Introduction: A Diwali Release Amid High Expectations

Bollywood's festive seasons often set the stage for high-stakes releases, where advance buzz can make or break a film's trajectory. This Diwali, Ayushmann Khurrana's latest venture, Thamma, a unique blend of horror, comedy, and supernatural elements drawn from Indian folklore, is generating considerable interest. The movie, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, features Khurrana as a young man who unwittingly transforms into a vampire after encountering an ancient entity, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. With its roots in age-old Indian tales predating Western vampire lore, Thamma promises a fresh take on the genre. However, despite an encouraging kickoff in ticket sales, industry experts are cautious about its long-term performance, drawing comparisons to Salman Khan's Sikandar earlier this year.

The Surge in Advance Bookings: A Solid Foundation

The film's pre-release momentum has been notable. Within just two days, Thamma has crossed the Rs 5 crore mark in gross advance bookings across India. On the first day alone, it raked in around Rs 2 crore, with figures climbing to approximately Rs 5.69 crore by the end of day two, including blocked seats. This growth reflects increasing demand, particularly in major chains like PVR Inox and Cinepolis, where over 60,000 tickets have been sold for the opening day. Nationwide, the movie is slated for more than 10,000 shows, indicating widespread anticipation for its Diwali release on October 21, 2025—a Tuesday that coincides with the festival's peak celebrations.

This initial traction is a positive sign for Khurrana, who has built a reputation for choosing unconventional scripts that resonate with audiences. From slice-of-life dramas to genre-bending stories, his filmography often emphasizes social messages wrapped in entertainment. Thamma's advance numbers suggest it could open to Rs 25-30 crore on day one, buoyed by the holiday spirit and the star's loyal fanbase. Yet, these figures are gross collections, and the real test lies in converting this hype into sustained footfall.

Analysts' Reservations: Will It Cross the Rs 30 Crore Threshold?

Despite the upbeat start, trade pundits express skepticism about Thamma achieving even Rs 30 crore in net collections over its opening period. The concern stems from several factors, including the film's mid-week release, which deprives it of a full weekend boost. With Diwali falling on a Monday (October 20, 2025) in many regions, the subsequent days are regular workdays, potentially limiting family outings. Analysts point out that while there might be some lift from Bhai Dooj later in the week, the absence of an extended holiday window could cap the earnings.

Moreover, the buzz isn't overwhelming; housefull shows are sparse, and the advance sales, while decent, don't indicate blockbuster potential. Positive word-of-mouth will be pivotal, especially for a horror-comedy that relies on humor and scares to retain viewers. If early reviews are mixed or if competition from other releases intensifies, the film might struggle to maintain momentum beyond the initial days.

Drawing Parallels: Echoes of Sikandar's Box Office Journey

This scenario eerily resembles the fate of Salman Khan's Sikandar, which hit theaters on Eid (March 30, 2025)—a Sunday that similarly restricted its weekend run. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, the action-packed drama follows a powerful figure battling corruption after a personal tragedy, with Khan in the lead alongside Rashmika Mandanna and others. It opened to Rs 55 crore in its first two days but tapered off, ending with Rs 121 crore domestically and over Rs 200 crore worldwide.

Though it cracked the top 10 films of early 2025, Sikandar was deemed an underperformer for a Khan starrer, plagued by critiques of its storyline, direction, and pacing. The suboptimal release timing meant it missed out on Thursday-Friday previews, much like Thamma's Tuesday slot. Both films highlight how festive releases, while advantageous for initial hype, can falter without strategic scheduling to capitalize on prolonged holidays.

Key Influences on Thamma's Potential Success

Several elements could sway Thamma's fortunes. The genre mix—horror comedy inspired by Indian myths like Yakshasan legends—offers novelty in a market saturated with remakes and sequels. Khurrana's track record with hits like Dream Girl and Bala could draw urban crowds, while Mandanna's rising popularity post-Pushpa adds cross-regional appeal. However, competition from other Diwali contenders, economic factors affecting ticket prices, and the need for strong digital marketing will play crucial roles.

Promotion has been aggressive, with cameos like Shraddha Kapoor's adding intrigue, but ultimately, audience reception to the plot's twists and visual effects will determine if it breaks the mold or follows Sikandar's path of unfulfilled promise.

Conclusion: Navigating Uncertainty in Bollywood's Festive Arena

In the volatile world of Bollywood box office, Thamma's over Rs 5 crore advance haul is a commendable launchpad, yet the doubts about hitting Rs 30 crore net underscore the industry's unpredictability. Mirroring Sikandar's experience, it serves as a reminder that timing, content quality, and post-release buzz are as vital as star power. For Khurrana, this could be a pivotal moment to reinvent his image in mass-appeal cinema. As Diwali lights up screens, only time will tell if Thamma soars or settles into mediocrity.

Read Also: Nagarjuna and Shilpa Shirodkar’s Heartwarming Reunion on Bigg Boss Telugu 9: Promoting Jatadhara Amid Diwali Festivities

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