After Thamma, MHCU planning 'battle of two superheroes' - Ayushmann Khurrana's Betaal vs. Varun Dhawan's Bhediya

Thamma an MHCU film directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, reimagines vampires based on the Indian legend of the betaal, not Western tradition. It features a massive betaal vs. werewolf (Bhediya) battle.

Thamma vs Bhediya

The vampire dramedy Thamma (directed by Aditya Sarpotdar) includes Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui and introduces audiences to a new monster breed. The film is the latest installment in the ever-growing Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) although according to Sarpotdar, the concept behind it is actually based on Indian legend rather than Western tradition.

Indian legend as foundation for film's concept

At one point, the filmmaker thought vampires were something that happened only in the West, linked to things like "biting cold, dark nights, and Gothic architecture." But he did find something crucial in his studies. Sarpotdar told Mid Day that when they were researching, they realised that the idea of betaals preceded the concept of vampires. He shared that there are several articles referencing how the Western vampire might have been an offshoot of the betaal idea from the Indian subcontinent. This insight laid the groundwork for reimagining the myth with a true Indian flavour.

The filmmaker modelled the distinctive creatures in the film after those in the iconic Hindi TV serial Vikram Aur Betaal. Siddiqui drew inspiration for his role from the ephemeral Betaal. Sarpotdar observed that Betaal was eccentric, intelligent, and crafty. He would vanish after posing puzzles to Vikram, who would then burst into laughter. It serves as an inspiration for the actor's character in many respects. Unpredictable, naughty, and a little insane—that's him.

ALSO READ: Thamma Review: Ayushmann & Rashmika Serve the MHCU’s First Snooze Chapter

Bringing the "Betaal World" set to life

Sarpotdar, who had before directed the horror-comedy Munjya in 2024, worked with creator Amar Kaushik and writer Niren Bhatt to gradually bring the Thamma universe to life. As the filmmaker was shooting at night at Goregaon's Film City, the "madness" of the situation finally hit him. They were filming in their enormous Betaal World set at Film City, he said. As soon as the actors started physically portraying the betaals and wore their fangs, it seemed insane. After just a few nights, they felt a sense of belonging.

Mandanna, who wowed the director during her look test, was the first betaal cast. Sarpotdar said that in the look test, when she came out in costume and they gave her the fangs, the first pose she struck was perfect—this without even a brief. Her portrayal had an air of both icy seriousness and warm friendliness, which he found enthralling. She brought the role to life with her expressive eyes and body language, which evoked a primal, jungle-like feel.

Planned "Bhediya versus Thamma" crossover battle

With a pivotal battle scene involving Khurrana's character and the beloved werewolf, Varun Dhawan (Bhediya), Thamma carries on the MHCU tradition of crossovers. According to the filmmaker, "the Bhediya versus Thamma face-off was always planned" in the script. They had to go at each other at a Batman-Superman level, and he was going for a dramatic confrontation. By making sure Dhawan's presentation was memorable, he brought attention to the importance of pleasing fans. Sarpotdar added that because of how much everyone loves Bhediya his entrance—the slow-motion reveal that would make you whistle—had to be epic. Afterwards, the werewolf's identity is revealed, and both are crafted to be significant occasions.

With Stree, Sarkata, and the werewolves already present, Sarpotdar reveals that the filmmakers are diligently planning the next significant event in the universe. He points out that many people feel there is huge potential for this universe to unfold further. With the finales of Stree Bhediya, and Thamma, they are down to their last remaining wild card: a giant battle between betaals and werewolves. The tension between two formidable superheroes will culminate in a showdown when they ultimately square off. The most exciting and powerful way conceivable is how they want it to play out.

FAQs:

Q: Who stars in the film Thamma?

A: The film Thamma stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Q: Is Thamma part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU)?

A: Yes, Thamma is the latest addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), which also includes the films Stree and Bhediya.

Q: Who is the director of Thamma?

A: The director of Thamma is Aditya Sarpotdar, who previously directed the 2024 horror comedy hit Munjya.

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