Thamma (2025): Aditya Sarpotdar’s ambitious attempt at blending myth and romance, but Ayushmann falls short
Watch It or Skip It?
Aditya Sarpotdar’s Thamma is worth watching for fans of supernatural comedies, even though it falters in its execution. The film is a genre-bending attempt to merge mythology with romance, and it will likely appeal to viewers who enjoy a mix of the two. Thamma is not for everyone, as it requires a specific taste for the absurd and the fantastical.
Craft Block: “A Blend of Myth and Romance: Thamma’s Thematic Ambitions”
Aditya Sarpotdar, known for his work on Maha Munjya, Kakuda, and Thamma, tries to balance the fantastical with the romantic in this film. The director’s use of visual metaphors is a notable aspect of the film, but at times, it feels overreliant on these visual cues to convey the story’s themes. A specific example of this is the use of fire as a symbol for passion and love, which becomes repetitive and loses its impact towards the end. This decision defines the experience of watching Thamma, making it feel like a slow burn that never quite reaches its full potential.
Performance Block: “Ayushmann’s Challenge in Defying Gravity”
Ayushmann, known for his versatility in films like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and Badhaai Ho, faces a unique challenge in Thamma. He must balance the film’s comedic tone with its more fantastical elements, and at times, it feels like he’s struggling to find his footing. Ayushmann’s physical comedy is on point, but when the film demands him to be more serious, he seems to falter. The supporting cast, including Rashmika and Nawazuddin, does their best to elevate the narrative, but they’re often underutilized. Rashmika plays the role of a free-spirited lover, while Nawazuddin is a strict family patriarch, but their characters feel underdeveloped and lack depth.
Honest Critique Block: “Thamma’s Unresolved Pacing Issues and Character Development”
Thamma’s biggest flaw is its pacing, which often drags due to the film’s meandering narrative. The film tries to tackle too many themes at once, including family, love, and mythology, but it never quite finds a balance. The character development is also lacking, particularly in the case of Nawazuddin’s character, who feels like a caricature of a strict family man. The film’s climax, which tries to tie everything together, feels rushed and unsatisfying, leaving the viewer feeling somewhat confused.
Watch It or Skip It?
If you’re a fan of supernatural comedies and are willing to overlook some pacing issues, then Thamma is worth watching on Jio Cinema or Amazon Prime Video. The film is best suited for viewers who enjoy a mix of mythology and romance, and are looking for something light-hearted and entertaining. If you enjoyed the quirky humor of Stree or the supernatural elements of the Ghost Stories anthology, then Thamma might be up your alley.
