Is Rashmika & Ayushmann’s 'Thama' A Complete Hor

The Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe, which began with Stree in 2018, has steadily expanded with Roohi (2021), Bhediya (2022), and Stree 2 (2024).

Now, the franchise is set to add another chapter, Thama. With its teaser titled World of Thama unveiled on August 19, the film has raised an intriguing question: is this instalment a traditional horror-comedy, or is Maddock venturing into a different shade of fear altogether?

Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thama is positioned as the fifth film in the interconnected horror-comedy universe.

However, unlike its predecessors, the makers have hinted that the film is not confined to the same formula of folklore-based scares infused with humour. Instead, Thama is described as a romantic comedy layered with supernatural and mythical elements.

In an interview, director Sarpotdar revealed that the film revolves around vampires, shifting away from the ghostly folklore of earlier titles. This has immediately sparked curiosity about whether Thama will lean towards gothic horror or maintain the familiar balance of thrills and laughter.

The film features Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok and Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka, the central pair whose love story drives the narrative. The antagonist role of Yakshasan is portrayed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, bringing an aura of menace to the universe. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal joins the cast as Ram Bajaj Goyal, adding weight to the ensemble.

Supporting cast includes Faisal Malik and Geeta Aggarwal, while Varun Dhawan makes a cameo appearance, reprising his character Bhaskar from Bhediya. Adding to the film’s commercial appeal, Malaika Arora and Nora Fatehi feature in special songs.

Initially announced in June 2024 under the working title “Vampires of Vijay Nagar,” the film was later renamed “Thama” in September 2024. The project was also teased in the post-credit scene of Stree 2, further consolidating the idea of an expanding cinematic universe.

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Principal photography began in December 2024 at Chitra Studios, Mumbai. Production faced a brief delay after Rashmika Mandanna sustained a leg injury, but resumed in March 2025 at Film City, where elaborate sets resembling Delhi streets and graveyards were constructed. By April, the team shifted to Ooty, Nilgiri Hills, and Dodabetta for atmospheric outdoor sequences, particularly those involving Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character.

By the end of May 2025, Ayushmann, Rashmika, and Siddiqui had wrapped up their portions. In July, the production shot the special dance numbers featuring Malaika Arora and Nora Fatehi, followed by Varun Dhawan’s cameo, completed in six days.

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The soundtrack has been composed by Sachin–Jigar, with lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya, ensuring a blend of haunting melodies and commercial appeal. The screenplay is written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Falara, while co-producers Sharada Karki Jalota and Pooja Prem Patheja support the project.

The film’s first posters were unveiled on August 18, 2025, followed by the teaser World of Thama on August 19, 2025, which introduced audiences to its sinister tone and the sarvashaktishaali villain Yakshasan. The official release date is set for October 17, 2025, coinciding with the Diwali festival.