Ayushmann Khurrana has joined the Maddock horror comedy universe with their upcoming film, Thamma. He plays a vampire in the film which also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles.

The film’s trailer was unveiled on Friday by the makers in an event in Mumbai. Speaking during the trailer launch, Ayushmann said, “This is something which is very special and I've always wanted to do this, be a part of the Maddock horror comedy universe. I play a common man having uncommon things around me, with the supernatural powers and I don't know what to do with that. So, this is something which is very unique. The universe is carrying forward the next chapter with Thamma. It's really exciting. It's new to me. It's disruptive again.”  

He added, “There is more comedy and less horror (in the film). It is a family entertainer. This is the first time any film of mine is releasing on Diwali. I am doubly excited. Every actor has this bucket list. The Thamma chapter will add so much to the horror universe and it is carrying (story) forward.”

Producer Dinesh Vijan also attended the event and said that it was India’s rich folklore which inspired the first film, Stree (2018) in the universe. “We have left breadcrumbs throughout the films. But the idea was that I feel that India has such a rich folklore. Even if you look at Thamma, we look to the West for these kinds of films... We are such an old civilisation, a lot of original ideas are actually taken from our history,” he said.

Thamma is written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew and Arun Fulara and helmed by Munjya (2024) director Aditya Sarpotdar. It features music and background score by Sachin-Jigar with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik and co-produced by Sharada Karki Jalota, Pooja Prem Patheja, Thamma will be released in theatres on Diwali on October 21.