Thama Teaser Review: A Bloody, Mythical Love Story
Bollywood thrives on reinvention, and Thama proves that the horror-comedy genre still has room for experimentation. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, this latest entry in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU) blends vampirism, mythology, and a haunting love story. With Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna leading the film, joined by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal, the teaser has set social media buzzing ahead of its Diwali 2025 release.
Let’s dive into what makes this teaser stand out, where it falters, and why Thama might redefine the genre.
The World of Thama: A Bold Concept
Unlike earlier MHCU films such as Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya, Thama doesn’t just promise jump scares and laughs. Instead, it frames the story around a romantic tragedy laced with supernatural power. Ayushmann plays Alok, described as the last hope of humanity. Rashmika embodies Tadaka, a mysterious figure who connects deeply with Alok but carries shadows from another world. Nawazuddin transforms into Yakshasan, a vampire-like creature that injects menace and unpredictability into the narrative. Paresh Rawal appears in a yet-undisclosed role that will likely anchor the mythological and comic undertones.
The film draws its title and concept from Ashwatthama, the immortal warrior from the Mahabharata. By invoking that name, the creators set expectations of legacy, revenge, and immortality, all wrapped in folklore and mysticism. The choice of mythology grounds the story in Indian cultural roots while borrowing the global language of vampire legends.
The Teaser: First Impressions
The teaser, released on 19 August 2025, runs for one minute and forty-nine seconds. From the very first frame, it announces itself as different from earlier MHCU entries. Here are the strongest beats:
- Ayushmann’s Presence – His gaze carries both desperation and resolve. He doesn’t come across as a comic relief character or a clueless hero. Instead, he appears burdened with responsibility, a man carrying secrets and destiny on his shoulders.
- Rashmika’s Mystique – Her character Tadaka blends vulnerability with supernatural allure. She moves like someone caught between two worlds: human love and a cursed immortal identity.
- Nawazuddin’s Steal-the-Show Moment – Within the first ten seconds, Nawazuddin dominates the screen. His line delivery, laced with mockery, brings menace and humor in equal measure. His makeup, sharp teeth, and unpredictable laughter make him the most memorable aspect of the teaser.
- Visual Flourish – The costume design leans on heavy gothic tones with hints of South Indian temple motifs. VFX shots reveal flying vampires, collapsing temples, and supernatural storms. Though not flawless, the effects look more polished than some earlier entries in the MHCU.
- Music That Elevates – The background score by Sachin–Jigar beats like a racing heart. Violins rise in intensity, drums pound like war signals, and a haunting female vocal line cuts through the chaos. The music ensures the teaser grips attention until the very end.
- Cameos and Item Number – The teaser confirms Malaika Arora’s special appearance in a dance sequence, while eagle-eyed fans spotted Varun Dhawan’s cameo as his Bhediya character. These additions expand the universe while feeding nostalgia.
Audience Reactions: Cheers and Jeers
The teaser sparked polarizing reactions online.
Excitement and Praise
Fans praised the gothic-romantic feel, the powerful music, and the promise of a larger-than-life cinematic universe. Many viewers admired the attempt to bring vampires into an Indian setting without diluting cultural references. The chemistry between Ayushmann and Rashmika, even in fleeting glimpses, drew positive comments. Supporters also pointed out that the MHCU now looks like a proper franchise, with recurring characters and interconnected storylines.
Mixed Criticism
At the same time, a wave of skepticism flooded social platforms. Some viewers dismissed the teaser as a “cheap copy of Twilight.” Others complained about “overdone VFX,” “cringe-worthy Nawaz moments,” and “forced item songs.” The unusual grading style, which leans heavily into neon green and crimson hues, also divided opinion.
Controversy Over Copying
One controversy grabbed headlines when fans noticed a rooftop sequence resembling a famous scene from the Korean drama My Demon. In both cases, the male character protects the female lead under a night sky, with eerily similar body language and camera angles. While some argued this looked like creative borrowing, others accused the makers of outright imitation. The debate hasn’t derailed the hype, but it does raise questions about originality.
Thematic Depth: Myth Meets Horror
What sets Thama apart is its willingness to root vampires in Indian mythology. Instead of relying on imported horror tropes, the film blends Vijayanagar history with elements of Mahabharata lore. Alok’s historian background hints at a story that oscillates between present-day India and ancient settings. This duality could elevate the narrative beyond predictable horror-comedy formulas.
By framing Tadaka as a supernatural love interest, the film explores the tragedy of forbidden romance. The tagline “A Bloody Love Story” emphasizes not just gore, but the emotional price of falling for someone beyond the human realm. This positions Thama as more than a scarefest—it wants to become a gothic romance with heart.
Marketing Strategy and Buzz
The build-up to the teaser was deliberate. On 18 August 2025, character posters flooded social media, showcasing Ayushmann, Rashmika, and Nawazuddin in striking, vampiric avatars. Fans dissected every detail, from Ayushmann’s symbolic pendant to Rashmika’s crimson gown. The next day, the teaser dropped, creating a 48-hour wave of discussion across platforms.
Actors themselves fueled momentum. Rashmika shared behind-the-scenes glimpses, laughing with the director and talking about folklore inspirations. Ayushmann teased his character as “the most layered role of his career.” Nawazuddin, in interviews, claimed he played Yakshasan as a mix of terror and comic relief, saying he wanted audiences to feel “both scared and entertained at the same time.”
What Works in Thama’s Favor
- Star Power – Ayushmann and Rashmika guarantee attention. Nawazuddin adds credibility as a performer who can balance eccentricity with menace.
- Cultural Anchoring – Mythological undertones distinguish Thama from global vampire stories.
- Music and Style – The score and gothic visuals elevate the teaser, promising a cinematic spectacle.
- Expanded Universe – Cameos and connections ensure continuity for long-time fans of the MHCU.
What Could Hurt Thama
- Risk of Cliché – Comparisons to Twilight and My Demon may weaken its originality.
- Overstuffed Elements – With romance, mythology, horror, comedy, cameos, and item songs all crammed in, the narrative risks becoming unfocused.
- Mixed Early Reactions – Divided opinions show that the film already walks a tightrope between hype and mockery.
Final Word: A Gamble Worth Watching
Thama dares to step outside the comfort zone of Indian horror-comedy. By mixing mythology with vampirism and placing a tragic love story at the center, it aims for fresh ground. The teaser doesn’t play safe—it screams ambition, even if that ambition risks falling flat.
As it stands, Thama promises spectacle, thrills, and drama. Whether it becomes the MHCU’s crown jewel or its weakest link will depend on the execution when it releases on 17 October 2025, just in time for Diwali. One thing remains certain: the film has already succeeded in sparking debate and grabbing attention, and in today’s crowded Bollywood landscape, that’s half the battle won.
