Rashmika Mandanna’s horror debut branded “downfall of Stree universe”
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The teaser of Thama, starring Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana, has finally been unveiled but has left the Internet split.
The film, the latest addition to producer Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, marks Rashmika’s first work in the genre.
Packed with familiar tropes from the horror universe — folklore references, a vampire, an item number featuring Malaika Arora, and a fresh lead pair — the teaser has not managed to fully impress audiences, who had high expectations from the franchise.
One fan dismissed the teaser outright, writing: “Downfall Of Stree Universe,” while another said, “This is what I expected, though the visuals could have been better, it seems they saved the best for Mahayudh.”
Comparisons were also drawn to older horror comedies.
A user posted: “#Thama poster didn't match quality of #AkshayKumar Sir's Bhoot Bungla movie posters. Man this movie could have been riot at the Box office if it got diwali release like thama. But now we have to wait till next year April.”
Others highlighted concerns about execution: “Delivers exactly what you'd expect from this universe. Now that it's leaning more into the fantasy side, I just hope the VFX-CGI stays consistent. Wishing for a more mature tone this time... and Nawaz, please don't go overboard with the acting. #Thama.”
The teaser was also criticised for lacking originality, with one user calling it a “Cheap copy of Twilight in form of #Thama #ThamaThisDiwali.”
While some viewers hailed Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the saving grace, others were less convinced, commenting: “Cringe Nawaz, weird grading, boring teaser... #Thama already feels like the weakest link in the Maddock Cinematic Universe.”
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, with a screenplay by Niren Bhatt, Arun Fulara, and Suresh Mathew, the film also stars Paresh Rawal in a key role.
Thama is scheduled for release this Diwali.