Bollywood’s versatile actor Ayushmann Khurrana has found himself at the center of an amusing comparison as he enters Maddock Films’ renowned horror comedy universe with “Thamma.” Fans and critics have begun drawing parallels between his role and that of Captain America, positioning him as the potential superhero anchor of this supernatural cinematic world. True to his characteristic humor, Khurrana’s response has been both entertaining and endearing.
The Captain America Connection: Why Fans Made the Comparison
The comparison between Ayushmann Khurrana and Captain America stems from his pivotal entry into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) as the lead protagonist of “Thamma.” Much like how Steve Rogers became the First Avenger, Khurrana is being positioned as a central figure who could potentially unite various supernatural characters in future crossover films.
| Comparison Factors | Captain America (MCU) | Ayushmann Khurrana (MHCU) |
|---|---|---|
| Role in Universe | Central superhero figure | Lead protagonist in Thamma |
| Character Arc | Regular guy becomes hero | Ordinary man meets supernatural |
| Universe Position | Founding Avenger | Potential universe connector |
| Fan Expectations | Shield-wielding leader | Horror-comedy franchise anchor |
This comparison gained traction when industry insiders and fans began speculating about Khurrana’s potential to become the connecting thread between different films in the MHCU, similar to how Captain America served as a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s Humorous Take on Superhero Comparisons
When confronted with the Captain America comparison, Ayushmann Khurrana responded with his trademark wit and humor. Known for his ability to deflect serious topics with lighthearted banter, the actor’s reaction showcased why he remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved personalities.

His response, infused with Hindi colloquialisms and playful dismissal, essentially translates to a humorous rejection of such grandiose comparisons. This reaction perfectly encapsulates Khurrana’s down-to-earth personality and his tendency to approach even the most flattering comparisons with characteristic modesty.
The Maddock Universe: A New Playground for Ayushmann
Ayushmann Khurrana’s entry into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe represents a significant shift in his career trajectory. After establishing himself as the king of social comedies with films like “Vicky Donor,” “Bareilly Ki Barfi,” and “Dream Girl,” this supernatural venture marks new territory for the versatile actor.
Ayushmann’s Previous Work vs. Maddock Universe:
- Social Comedies: Addressing taboo subjects with humor
- Romantic Films: Unconventional love stories
- Horror Comedy: First foray into supernatural genre
- Universe Building: Potential for crossover appearances
Speaking about his decision to join the franchise, Khurrana expressed his excitement: “This is something very special. I’ve always wanted to be part of a comedy universe, and Maddock’s is the most sought-after in Indian cinema.”
Thamma: The Game-Changer in MHCU
“Thamma” represents more than just another horror comedy in the Maddock stable. As the fifth installment in the universe, it introduces several groundbreaking elements that set it apart from its predecessors like “Stree,” “Bhediya,” and “Munjya.”
| Unique Aspects of Thamma | Significance |
|---|---|
| First Love Story | Romance element in horror comedy |
| Vampire Storyline | New supernatural creature |
| Ayushmann’s Debut | A-list star enters universe |
| Diwali Release | Major festive window positioning |
Director Aditya Sarpotdar confirmed that “Thamma” breaks new ground by being “the first love story of the horror comedy universe,” adding a romantic dimension to the typically fear-and-laughter formula.
The Ensemble Cast and Star Power
“Thamma” boasts an impressive ensemble cast that brings together some of Indian cinema’s finest talents. Alongside Ayushmann Khurrana, the film features Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal, creating a powerhouse combination of comedy, drama, and supernatural elements.
Cast Dynamics:
- Ayushmann Khurrana: The everyman hero thrust into supernatural circumstances
- Rashmika Mandanna: Action-packed female lead with flying sequences
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui: Intense, dark presence adding depth to the narrative
- Paresh Rawal: Comic relief and paternal figure
Rashmika Mandanna’s enthusiasm for the project is evident in her description: “I am going to be flying around. I’m so excited.” This suggests significant action sequences and supernatural elements that distinguish “Thamma” from conventional horror comedies.
Universe Building and Future Implications
The strategic positioning of Ayushmann Khurrana in the MHCU suggests larger plans for universe expansion. Producer Dinesh Vijan has masterfully crafted interconnections between films, with “Thamma” featuring cameos from “Bhediya,” “Stree,” “Munjya,” and “Stree 2.”

