossing the ₹90 crore milestone in just six days. Blending elements of supernatural horror with comedy, romance, and high-octane drama, Thammaexemplifies the growing appetite among audiences for quirky, genre-bending films.

Day Six Box Office Update: Steady Performance

According to trade tracking site Sacnilk, Thamma earned ₹13 crore on its sixth day, marking the first Sunday following its release on October 21, 2025. This brought the film’s total domestic collection to ₹91.70 crore, underlining the movie’s steady performance. The film had opened strongly during the Diwali festive period, capturing initial attention, before experiencing a slight dip over the weekdays. However, the weekend surge, particularly the Sunday collections, indicates that the film is regaining momentum and successfully drawing audiences back to theatres.

Occupancy levels for Thamma on Sunday were reported at 23.19 percent for Hindi screenings, reflecting a solid response for a mid-week release in the competitive Diwali season. The previous day had also witnessed a significant spike, with the film earning ₹13.1 crore on Saturday—a remarkable 31 percent jump compared to the Friday earnings of ₹10 crore. These figures suggest that positive word-of-mouth, coupled with the film’s festive appeal, has contributed to increased audience interest as the film continues its theatrical run.

Comparison with Previous Maddock Horror-Comedies

Thamma’s performance is particularly noteworthy when compared to other films in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU). On Saturday, the film surpassed the lifetime domestic collection of Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya (2022), which had earned ₹68.99 crore. It had previously overtaken the domestic earnings of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, which had grossed ₹60.35 crore. The film’s success demonstrates that the Maddock horror-comedy formula—combining humor, supernatural elements, and star power—continues to resonate with audiences and can deliver consistent box office returns.

The overseas market has also embraced Thamma. Within just five days of its release, the film crossed the ₹100 crore mark worldwide. This achievement underscores the increasing global appeal of Bollywood horror-comedies, particularly those produced under the carefully curated Maddock Films banner. By expanding its cinematic universe, Maddock has not only built a recognizable franchise but also demonstrated that horror-comedy can be a commercially viable genre with strong franchise potential.

The Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU)

Thamma marks the fifth installment in Maddock’s horror-comedy universe, following Stree (2018), Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024), and Stree 2 (2024). This interconnected cinematic world has consistently blended horror with comedy, employing supernatural themes while incorporating romance, action, and socially relevant narratives. The MHCU has established a template for success in Bollywood: a mix of star power, clever writing, and inventive visual storytelling, all set within a universe that allows for crossovers and recurring character arcs.

The success of Thamma continues this trend. The film introduces Rashmika Mandanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as vampires, while Ayushmann Khurrana plays a journalist caught in the middle of their bloody battle. The story combines elements of horror, romance, and dark comedy, delivering a cinematic experience that appeals to both traditional Bollywood audiences and fans of genre experimentation. Adding to the appeal, the film features surprise cameo appearances from other actors in the MHCU, including Varun Dhawan, which not only strengthens franchise continuity but also creates buzz and curiosity among audiences.

Plot and Themes: A Bloody Love Story

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thamma has been described as a “bloody love story,” balancing romance and horror in a way that keeps audiences engaged. Rashmika Mandanna’s vampire character brings charm and menace in equal measure, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s portrayal adds intensity and unpredictability to the supernatural dynamics. Ayushmann Khurrana’s journalist character serves as a relatable anchor, navigating the chaos created by these immortal beings and providing comedic relief amid the thrills.

The film’s narrative strategy—combining romance, horror, and comedy—allows it to appeal to a wide demographic. Audiences are drawn to the supernatural elements for excitement, to the humor for entertainment, and to the romantic subplot for emotional engagement. By integrating these elements within the broader MHCU, Thamma succeeds not only as a standalone film but also as a valuable addition to a growing cinematic universe that encourages repeat viewings and fan engagement.

Production and Creative Vision

Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, Thamma demonstrates Maddock Films’ commitment to high-quality, innovative storytelling within a commercially viable framework. The film blends VFX-heavy sequences with practical effects to create believable supernatural elements, while maintaining the signature comedic timing and narrative style that audiences have come to expect from the MHCU.

From a creative perspective, Thamma continues Maddock Films’ strategy of blending contemporary Bollywood sensibilities with genre experimentation. This approach has allowed the franchise to carve a unique niche in an industry often dominated by conventional romantic dramas and action films. By combining humor, horror, and romance in a consistent narrative universe, Maddock Films has created a model that appeals to both casual moviegoers and dedicated fans of genre cinema.

Audience Reception and Cultural Impact

The growing momentum at the box office suggests that Thamma is resonating strongly with audiences. Social media chatter, online reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations have contributed to its weekend surge, particularly as viewers return to cinemas to experience the film with family and friends during the Diwali festivities.

Beyond box office numbers, Thamma exemplifies the evolving taste of Indian audiences, who are increasingly embracing genre films that combine multiple storytelling elements. The film’s success reinforces the notion that Bollywood can produce commercially successful films outside of traditional romance or action genres, paving the way for further experimentation in horror-comedy and supernatural storytelling.

Conclusion: Steady Success for a Growing Franchise

As of day six, Thamma has earned ₹13 crore on Sunday alone, bringing its total domestic collection to ₹91.70 crore, with worldwide earnings surpassing ₹100 crore. The film’s sustained performance highlights the strength of the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe and the commercial viability of genre-blending films in contemporary Bollywood.

With its unique blend of horror, romance, and comedy, paired with strong performances by Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Thamma has solidified its position as a standout Diwali release. Its success also reflects the growing sophistication of Indian audiences, who appreciate films that offer both entertainment and inventive storytelling.

As the film continues its theatrical run, it is likely to further cement the MHCU’s reputation as a franchise capable of delivering both critical acclaim and box office success. With Maddock Films’ consistent production quality and innovative approach, the horror-comedy universe is poised to become a defining feature of modern Bollywood cinema, combining humor, thrills, and romance in a way that keeps audiences coming back for more.