Bollywood has received an early Diwali gift as the highly anticipated fantasy-horror film ‘Thamma,’ starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, has opened to phenomenal numbers at the box office. The movie, which hit the screens amidst the festive season, has successfully captivated audiences, raking in an impressive ₹24.87 crore on its opening day.
The strong start positions ‘Thamma’ as a major commercial success right out of the gate, setting a promising tone for the crucial Diwali weekend run. Industry trackers note that with minimal major competition, the film is expected to dominate the holiday box office, confirming solid audience interest across major territories.
The day 1 box office numbers were buoyed by significant audience footfall, with occupancy rates seeing a steady rise from morning to evening shows. According to reports, the film recorded an afternoon occupancy rate of over 21%, indicating strong word-of-mouth appeal.
The film has also been a subject of discussion due to its unique premise. Lead actor Ayushmann Khurrana clarified that the movie is rooted in Indian folklore and is centered on the concept of ‘betaals’ (evil spirits in Indian mythology), not Western-style vampires. He stated, “We call this ‘Betaalism.’ It’s a ‘betaal,’ not a vampire.” Khurrana further explained that the title ‘Thamma’ is derived from the mythological figure Ashwatthama, emphasizing the film’s deep connection to native Indian tales.
The blockbuster opening collection secures ‘Thamma’ a spot among the biggest Hindi releases of the year and signals a triumphant start for the Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna pairing.
