Ayushmann and Rashmika’s festive release becomes one of the biggest surprise hits of the year
Bollywood’s latest horror-comedy Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, has taken the global box office by storm. The film, which released earlier this week during the festive Diwali season, has raked in an impressive ₹72 crore worldwide in just three days, making it one of the strongest openings for a mid-budget Hindi film this year. With this performance, Thamma has reportedly surpassed the lifetime collection of Baaghi 4, setting a new benchmark for genre cinema in 2025.
A Terrific Opening Weekend: Box Office Breakdown
Thamma opened on a strong note on Tuesday, drawing crowds across both multiplexes and single screens. The festive holiday ensured packed shows in major urban centers such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, while Tier-2 cities like Lucknow, Indore, and Surat also contributed significantly to its numbers.
Here’s the estimated day-wise breakdown of the film’s performance so far:
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Day 1 (Tuesday): ₹24 crore
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Day 2 (Wednesday): ₹19 crore
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Day 3 (Thursday): ₹17 crore
This brings the film’s domestic total to around ₹60 crore (net) and ₹72 crore worldwide gross, including overseas markets like the Middle East, North America, and Australia. According to early trade reports, Thamma has already recovered a large portion of its production cost within the first three days of release.
Trade tracker Sacnilk reported nearly 80–85% occupancy across major circuits on opening day, with only a slight dip over the next two days — a sign of strong audience retention and positive word-of-mouth.
A Horror-Comedy with a Heart
Directed by Amar Kaushik, known for the Stree and Bhediya franchises, Thamma continues Maddock Films’ tradition of mixing supernatural thrills with humor and emotional depth. The film follows a small-town teacher (played by Ayushmann Khurrana) who encounters eerie happenings tied to his ancestral home, with Rashmika Mandanna playing a spirited journalist who uncovers the mystery behind “Thamma.”
What makes Thamma stand out is its balance of laughter and fear — a blend that Indian audiences have increasingly embraced in recent years. Reviewers have praised the film’s witty dialogues, tight screenplay, and strong performances, especially Khurrana’s effortless comic timing and Rashmika’s charm.
Critic Shubhra Gupta wrote in her review that Thamma “finds the perfect intersection of chills and chuckles,” while Bollywood Hungama called it “a smartly crafted crowd-pleaser that revitalizes the horror-comedy genre.”
Beats Baaghi 4 and Nears the Bhediya Benchmark
According to trade sources, Thamma’s worldwide collection of ₹72 crore has already overtaken the lifetime earnings of Baaghi 4, which concluded its run at approximately ₹68 crore globally. What’s more, it’s now inching closer to surpassing the first-week total of Bhediya (₹76 crore worldwide).
This achievement is significant because Thamma didn’t rely on high-octane action or a franchise fanbase. Instead, it succeeded through a combination of clever marketing, relatable humor, and a strong cast. The chemistry between Ayushmann and Rashmika has also been a major talking point among fans, contributing to repeat viewership.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted,
“What makes Thamma remarkable is that it delivers massive numbers without being a franchise film or a spectacle. It’s built purely on concept and performance — something we don’t see often in Hindi cinema anymore.”
Overseas Market and Global Reception
Thamma has also performed well internationally, particularly in the UAE, the US, and Australia. Overseas audiences have responded positively to its mix of comedy and folklore, helping it earn an estimated ₹12 crore from international markets in three days. The film’s strong overseas opening reflects Ayushmann Khurrana’s growing global fan base and Rashmika’s popularity following her pan-India appearances in films like Pushpa.
Exhibitors in Dubai and Toronto reported full-house evening shows during the Diwali weekend, and early reports indicate that Thamma has the potential to cross ₹100 crore worldwide within its first week if it maintains momentum over the weekend.
Audience Word-of-Mouth and Critical Reception
Audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is buzzing with praise for the film’s humor, storytelling, and unexpected twists. The hashtag #ThammaMagic trended on X (formerly Twitter) as fans shared their favorite moments and scenes.
While critics have pointed out minor pacing issues in the second half, most agree that the film’s entertainment quotient makes up for it. Rashmika’s lively performance and Ayushmann’s comic energy have been singled out as highlights.
Future Box Office Outlook
With strong word-of-mouth and minimal competition from other new releases, Thamma is well-positioned to sustain through its second week. Trade analysts predict that the film could easily cross the ₹125–130 crore worldwide mark if it continues at the current pace.
If it does, Thamma will officially become one of Ayushmann Khurrana’s highest-grossing films to date, surpassing even Dream Girl and Bala. Moreover, it will solidify Rashmika Mandanna’s position as a bona fide pan-India star capable of drawing audiences across regions.
Final Verdict: A Festive Winner with Fright and Fun
Thamma’s success proves that innovative storytelling and genre diversity can still work wonders at the Indian box office. In an era when many studios play it safe with formula-driven cinema, this film’s triumph reaffirms audiences’ hunger for something new and entertaining.
Crossing ₹72 crore worldwide in three days and outperforming established commercial franchises like Baaghi 4 is no small feat. If the current trajectory continues, Thamma may well become one of 2025’s biggest box-office stories — a perfect mix of fear, fun, and festive success.
