The trailer for "Thamma," the latest installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), has sparked speculation about the return of Varun Dhawan as Bhediya. The film, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, is slated to release in theaters on October 21, 2025, coinciding with Diwali.
"Thamma" stars Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok, who transforms into a vampire, and Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka, a character rooted in ancient lore. The trailer teases a battle between a werewolf and a vampire, leading many to anticipate Varun Dhawan's return as Bhediya. However, in an exclusive interview with Zoom, Niren Bhatt, the writer of "Thamma" and a key member of the MHCU writing team, hinted that the identity of Bhediya in the film might not be as straightforward as it seems.
Bhatt teased a surprise regarding who plays Bhediya in "Thamma". While the trailer includes a brief appearance of Varun Dhawan as Bhediya, Bhatt's comments suggest there could be a twist. He confirmed that all characters from the universe will eventually unite. This has led to speculation that Kriti Sanon, who played Dr. Anika Mittal in "Bhediya," could also be reprising her role, potentially even as a werewolf.
"Thamma" also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan and Paresh Rawal. The film is written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara. The trailer introduces a narrative where Rashmika Mandanna's Tadaka revives a thousand-year-old legend, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Yakshaashan confronts Ayushmann Khurrana's Alok, who transitions into a vampire.
The film's music is composed by Sachin–Jigar, promising a blend of eerie and energetic tracks. The trailer also teases energetic dance numbers from Rashmika Mandanna and Nora Fatehi.
"Thamma" is the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, following "Stree," "Roohi," and "Bhediya". The trailer promises a mix of horror, action, and romance, balanced with the signature comedic elements of the MHCU. However, the tone of "Thamma" leans darker than previous films in the universe, signaling a shift toward more serious storytelling while maintaining a satirical edge.
