Ayushmann Khurrana’s latest film Thamma, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, had the promise of being a thrilling addition to Maddock Films’ growing horror-comedy universe. With a strong cast that includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rashmika Mandanna, and Paresh Rawal, the film looked like it could be another clever mix of humour, horror, and heart — but what unfolds on screen is a confused, half-alive tale that never finds its rhythm.
On paper, Thamma sounds exciting. It follows Alok (played by Ayushmann), an ordinary man who mysteriously turns into a Baital — a vampire-like creature forced to feed on human blood. Amidst his strange transformation, he falls in love, creating an emotional conflict between love and survival. The idea of a man torn between his human emotions and monstrous instincts could have been deeply moving. Unfortunately, the execution is far from gripping.
The first hour drags at an almost painful pace. Scenes stretch without purpose, and the story takes too long to find its direction. The setup is there — a cursed man, a forbidden love, a mysterious villain — but the screenplay keeps circling the same points, leaving viewers restless rather than curious. 
Aditya Sarpotdar, who earlier gave us Munjya (2024), seems unsure whether he wants Thamma to be a dark romantic tale or a quirky horror comedy. The result is a confused tone that makes the film feel uneven and emotionally flat.
