Ayushmann Khurrana Talks ‘Thama,’ Latest Entry in Maddock’s Horror-Comedy Universe (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran India’s Maddock Films is expanding its successful horror-comedy universe with “Thama,” starring Ayushmann Khurrana in his first venture into the genre.

The film, due a 2025 theatrical release during the Diwali holiday frame, marks a departure for the universe by incorporating a love story element. “I’m excited that Dinesh Vijan feels this is the best time for me to enter his blockbuster horror-comedy universe in and as Thama,” says Khurrana, following the success of “Stree 2,” which has emerged as one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films. “I am thrilled to be part of this universe’s legacy as it moves forward and also feel responsible to give audiences a theatrical experience that they will remember for years to come.” The film brings together an ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Aditya Sarpotdar directs from a screenplay by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara, with Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik producing.

Khurrana, who previously collaborated with Vijan on “Bala,” sees “Thama” as another opportunity for innovation. “Dinesh and I have a similar passion for disruption,” he notes. “‘Thama’ is our second collaboration and it is so new that I can’t wait for the reaction of people when they see it in theaters next Diwali.