Marking Ayushmann Khurrana's birthday, Rashmika Mandanna shared a previously unseen photograph from the sets of their upcoming film, "Thama". The picture quickly gained traction, offering fans a glimpse into the camaraderie between the two actors and building anticipation for the movie's release.

"Thama," directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, is a horror-comedy produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, and it serves as the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. The film features Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal in prominent roles. The movie is slated to release theatrically on October 21, 2025, coinciding with Diwali.

The film's narrative is set in present-day Delhi, where Ayushmann Khurrana plays a historian. The historian delves into ancient manuscripts and uncovers chilling secrets surrounding local vampire legends, as mysterious supernatural forces begin to emerge. The story spans two timelines, shifting between modern-day India and the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar, connected by a haunting tale of unfulfilled love.

Rashmika Mandanna plays the role of Tadaka, while Ayushmann Khurrana is Alok. Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be seen as Yakshasan, the main antagonist. Paresh Rawal will play Mr. Ram Bajaj Goyal. The film also features Sanjay Dutt as Munna Max, Diana Penty, Faisal Malik, Geeta Aggarwal, Sudesh Lehri, Shreyas Talpade, and Vijay Raaz as Bagga. Varun Dhawan will make a cameo appearance, reprising his role from "Bhediya" (2022), and Malaika Arora and Nora Fatehi will make special appearances in songs.

Principal photography for "Thama" commenced in December 2024, with filming locations including Delhi, Mumbai, and Ooty. Shooting was briefly delayed due to an injury sustained by Rashmika, but it later resumed. By the end of May 2025, Ayushmann, Rashmika, and Nawazuddin had completed their respective portions of filming.

The makers of "Thama" have released first-look posters of the main characters, generating buzz and anticipation for the film. Ayushmann's character, Alok, is portrayed as "Insaaniyat ki aakhri umeed" (the last hope of humanity), while Rashmika's Tadaka is described as "Roshni ki ek hi paheli kiran" (the first ray of light). Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Yakshasan is presented as "Andhere ka badshah" (the king of darkness). These character reveals hint at a complex narrative involving supernatural forces, romance, and conflict. The music of "Thama" is composed by Sachin–Jigar. The film is presented as a "bloody love story" set against a backdrop of supernatural clashes, with the characters of Alok and Tadaka embodying opposing worlds.