In a landmark move for his decade-long career, Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is set to headline his first major festive release with the horror-comedy Thama, arriving in theaters during Diwali 2025. The film is scheduled for release on October 20 and marks a significant milestone in Khurrana’s journey from indie cinema to box office mainstay.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thama promises to be a key installment in the studio’s expanding horror-comedy universe. Known for his socially relevant comedies and unconventional choices, Khurrana’s involvement signals a strategic shift toward high-profile movie releases that cater to mass audiences during India’s most lucrative box office window.
“It feels amazing to have a big Diwali release with Thama. It is the biggest release of my career and I’m eager to spread joy, happiness, and laughter across the country,” Khurrana said. “The idea that my film could contribute to someone’s festive cheer is a surreal feeling.”
Maddock Films, already a key player in the film industry, is capitalizing on the genre’s popularity. Their slate of interconnected horror-comedies—launched with the 2018 hit Stree—continues with Thama as the opening chapter of a cinematic universe comprising eight films to be released by 2028. Following Thama, Shakti Shalini is set to debut on December 31, with Bhediya 2, Chamunda, Stree 3, and Mahamunjya slated for 2026 and 2027. The saga will conclude with Pehla Mahayudh and Doossra Mahayudh, the latter also timed for a Diwali launch in 2028.
Starring alongside Khurrana are Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The screenplay is penned by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara. The production is being led by Vijan and Amar Kaushik, who are known for their genre-bending storytelling in past Maddock successes.
“Everyone—from our producers to the technical crew—is pouring their heart into this film. We want Thama to be a memorable big-screen experience for everyone,” Khurrana added.
The Diwali release slot has historically been dominated by Bollywood’s biggest names and most ambitious projects. That Thama stands alone in the release calendar this year underscores Khurrana’s ascent as a commercial force. His previous hits have made him synonymous with smartly written scripts, but Thama positions him in a more traditional Bollywood spotlight.
“For me, Diwali has always been about community and watching a movie with loved ones,” said Khurrana, recalling his own tradition of visiting cinemas with family during the festival. “It’s the best kind of shared experience.”
The genre, a blend of scares and laughs, has evolved into a defining feature of Maddock Films’ brand. With roots in folklore and supernatural themes wrapped in comedy movie plots, the films have tapped into a previously underexplored niche in Hindi cinema, bringing new life to genre filmmaking in India.
Adding to its banner year, Maddock’s epic Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, has become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 so far—solidifying the studio’s dominance across genres.
As Thama prepares to light up screens this Diwali, expectations are high for both the movie and Khurrana’s first foray into blockbuster holiday territory.
