When Ayushmann Khurrana, the actor known for his off‑beat comedies, told reporters that his upcoming horror‑comedy Thama is "a bigger film with more comedy" than the Malayalam smash Loka Chapter 1: Chandra, which hauled in ₹302.22 crore worldwide. The statement came on the eve of the film’s Diwali‑day release, scheduled for 21 October 2025 across India and selected overseas markets.
Background: The Loka Phenomenon and Thama’s Ambitions
"Loka" blew up last summer, becoming the first Malayalam‑language fantasy‑action to cross the ₹300‑crore mark. Critics called it a "cultural juggernaut" that proved regional cinema could dominate the global box‑office. Delhi‑based producers of Thama seized the moment, positioning their film as a pan‑Indian answer to that success, but with a Hindi‑language slant.
According to the film’s co‑producer, the story draws on the ancient Indian folklore of “Vikram and Betal,” re‑imagining those tales for a modern, supernatural‑comedy setting. The idea, they say, is to showcase “desi” mythology to a worldwide audience, something Ayushmann echoed in a recent interview: "When you stay close to our roots, the world listens. That's the whole vibe of Thama."
Cast, Crew, and Money Talk
The star‑studded roster includes Rashmika Mandanna, who plays a mysterious woman with a secret agenda, and the ever‑versatile Nawazuddin Siddiqui as a centuries‑old vampire with a wicked sense of humor. Supporting roles feature Paresh Rawal as the comic sidekick and a cameo item number by Malika Arora.
Financial disclosures leaked to the press indicate that Ayushmann commanded a fee of ₹8‑10 crore – roughly 50 % higher than Rashmika’s ₹5‑7 crore. Nawazuddin’s package sits at ₹3‑4 crore, while Paresh receives about ₹2 crore. Malika’s item track reportedly fetched an extra ₹2 crore.
Pre‑booking numbers are already impressive: the film has amassed ₹6 crore in advance ticket sales, outpacing the parallel Diwali release Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa.
Plot Premise and Cultural Angle
Ayushmann steps into the shoes of a Delhi journalist named Alok, who stumbles upon a hidden vampire enclave after an encounter with Rashmika’s enigmatic character and Nawazuddin’s ancient predator. The narrative layers slapstick humor over gothic horror, a blend the director hopes will satisfy both festival‑circuit aficionados and mass‑market moviegoers.
“It’s like ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ meets ‘Brahmastra’, but with a distinctly Indian flavor,” the director explained in a press briefing. The film’s teaser, marketed as “Vampires of Vijayanagar,” showcases lush period sets mixed with modern Delhi streets, underscoring the dual timeline concept.
Box‑Office Preview and Competition
Industry analysts are betting that Thama’s Hindi‑language reach gives it a logistical edge over Loka, which was confined primarily to South Indian territories before its dubbed releases. "The Hindi belt accounts for roughly 45 % of India’s total cinema revenue," notes film trade analyst Sagar Mehta. "If Thama can capture even half of that, it will easily eclipse Loka’s lifetime gross in its first weekend."
However, the Diwali weekend is notoriously crowded. Apart from Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, a family drama titled Rangoon Raat and a superhero spectacle Captain Mangal are also slated for the same Friday. The clash could fragment audiences, but Ayushmann’s track record of turning niche concepts into box‑office gold (think Andhadhun and Dream Girl) gives him a solid buffer.
Critical Reception and Industry Reactions
Early screenings have sparked a chorus of praise for the film’s tonal balance. One reviewer wrote, "Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a flawless mix of terror and mirth, while Rashmika Mandanna takes on perhaps the most demanding role of her career." Nawazuddin’s vampire, described as “delightfully grotesque yet oddly endearing,” has already become a meme on social platforms.
Even Loka’s director, Venu Lakshmi, offered a public nod, stating via Twitter, "Congrats to the Thama team. Healthy competition pushes us all forward." The sentiment was echoed by several Indian film‑policy observers, who see the rising trend of myth‑based blockbusters as a sign of cultural confidence on the global stage.
What’s Next for Thama and Its Team?
Following the Diwali debut, the producers have penciled a theatrical run of at least eight weeks, after which the film will head to streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Ayushmann hinted that if the box‑office meets expectations, a sequel could be on the table, possibly expanding the vampire lore to other Indian cities.
Meanwhile, Rashmika is slated to begin work on a bilingual romance called Moonlit Mirage, and Nawazuddin has confirmed a cameo in an upcoming period drama about the Mughal empire.
- Release date: 21 October 2025 (Diwali)
- Lead actors: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Budget: Estimated ₹120 crore
- Advance bookings: ₹6 crore (as of early October)
- Key competition: Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, Rangoon Raat, Captain Mangal
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Thama differ from Loka Chapter 1?
Thama is a Hindi‑language horror‑comedy that leans heavily on Indian myth, while Loka Chapter 1 is a Malayalam fantasy‑action rooted in South Indian folklore. Thama’s comedic tone and wider language reach give it a broader market, whereas Loka relied on regional authenticity to break box‑office records.
What is the expected box‑office performance for Thama?
Analysts project a first‑weekend haul of ₹40‑50 crore in India, driven by strong advance bookings and the star power of Ayushmann. If the film maintains momentum, it could cross the ₹200 crore mark within three weeks, comfortably outpacing most Diwali releases.
Who are the key creative minds behind Thama?
The film is directed by debutant Karan Mehta, known for his short‑film work on Indian folklore. Writer‑producer Priyanka Sharma adapted the script, blending horror tropes with witty dialogue. Music is scored by composer Amit Trivedi, whose background score mixes traditional instruments with electronic beats.
Will Thama be available on streaming platforms?
Yes. After an eight‑week theatrical window, the rights have been sold to Netflix for global streaming. A dubbed version in Tamil and Telugu is also planned to maximize regional viewership.
What cultural significance does Thama hold?
Thama aims to bring lesser‑known Indian legends, especially the Vikram‑Betal tales, to a mass audience. By packaging folklore in a modern comedy‑horror format, the film hopes to spark renewed interest in indigenous stories and encourage more filmmakers to mine the country’s rich narrative heritage.