Planned MHCU Timeline:
- Thamma (2025): Ayushmann’s supernatural debut
- Shakti Shalini (2026): Next universe expansion
- Bhediya 2: Continuation of Varun Dhawan’s werewolf story
- Potential Crossovers: Mega-events similar to Avengers
The film’s end credits reportedly feature significant universe-building elements, including the return of Sarkata from “Stree” and setup for future conflicts between various supernatural entities.
The Actor’s Preparation and Approach
For Ayushmann Khurrana, entering the horror comedy genre required a different approach compared to his usual social comedies. The actor emphasized the unique blend of human experiences with supernatural powers that “Thamma” offers.
“It is very interesting and intriguing and it is very new for the Indian audience,” Khurrana explained, highlighting the fresh territory this genre represents for both him and Bollywood audiences.
Preparation Elements:
- Genre Understanding: Learning horror comedy nuances
- Physical Training: Action sequences and supernatural elements
- Character Development: Balancing ordinary man with extraordinary circumstances
- Universe Integration: Understanding connections to other MHCU films
Industry Recognition and Career Milestone
“Thamma” marks several significant milestones for Ayushmann Khurrana. Not only is it his first horror comedy, but it also represents his first major Diwali release, positioning him in the premium festive movie slot typically reserved for Bollywood’s biggest stars.
The film’s Diwali 2025 release date places it in direct competition with other major productions, demonstrating the confidence Maddock Films has in Khurrana’s star power and the project’s commercial viability.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The announcement of Ayushmann Khurrana joining the MHCU generated significant excitement across social media platforms. Fans have been particularly enthusiastic about the potential collaboration between Ayushmann and his brother Aparshakti Khurrana, who plays a crucial role in the “Stree” series.
Aparshakti expressed his excitement about working with his brother: “We had been waiting for so long to work with each other in something that’s good and what can be better than a world which has been created?”
The Humor Factor: Signature Ayushmann Style
Despite the supernatural elements, “Thamma” promises to retain Ayushmann Khurrana’s signature humor and relatability. The actor’s ability to find comedy in unconventional situations has been a hallmark of his career, and this skill translates perfectly to the horror comedy genre.
Early reviews and audience reactions suggest that Khurrana successfully balances the film’s supernatural elements with his natural comedic timing, creating a character that remains grounded despite extraordinary circumstances.
Box Office Expectations and Commercial Prospects
With “Thamma” opening to ₹25.11 crores on its first day, marking Ayushmann Khurrana’s biggest solo opening, the film has exceeded commercial expectations. This success validates the decision to position him as a central figure in the MHCU.
The film’s performance demonstrates the audience’s appetite for Khurrana’s interpretation of the horror comedy genre and suggests strong commercial prospects for future installments featuring his character.
Future Universe Connections
Producer Dinesh Vijan has confirmed that “Thamma” will feature in “Bhediya 2,” setting up potential conflicts and alliances between different supernatural characters. This interconnectedness positions Ayushmann Khurrana’s character as a crucial element in the universe’s future narrative arc.

The film’s success has already sparked discussions about potential solo sequels and crossover opportunities, further cementing Khurrana’s importance to the MHCU’s expansion plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are fans comparing Ayushmann Khurrana to Captain America in the Maddock universe? Fans compare Ayushmann Khurrana to Captain America because of his central role in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe through “Thamma.” Like Captain America serves as a cornerstone of the MCU, Khurrana is positioned as a potential connecting figure between different supernatural films in the franchise.
2. What was Ayushmann Khurrana’s reaction to being called the Captain America of Maddock universe? Ayushmann Khurrana responded to the Captain America comparison with his characteristic humor and modesty, dismissing such grandiose comparisons in a lighthearted manner while expressing excitement about joining the horror comedy universe.
3. What makes “Thamma” different from other Maddock horror comedies? “Thamma” is unique as it’s the first love story in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, featuring vampire elements and starring Ayushmann Khurrana in his supernatural debut alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal.
4. How successful has “Thamma” been at the box office? “Thamma” opened with ₹25.11 crores on its first day, marking Ayushmann Khurrana’s biggest solo opening and proving to be another blockbuster addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.
5. Will Ayushmann Khurrana appear in other Maddock universe films? Yes, producer Dinesh Vijan has confirmed that Ayushmann Khurrana’s character from “Thamma” will appear in “Bhediya 2,” indicating his ongoing importance to the universe’s future storylines and potential crossover events.
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