Maddock Films has quietly but confidently carved a niche for itself in the Horror-Comedy genre, starting with the breakout success of Stree, followed by Roohi and the recent box office hit like Munjya. Now, diversifying this universe is the much-anticipated film Thama, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the man behind Munjya, Thama delves into a vampire romance, and historical fantasy.
Interestingly, the film was originally titled Vampires of Vijaynagar, hinting at a more literal supernatural story. However, the change to Thama has left fans intrigued. What does it mean, and why the shift? Let’s dive into what the title Thama really signifies and whether it links to one of the most enigmatic figures in Indian history, Ashwatthama.
Why ‘Vampires of Vijaynagar’ became ‘Thama’, the Ashwatthama connection explained
The original title, Vampires of Vijaynagar, hinted at a straightforward fantasy rooted in the Indian subcontinent, but the shift to Thama signals something deeper and more mythological. The new title as many have speculated, appears to be inspired by Ashwatthama, one of the most mysterious and tragic figures from the epic, the Mahabharata.
It is said that Ashwatthama was born with a mani (gem) in his forehead, much like a third eye. This mani granted him invincibility, protection from disease, fearlessness, and perhaps the ability to live forever. But after he committed horrific acts in the night after the Kurukshetra war, including the killing of sleeping warriors and an unborn child, Lord Krishna cursed him to wander the earth for eternity.
As part of that curse, Krishna removed the mani from his forehead, stripping Ashwatthama of his powers. He was left bleeding, immortal, suffering, and doomed to a restless life. According to legend, Ashwatthama still roams the earth wounded, ageless, and tormented. This idea of cursed immortality draws an eerie parallel with the Western concept of vampirism. Immortality, while once shown as a great power, has often been portrayed as a curse in many vampire tales.
Thama, hence, could be a stylised or shortened reference to Ashwatthama, suggesting that the film’s central mystery may revolve around a figure cursed to live forever, perhaps feeding off others in a metaphorical or even literal sense. This connection has added a rich mythological layer to the narrative, turning a vampire story, which many would argue is a totally western concept into something uniquely Indian.
What we know about Thama so far
Thama will be following a historian, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, who will be investigating the mythological roots of vampirism in Indian folklore. The film is said to be set across dual timelines, modern-day India and ancient Vijayanagar. In true Maddock fashion, the film will blend horror, romance, and history. However, the production house has been promoting it as their first love story, which has left the fans excited to see how things turn out.
Audience reaction to the Thama teaser
Despite mixed reactions to the initial posters, the teaser has reignited excitement among the audience. Fans are particularly impressed with Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s chilling appearance. Many expressed joy at Ayushmann Khurrana’s return to the big screen, while others were intrigued by the mythological-horror blend. The teaser’s tagline, ‘pyaar itna bloody’, especially caught viewers’ attention. However, many are not happy with the VFX and production quality. Regardless, Thama is an anticipated release lined up for Diwali 2025.
What are your thoughts about Thama and its connection to the Ashwatthama?
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