Ayushmann Khurrana Talks ‘Thama,’ Latest Entry in Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe (EXCLUSIVE)

India’s Maddock Films is expanding its successful horror-comedy universe with “Thama,” starring Ayushmann Khurrana in his first venture into the genre.

The film, due a 2025 theatrical release during the Diwali holiday frame, marks a departure for the universe by incorporating a love story element.

“I’m excited that Dinesh Vijan feels this is the best time for me to enter his blockbuster horror-comedy universe in and as Thama,” says Khurrana, following the success of “Stree 2,” which has emerged as one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films. “I am thrilled to be part of this universe’s legacy as it moves forward and also feel responsible to give audiences a theatrical experience that they will remember for years to come.”

The film brings together an ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Aditya Sarpotdar directs from a screenplay by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara, with Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik producing.

Khurrana, who previously collaborated with Vijan on “Bala,” sees “Thama” as another opportunity for innovation. “Dinesh and I have a similar passion for disruption,” he notes. “‘Thama’ is our second collaboration and it is so new that I can’t wait for the reaction of people when they see it in theaters next Diwali. The manner in which Dinesh is crafting this universe’s every beat is truly commendable and he deserves all the love and adulation that he is receiving. As a friend, collaborator and admirer of his work, I can only see this universe growing from strength to strength given the grand ideas of expansion that he has.”

The actor emphasizes the unique positioning of “Thama” within Maddock’s horror-comedy universe. “The fact that ‘Thama’ is the first love story of the horror comedy universe is all the more exciting,” he says. “The promise of it being a ‘bloody’ love story is also a supremely unique and a compelling pitch for today’s audience who want clutter-breaking theatrical experiences. ‘Thama’ is that project, a total wildcard, a film that no one has seen in India. I’m really pumped to join the sets of this film and create a huge big screen experience with Dinesh and his entire team of fellow visionaries like Amar Kaushik, my director Aditya Sarpotdar and the writing genius Niren Bhatt.”

The film follows Maddock’s recent successes with “Stree 2” and “Munjya,” further cementing the production house’s reputation for blending horror and comedy elements. For Khurrana, this represents a significant addition to his diverse filmography. “‘Thama’ is a project of a lifetime for me and I know that I will give my heart and soul for people to hopefully shower it with unanimous love,” he adds.

Horror-comedy “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” released last week during the Diwali holiday and is a hit with a $23 million gross so far. Cop action film “Singham Again,” which opened on the same day, is also a hit with more than $24 million and counting.