Ayushmann Khurrana Celebrates Box Office Triumph of Maddock Horror Comedy Universe Film ‘Thamma’: ‘All My Dreams Come True as an Entertainer’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana has scored his fifth century at the Indian box office with the Diwali blockbuster “Thamma,” which has crossed the INR100 crore mark ($11.3 million) and is poised to become the highest-grossing origin film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.

The supernatural horror-comedy, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, stars Khurrana alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal in the fifth installment of the expanding universe.

The film follows Alok Goyal, a journalist who transforms into a vampiric creature called Betal after encountering a mysterious woman, and must save humanity from the bloodlust of an ancient evil.

The INR100 crore number has long been considered a yardstick of box office success in India. “Thamma” has collected INR123 crore ($13.9 million) so far, joining Khurrana’s roster of century club hits. They include “Dream Girl” ($22.6 million), “Dream Girl 2” ($15.8 million), “Badhaai Ho” ($25 million), and “Bala” ($19.4 million).

Khurrana has launched several franchises, including “Dream Girl,” “Badhaai Ho,” “Shubh Mangal Saavdhaan,” “Thamma,” and “Andha Dhun,” the latter of which teased a sequel in its climax.

“The public validation is the biggest validation for any artiste,” Khurrana tells Variety. “Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has an amazing legacy of hits and as an origin film, ‘Thamma,’ has registered the best opening of any MHCU’s first film. It is also going to become the highest grossing origin film within MHCU which again is a big feat. So, I’m very happy and I thank the audience for this love.”

The supernatural comedy represents Khurrana’s first major Diwali holiday frame release and his second post-pandemic century at the box office after “Dream Girl 2.”

“I always wanted to do a big film that becomes a festival release and entertains the whole of India,” Khurrana said. “‘Thamma’ has made all my dreams come true as an entertainer.”

The actor expressed particular satisfaction that “Thamma” has broadened his demographic appeal beyond his usual audience base.

“The best part is that kids loved this film, my earlier films have been for a mature audience, but ‘Thamma,’ kids really enjoyed it. I’m very happy about this.” he said. “Every year during Diwali we used to go to watch films of big stars in cinemas. I used to always wish that my film too releases in this massive holiday and people enjoy it. It means a lot to me to see that the audience have gone to watch my film this time with their entire family and are having a lovely time.”