‘Thamma’, the much-anticipated next chapter in Dinesh Vijan’s expanding horror-comedy universe, finally gave audiences a first glimpse of its world with the launch of its official trailer on Friday.

The film, directed by Munjya filmmaker Aditya Sarpotdar, stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles and is set to hit theatres worldwide on October 21, coinciding with Diwali.

According to a PTI report, the trailer was unveiled at a grand event in Mumbai, with Stree star Shraddha Kapoor joining the celebrations. The makers introduced the film as a “forgotten legend from folklore” reimagined for today’s audiences, describing it as “a bloody love story” at the core of Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU). Fans also got their first look at the newly revealed visual identity of the MHCU, a cinematic world that began with Stree and has since expanded through Bhediya and Munjya.

The trailer showcases Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok, a man caught between love and an unsettling curse. With bloodshot eyes, no pulse, and skin burning under sunlight, his character hints at vampiric undertones. Rashmika Mandanna appears as Tadaka, an ancient figure revived from legend, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Yakshaashan delivers an eerie proclamation, adding to the film’s chilling tone. The clip builds into a visual spectacle with heavy use of VFX, setting up an ambitious scale rarely seen in Indian horror comedies.

Producer Dinesh Vijan said the goal with ‘Thamma’ was to take the universe to its next stage not just in story but also in ambition and technology. “It’s a forgotten Indian story we have revived, rooted in folklore but built for global audiences,” he said. Co-producer Amar Kaushik added that ‘Thamma’ also introduces the first love story within the MHCU, promising a blend of horror, humour, and heart for family audiences.

Ayushmann Khurrana described the role as a thrilling addition to his career, calling Alok “a flawed, vulnerable man suddenly burdened with powers he doesn’t fully understand.” Rashmika Mandanna said the character of Tadaka challenged her in new ways, while director Aditya Sarpotdar said ‘Thamma’ was scarier and funnier than his earlier work, Munjya.

The teaser, also released today, opens with an emotional exchange between the leads: Ayushmann’s voiceover asking, “Reh paogi mere bina, sau saalon tak?” to which Rashmika replies, ‘Sau saal kya, ek pal ke liye bhi nahi.’ The dialogue, set against a haunting backdrop, hints at the timeless, tragic romance driving the film.

Written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Falara, ‘Thamma’ has been shot extensively in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ooty. The supporting cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Diana Penty, Vijay Raaz, Faisal Malik, and Geeta Aggarwal, while Varun Dhawan makes a cameo as Bhaskar (Bhediya), further cementing the crossover nature of the universe. Malaika Arora and Nora Fatehi are also set to appear in special songs. Music is composed by Sachin–Jigar.

With its theatrical release lined up for Diwali 2025, ‘Thamma’ is expected to not only take Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe to a new level but also offer audiences a spectacle that blends folklore, fantasy, and romance in equal measure.