Ahead of Thamma release, Ayushmann Khurrana opens up on staying away from taboo-based films: 'It has to be for a bigger palette'

On October 21, entertainment fans will be witnessing a 'bloody love story' with the release of Thamma. The Maddock Universe's (Stree, Stree 2, Bhediya, and Munjya) horror comedy film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal in lead roles. While we are used to seeing Ayushmann in the lover boy era or a taboo-based film, he has shifted gears with Thamma. In a new interview, Ayushmann opened up about the same. 

Ayushmann Khurrana on Thamma

During the FICCI Frames event in Mumbai, Ayushmann Khurrana revealed that Thamma is not just another film for him; it is a major milestone in his career. He also opened up about his new strategy for selecting films after the pandemic.

According to Ayushmann, the film is based on Indian folklore and will introduce a new, powerful entity. “We’ve heard about Daityas (demonic Gods), Thaama is the most powerful Daitya,” he explained.

He added, “This is my first Diwali release… This is my biggest release in terms of scale, marketing, and universe. I think this is the most successful universe in the history of Hindi cinema. And I’m very excited about it. It’s a commercial film, Diwali, family, everything.”

Also Read: Thamma's release date revealed—here's when you can expect Ayushmann Khurrana's horror comedy film in theaters

Ayushmann Khurrana on movie away from taboo subjects

Ayushmann also admitted that before the pandemic, his choices were more taboo-based, but now he is consciously moving in a different direction to appeal to a wider audience.

“I’m staying slightly away from taboo but not from quirk. It has to be for a bigger palette, a larger palette, more rooted, more commercial in a way," he said. 

He also explained that although he will continue with his "keeda" films because that is his main focus, he wants to make sure they are not controversial. 

About Thamma

Thamma is a 2025 Indian horror-comedy film starring Ayushmann Khurrana as a historian and Rashmika Mandanna in a supernatural-romantic role. In the film, Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be seen as a vampire, while Paresh Rawal will play a key role. 

This story follows a modern historian in Delhi who, through flashbacks, uncovers a centuries-old vampire love story originating from ancient Indian folklore, specifically the city of Vijayanagara.

Catch Thamma in theaters on October 21, 2025!

FAQs

Q: Is Thamma connected to Stree?

A: Yes, Thamma is connected to the Stree universe, created by Maddock Films, which also includes the films Stree and Bhediya. Ayushmann Khurrana will star as a vampire in Thamma, which is part of this horror-comedy franchise.

Q: How is Munjya linked to Stree?

A: The universe-building began with Bhediya, in which characters from Stree appeared. This was followed by Munjya, where characters from Bhediya and Stree appeared. Bhediya's characters continued in Stree 2, making Stree and Bhediya the central link connecting the three films.

Q: When can I watch Thamma?

A: Thamma will hit theaters on October 21, 2025.