From a small-town boy to a national award-winning actor, Ayushmann Khurrana has carved a niche unlike anyone else in Bollywood. Known for choosing socially relevant yet commercially viable scripts, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of mainstream Hindi cinema.
After beginning his career as a television anchor, Ayushmann burst onto the big screen with Vicky Donor (2012), a groundbreaking dramedy that redefined “taboo” topics in Hindi films. Over the years, hits like Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Badhaai Ho, Andhadhun, Article 15, and Dream Girl established him as one of India’s most dependable actors — balancing content with commerce.
Now, with Thamma, Ayushmann continues his legacy of choosing bold, entertaining, and offbeat stories that connect deeply with audiences.
About the Film: Thamma – The Next Big Chapter in the Horror-Comedy Universe
Released on October 21, 2025, during the festive Diwali weekend, Thamma marks Ayushmann Khurrana’s entry into the growing Horror-Comedy Universe that began with Stree, Roohi, and Bhediya.
The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring:
- Rashmika Mandanna as the mysterious village schoolteacher with a hidden past,
- Paresh Rawal in a comically eerie role as the temple priest,
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the eccentric ghost-hunter,
- With surprise cameos by Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Banerjee, linking Thamma to the larger supernatural universe.
Plot Snapshot (Spoiler-Free)
Set in a fictional North-Indian town called Thammar Gaon, the story follows a young man (Ayushmann Khurrana) who returns to his ancestral home only to encounter a spirit that has been haunting his family for generations. Balancing humor, horror, and heartfelt emotion, Thamma cleverly explores the theme of inherited fears and modern skepticism — all wrapped in the laughter-and-jump-scare formula that audiences love.
The film’s blend of small-town realism and supernatural humor resonates with Ayushmann’s trademark storytelling — quirky, clever, and relatable.
Box Office Report: Thamma Takes the Diwali Crown
Within just four days of release, Thamma has taken the box office by storm, earning a massive ₹64.65 crore — a remarkable feat for a mid-budget Hindi film.
Box Office Breakdown:
- Day 1 (Tuesday): ₹24 crore (record-breaking opening)
- Day 2 (Wednesday): ₹18.6 crore
- Day 3 (Thursday): ₹13 crore
- Day 4 (Friday): ₹9.55 crore
Total (4 Days): ₹64.65 crore
While some might note a slight drop after the opening, industry insiders highlight that Diwali releases traditionally stabilize over the extended weekend, with family audiences driving repeat viewings.
Ayushmann’s 7th Biggest Hit — Surpassing Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan
With this performance, Thamma has officially surpassed the lifetime earnings of Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, which previously stood as Ayushmann’s 7th highest grosser.
That milestone is especially symbolic: Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan was celebrated for its bold portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, proving Ayushmann’s ability to take risks on sensitive topics. Thamma now builds on that daring streak — but in a completely different genre.
Trade analysts predict that the film will cross ₹100 crore before the end of its first week, making it one of Ayushmann’s fastest century-grossers.
Future of the Horror-Comedy Universe
Following Thamma’s success, fans can expect Ayushmann to become a recurring face in India’s Horror-Comedy Universe. The film subtly sets up his character’s crossover into Varun Dhawan’s upcoming Bhediya 2 — hinting at a connected supernatural world.
Meanwhile, Ayushmann is gearing up for:
- Sooraj Barjatya’s next family drama with Sharvari Wagh, where he plays the new-generation Prem.
- Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, a quirky romantic comedy co-starring Rakul Preet Singh, Sara Ali Khan, and Wamiqa Gabbi.
This diverse lineup showcases his continued commitment to experimenting with genres — from horror to family drama to romance.
Why Thamma Works
- Festive Timing: A perfect Diwali release that balanced humor and thrill for all audiences.
- Strong Performances: Ayushmann’s comic timing and emotional depth elevate the film beyond genre clichés.
- Star-Studded Ensemble: Rashmika’s charm, Paresh Rawal’s humor, and Nawazuddin’s eccentricity offer a powerhouse combination.
- Cross-Universe Appeal: Cameos by Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Banerjee keep fans invested in the connected supernatural world.
- Word-of-Mouth Buzz: Social-media chatter praises Thamma’s balance of scares and satire — a rare feat in Bollywood.
Conclusion: Ayushmann’s Winning Streak Continues
With Thamma, Ayushmann Khurrana reaffirms his box-office power and artistic versatility. Blending spooky elements with satire and heart, the film is yet another reminder of why he remains India’s most reliable entertainer.
As Thamma inches toward the ₹100-crore mark, it not only becomes his 7th biggest hit but also cements his role as a key figure in the evolution of India’s horror-comedy genre.
