Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s much-awaited horror-comedy Thamma has finally hit theaters, and early box office numbers suggest a strong start. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, the movie opened to positive audience response on its first day, continuing the successful streak of Maddock’s horror-comedy universe that began with Stree and Bhediya.
A Promising Opening Day
According to early trade reports, Thamma earned around ₹20.9 crore (net) across India on its opening day. The film was released on October 21, 2025, strategically aligning with the festive Diwali weekend, which helped boost footfalls in theaters nationwide.
Morning shows saw an average occupancy of 15–16%, but by the afternoon and evening, occupancy levels rose significantly as word of mouth started spreading. In many urban centers such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune, the evening shows ran nearly full, indicating growing interest in the movie.
Trade tracker Sacnilk estimated that Thamma’s Day 1 performance is among the better openings for Ayushmann Khurrana in recent years. The film’s blend of comedy, folklore, and light horror appears to have resonated well with family audiences seeking festive entertainment.
Strong Advance Booking Figures
Thamma recorded impressive advance bookings before release. According to reports, advance sales stood at around ₹6.37 crore, excluding blocked seats. Maharashtra led in pre-bookings with a contribution of ₹2.24 crore, followed by the Delhi-NCR and Gujarat circuits.
The early buzz began after the film’s teaser and trailer went viral, especially for Rashmika Mandanna’s striking vampire look. Her portrayal became a trending topic on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, further driving curiosity and ticket sales.
Star Power and Audience Pull
Ayushmann Khurrana’s return to the big screen in a genre he had not explored before has been a major draw. His comic timing, paired with Rashmika’s charm and Maddock Films’ proven formula of horror-comedy, helped the film attract a wide audience.
Rashmika’s fans turned out in large numbers, particularly in South Indian states where the film was released in multiple languages. Her fitness transformation and unique vampire-inspired avatar have been widely discussed in entertainment circles, adding to the movie’s overall hype.
Comparison with Other Maddock Horror-Comedies
Thamma is part of the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU), which includes successful titles like Stree, Roohi, and Bhediya. The universe’s consistent appeal and interconnected storylines have helped create a loyal fan base.
While Stree opened at ₹6.8 crore and Bhediya at ₹12 crore, Thamma’s ₹20.9 crore debut marks a major leap for the franchise. The higher earnings also suggest that audience trust in the MHCU brand is growing stronger with each release.
Critical and Audience Response
Early reviews have been largely positive. Critics have praised the film’s humor, special effects, and the chemistry between the lead actors. Some have also appreciated the balance of spooky and emotional moments that make Thamma more than just a comedy.
Audiences have called it “entertaining” and “perfect for the festive season.” The film’s blend of laughter, jump scares, and heartwarming themes appears to have resonated effectively. However, a few reviews have noted pacing issues in the second half, which might affect repeat viewings.
Weekend Expectations
Trade analysts predict that Thamma could maintain its momentum through the weekend. We expect family audiences to contribute to steady collections as the festive holidays continue. If the trend holds, the film could cross ₹60 crore by Sunday and possibly join the ₹100 crore club within the first week.
The absence of any major competing release this week also gives Thamma a clear advantage at the box office. Positive word of mouth and fan engagement on social media are likely to help sustain its strong run.
