Riding high on the success of his latest release, "Thamma," Ayushmann Khurrana visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to offer prayers and express gratitude for the film's successful opening. The film, a horror-comedy, marks Khurrana's biggest box office opening in his career.
"Thamma," directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, hit theaters on October 21, 2025, coinciding with Diwali festivities. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles, alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. It is the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), following "Stree," "Bhediya," and "Munjya". This time, the story follows a journalist (played by Ayushmann) whose encounter with a mysterious woman sets off a strange transformation into a vampiric creature called Betaal. As he wrestles with his own growing bloodlust, he also becomes humanity's last hope against an ancient evil.
According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "Thamma" earned ₹25.11 crore on its opening day. Some reports indicate ₹24 crore earned on its first day. On its second day, the film garnered an additional ₹7.12 crore, bringing its total to ₹31.12 crore. Globally, the film has minted ₹32 crore, beating "Saiyaara," "Stree," and "Bhediya". "Thamma" has surpassed "Housefull 5" and "Saiyaara," emerging as the fourth-highest-opening Bollywood film of 2025.
Khurrana was joined by "Thamma" producer Amar Kaushik during the temple visit. The actor was seen in a simple kurta-pyjama. Numerous fans gathered outside the temple, and Khurrana took the time to pose for photos with them.
Khurrana said in a press note that he was thrilled that "Thamma" was releasing during Diwali, as it was something he had always wished for in his career. He added that having carved a niche with his unique films, he was waiting for an opportunity to bring his brand of cinema to Diwali.
"Thamma" has received mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised the film's blend of horror, comedy, and folklore, as well as the performances of the cast. Other critics have noted the film's slow pacing and predictable plot. A reviewer on X described Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance as career-best and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as unpredictable. Another X review called ‘Thamma’ a Diwali Dhamaka and praised Aditya Sarpotdar’s direction.
Despite mixed reviews, the film has been a commercial success, capitalizing on the Diwali holiday. "Thamma's" strong opening day collection is one of the best for Hindi films this year. With a long week ahead, "Thamma" is expected to post a strong total for its extended opening weekend. Early projections indicate that the film could collect around ₹70 crore by Sunday.
