New Delhi: Delhi became the epicenter of cinematic celebration last night as Maddock Films created history with an unprecedented event — the world’s first public fan preview of Thamma, the latest addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). Thousands of fans gathered to witness what has now officially become a new tradition in Indian cinema: fans getting to experience the first 20 minutes of a film before its global release.
The capital buzzed with excitement as Dinesh Vijan, the creative force behind MHCU, led an evening that seamlessly blended laughter, horror, and fan devotion. The event, hosted by comedians Biswa Kalyan Rath and Divay Agarwal, had audiences in splits even before the much-anticipated screening began. With Biswa’s trademark wit and Divay’s quick-fire energy, the evening transformed into a carnival of comedy and chaos.
A Universe for the Fans
In a rare gesture of fan appreciation, Dinesh Vijan took the stage amidst thundering applause to explain the thought behind the event. “This is the beginning of a fan ritual,” he declared. “From now on, fans will see a glimpse of the film before the world. We’re building a universe that belongs to its fans.”
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which began with the cult hit Stree and continued with Bala, Bhediya, and Munjya, has steadily evolved into one of Bollywood’s most exciting franchises. Thamma marks the next phase — a film that not only continues the MHCU legacy but also introduces fresh characters, surprising twists, and a deeper connection between the existing stories.
A Night of Laughter, Screams, and Celebration
The night’s energy was palpable from the very beginning. Fans dressed as their favorite MHCU characters filled the venue, waving banners and chanting names of their favorite stars. Adding to the electric atmosphere, Bhediya and Stree made surprise appearances, sparking wild cheers and uniting fans from every corner of the country.
The screening itself was nothing short of cinematic euphoria. As the first 20 minutes of Thamma rolled, the crowd oscillated between fits of laughter and shrieks of surprise — a perfect reflection of the film’s horror-comedy spirit. From spine-chilling sequences to unexpected punchlines, every moment was met with applause.
But the loudest reaction came when Nawazuddin Siddiqui appeared on screen. His unexpected entry sent the crowd into a roaring frenzy, with fans rising to their feet and chanting his name. It was a moment that underlined Nawazuddin’s enduring magnetism and Maddock’s ability to craft unforgettable characters.
A Star-Studded Spectacle
The event saw an impressive turnout of industry heavyweights, with Paresh Rawal, Rashmika Mandanna, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui sharing the stage alongside Dinesh Vijan and director Aditya Sarpotdar. The camaraderie among the cast and crew reflected the collective pride behind Thamma and the broader MHCU vision.
Paresh Rawal, who plays a key role in the film, spoke warmly about the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. “It’s heartening to see filmmakers celebrate fans like this,” he said. “What Maddock has built is more than a franchise — it’s a community.”
Rashmika Mandanna, who looked radiant as ever, added, “The energy tonight was unreal! It’s incredible to see how much people love this universe. Thamma is going to surprise everyone.”
Director Aditya Sarpotdar, known for his distinctive blend of horror and humor, praised the cast for their fearless performances. “This film is a tribute to the fans who made MHCU what it is. It’s scary, it’s funny, and it’s full of heart,” he said.
Birth of a New Tradition
The evening’s highlight came as Dinesh Vijan officially announced that every future MHCU film would have a “fan-first” screening tradition. This announcement sent waves of excitement through the audience, with fans chanting “MHCU! MHCU!” in unison.
“Cinema is changing,” Vijan said. “Today’s fans are not just viewers — they are co-creators of this experience. Thamma belongs to them before it belongs to anyone else.”
The idea of involving fans before a film’s release is not only a marketing masterstroke but also a symbolic gesture that blurs the line between creators and audiences. In an era when fandoms shape the destiny of cinematic universes, Maddock’s move to prioritize its audience marks a new chapter in Indian film engagement.
A Universe That Keeps Growing
With Thamma, MHCU continues its expansion into a connected world of supernatural tales wrapped in humor and emotion. From the ghostly charm of Stree to the wild instincts of Bhediya and the eerie mischief of Munjya, Maddock Films has steadily built a franchise that resonates with audiences across generations.
While details of Thamma’s plot remain under wraps, insiders suggest it explores the origins of certain MHCU elements while introducing a chilling new antagonist. The 20-minute preview hinted at a perfect blend of fear, laughter, and family drama — elements that have become the hallmark of Maddock’s storytelling.
The Countdown Begins
As the night drew to a close, the Thamma team returned to the stage for a grand finale, bowing to the crowd’s cheers and waving MHCU flags. The atmosphere was electric, filled with chants, selfies, and laughter — a fitting celebration for what many called a “historic night for fans.”
Thamma is set to release in cinemas worldwide on October 21, 2025, and if the response to its preview is any indication, the film is poised to become another milestone in Indian horror-comedy cinema.
For Maddock Films and its fans, Thamma is not just another movie — it’s the beginning of a new tradition, a celebration of the bond between creators and audiences, and the birth of what could soon be called India’s first true fan-driven cinematic universe.
