The Maddock horror-comedy universe has unveiled a new addition to its slate with Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. One of the most anticipated aspects of the franchise’s films has always been its cameos and how seamlessly they are integrated into the story. After an interesting cameo in Stree 2, Varun Dhawan makes another appearance as Bhediya in Thamma.
Varun Dhawan`s cameo as Bhediya
Varun’s fierce Bhediya avatar has received cheers and applause in theatres. In a high-energy sequence, he locks horns with Ayushmann’s supernatural character in a thrilling face-off that left audiences with goosebumps. Fans took to social media to share screenshots of the scene and praised the makers for this exciting crossover moment. As expected, Varun’s cameo has become one of the highlights of Thamma, earning massive love online.
#VarunDhawan Is Iron Man of #MHCU 🔥
Varun Dhawan Ki Entry Ke Alawa Puri Movie Boring Hai, #Thamma pic.twitter.com/IinAWfHphj
— 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐚𝐢𝐛 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢 (@ShoaibAnsari42) October 21, 2025
The POTENTIAL Varun Dhawan has :
(He should stop doing movies like sunny sanskari ki tulsi whatever) https://t.co/IEqoF41mWp pic.twitter.com/x00YyAdV2w
— ••TAUKIR•• (@iitaukir) October 21, 2025
Aneet Padda confirmed as Shakti Shalini
In a post-credits surprise, the makers revealed another exciting addition to the horror-comedy universe. Aneet Padda, who won hearts with her performance in Saiyaara, has been confirmed as the lead of Shakti Shalini. Described as a powerful new character, the film is slated for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026.
Ayushmann Khurrana on his character
There is much intrigue around Ayushmann`s character in this vampier rom-com. During an exclusive conversation with IANS, Ayushmann was asked if he had watched Vikram Betaal. The `Dream Girl` actor shared that he did watch it as a kid. He added that his character in his next, “Thamma,” means the Betaal with superpowers.
Ayushmann told IANS, “Of course, I have watched Vikram Betaal as a child, and it`s a part of Indian folklore. I am playing a Betaal in Thamma, and Thamma means the most powerful Betaal with a lot of superpowers. It is like a superhero film for me because, just like how a common man will react after suddenly getting superpowers. – He is unable to handle it. That`s the fun part of it.”
“Thamma” stars Ayushmann as Alok, along with Rashmika as Tadaka, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan, and Paresh Rawal as Ram Bajaj Goyal, along with others.
“The fact that Thamma is the first love story of the horror comedy universe is all the more exciting,” Ayushmann told Variety.com.
Sharing further details about his next, the `Andhadhun` actor added, “The promise of it being a ‘bloody’ love story is also a supremely unique and compelling pitch for today’s audience who want clutter-breaking theatrical experiences. ‘Thamma’ is that project, a total wildcard, a film that no one has seen in India. I’m really pumped to join the sets of this film and create a huge big screen experience with Dinesh and his entire team of fellow visionaries like Amar Kaushik, my director Aditya Sarpotdar, and the writing genius Niren Bhatt.”
