For years, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has built his reputation on portraying dark, layered, and unforgettable characters in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Raman Raghav 2.0, and the acclaimed web series Sacred Games. But now, the powerhouse performer is stepping into uncharted territory with Thamma, a horror-comedy co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.
What makes this film extra special for Nawazuddin is not just the shift in genre — it’s the fact that this will be the first film his children can watch. Speaking to HT City, the 51-year-old actor revealed that his daughter Shora and son Yani have never been able to watch his work because most of his films were too intense or dark. “Mujhe Thamma ke liye excitement isiliye bhi hai kyunki voh world jahaan pe humne shoot kiya hai, voh sirf humne dant kathaaon mein pehle padha tha. And plus, the kind of films I do, kids can’t watch them. Yeh pehli film hai jo mere bachche dekh paayenge!” Nawaz said with a laugh.
In a separate conversation with The New Indian, he opened up about his close bond with his daughter, who currently studies in Dubai. Describing her as fearless and brutally honest, he said, “I am more attached to my daughter. I yell at her sometimes, but she is very dear to me. She is a moohphat (straightforward). She criticises me. The best part is she is not in awe of me. She doesn’t care that her father is a great actor — in two minutes, she can criticise me. She keeps me grounded, and that is a good thing. She hasn’t even watched many of my movies.”
Meanwhile, the teaser for Thamma, released on August 19, 2025, hints at a thrilling mix of romance, humour, and mystery. It opens with Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna as star-crossed lovers, destined to be together, until Nawazuddin’s unsettling yet intriguing character enters the frame, flipping their world upside down.
Ayushmann plays Alok, described as “Insaaniyat ki aakhri umeed” (the last hope of humanity), while Rashmika’s Tadaka is “Roshni ki pehli kiran” (the first ray of light). Nawazuddin’s role is expected to add an eerie twist, blending dark comedy with supernatural suspense.
With its unique storyline, stellar cast, and Nawazuddin’s rare comedic turn, Thamma is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026, promising both chills and chuckles.