19 Aug 2025 : The teaser for Maddock Films’ much-anticipated release, Thama—featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna—has drawn intense online reactions following a social media post branding it a “cheap copy of Twilight.”
Released on August 19, the teaser marks a significant departure from Maddock’s usual horror-comedy fare. Instead, it plunges into a dark, vampire-infused love story—a bold first for the franchise known for earlier hits like Stree, Munjya, and Bhediya .
Among the mixed reactions, one critic noted: “Is it a desi version of Twilight?” . The comparison stems from the teaser’s visual style and narrative vibe, particularly a rooftop scene where Rashmika appears to cling to Ayushmann, reminiscent of a moment in the K-drama My Demon—a parallel that sparked speculation and debate. One X user even went viral for posting a side-by-side comparison of the two scenes.
Yet responses aren’t all negative. Many netizens have praised the teaser’s ambition and aesthetic, calling it “epic,” “bloody fantastic,” and “absolutely amazing” with impressive VFX and cinematography. One excited viewer wrote, “This looks insane! Eager to see how horror and comedy blend in the World of Thama,” while others speculate about supernatural dynamics like vampire-werewolf romance and awaited cameos .
Still, the Twilight comparison sticks for some. While fans of the vampire genre view it as homage, others see it as lazy mimicry. This tension reveals how easily thematic similarities in genre projects can fuel creative and cultural critique.
Thama forms part of the broader Maddock Supernatural Universe—Maddock’s expanding horror-comedy franchise directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. The film includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal, with a cameo from Varun Dhawan reprising his Bhediya role, further solidifying narrative links within the universe . Scheduled for a Diwali 2025 release, the film is set to offer “a romantic comedy with supernatural elements,” leaning more into romance than outright horror .
Whether Thama will establish itself as a genre-defining romantic supernatural tale or be marred by accusations of imitation remains to be seen. The teaser has undeniably succeeded in stoking both excitement and controversy—setting the stage for a charged buildup leading to its theatrical debut this festive season.
Quick Summary
The teaser for Thama, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, has gone viral—not just for its eerie visuals but for drawing sharp comparisons to Twilight. One viewer ominously dubbed it a “cheap copy of Twilight,” especially after noticing a rooftop scene reminiscent of a shot from the Korean drama My Demon. Nonetheless, many fans hailed the teaser as “epic” and “bloody fantastic,” praising its VFX and dark romance. Thama—part of Maddock Films’ supernatural universe, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, with a Diwali 2025 release—promises a fresh spin: romantic comedy infused with supernatural elements rather than straight-up horror. The debate over originality versus homage is now front and center as anticipation builds.