Thamma Trailer Divides Fans: Is Ayushmann-Rashmika’s Vampire Romance Overhyped or Underrated?

The recently released trailer for Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, has sparked polarized reactions across social media, with fans and critics split over its tone, visuals, and narrative promise. The film—part of the Maddock film universe that spawned hits like Stree, Munjya, and Bhediya—attempts to marry horror, romance, and comedy under one roof.

Mixed Reactions Flood X and Comment Threads

While some viewers praised the trailer’s ambition, others accused it of relying too heavily on style over substance. Supporters lauded the leads’ chemistry, saying they bring emotional weight even in a supernatural setup. They felt the trailer offered glimpses of a fresh vampire love story rooted in Indian folklore. Some also applauded the surprising cameo of Varun Dhawan reprising his Bhediya persona, seeing it as a smart way to tie in the broader universe.

On the flip side, detractors critiqued the trailer as derivative and formulaic. A few fans went as far as to dub it a “copy of Twilight,” complaining about stock supernatural clichés like slow-motion stares, blood motifs, and gothic visuals that haven’t been reimagined. One comment read, “This is exactly what I expected, low on originality,” while another warned that Thamma might be “a desperate attempt to cash in on the success of Stree 2.”

The visual effects also came under fire—some said the CGI looked inconsistent, calling it the kind of high-concept promise that might fall flat in execution. A few skeptics argued the trailer leaned too heavily into mood and hint-dropping without giving clarity on the plot, leaving more questions than excitement.

The Stakes: Universe Fatigue vs. Franchise Strength

Thamma carries the burden of being the fifth installment in Maddock’s horror-comedy universe. That legacy is a double-edged sword: on one hand, built-in expectations can draw audiences; on the other, franchise fatigue looms large. Some critics questioned whether integrating a romantic vampire narrative into a universe known for quirky horror-comedy is a bold evolution or a misstep.

The inclusion of Varun Dhawan’s cameo was praised by fans who love universe interconnectivity—but some saw it as forced fan service, possibly overshadowing the leads. Either way, it suggests the makers are banking on shared lore to carry Thamma.

What the Trailer Promises

From the glimpses of the trailer, Thamma seems to explore an eternal bond that transcends time, set against horror backdrops and mythological lore. Ayushmann plays a historian tracing the roots of vampirism, while Rashmika’s character appears entwined with darkness and destiny. Narratives shift between ancient and modern timelines, layering mythology onto romance.Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as the apparent antagonist “Yakshasan,” emerges early as a scene stealer, balancing menace with subtle humor. The trailer also hints at dance sequences, an item number with Malaika Arora, and the usual Maddock taste for quirky tonal shifts.

Will Thamma Live Up to the Hype?

The controversy may actually serve Thamma well—with divided opinions stirring curiosity, the trailer might succeed in drawing audiences in to form their own verdicts. If the film leans too much toward style or universe gimmicks, backlash could overshadow the narrative. But if it delivers a strong core love story with engaging characters and balanced genre elements, it could rewrite how horror-romance is done in India.

Either way, Thamma risks becoming a turning point for the Maddock universe: either it will be praised as a bold experiment or criticized as a fractured, overambitious extension.