In a move that’s bound to excite cinephiles and box office enthusiasts alike, the highly anticipated trailer of Sriram Raghavan’s war epic *Ikkis* will debut exclusively with *Thamma*, Maddock Films’ landmark horror-comedy, when it lands in cinemas this Diwali. The strategic pairing marks one of the year’s most compelling double bills, blending two genres Bollywood is now confidently reinventing for a fresh generation of movie-goers.
*Ikkis* tells the extraordinary true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s Param Vir Chakra for valour in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Starring the legendary Dharmendra and breakout star Agastya Nanda, with Jaideep Ahlawat in a key role, the Sriram Raghavan-directed film promises both the adrenaline of battle and the depth of character that defines Maddock’s approach to storytelling.
Originally aiming for a Gandhi Jayanti release, the filmmakers have officially shifted *Ikkis* to December 2025 to sidestep big-box-office clashes and optimize its reach to patriotic and family audiences across the country. New posters for *Ikkis* hint at searing action sequences, nuanced familial emotions, and a fresh heroic journey for Agastya Nanda as the next-generation Khetarpal.
Meanwhile, *Thamma* is poised to make Diwali 2025 historic in its own right. It brings Ayushmann Khurrana—a veritable hit-machine known for his blend of comedy, heart, and consistently strong box office returns—into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) for the first time, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna.
*Thamma* is not only Maddock’s priciest horror comedy origin story, with major investments in technology and spectacle, but also the studio’s most ambitious world-building yet. It introduces audiences to the betaal, Bollywood’s new twist on the vampire myth. Industry chatter reveals that early pre-booking numbers and a rare two-day split Diwali holiday could ensure *Thamma* becomes the highest opener for both Ayushmann Khurrana and the MHCU franchise.
By attaching the *Ikkis* trailer to every *Thamma* screening, Maddock has created a seamless corridor for audiences to experience two very different—but equally impactful—stories. From the supernatural thrills of *Thamma* this festive season to the real-life heroics of *Ikkis* in December, Maddock Films is signalling its intent to set the standard for bold, original entertainment in 2025 and beyond.
For movie buffs, this double-feature rollout also delivers on anticipation: *Thamma* lights up theatres from October 21, 2025, just in time for Diwali celebrations, while *Ikkis* will march into cinemas across India this December, with an exact date to be revealed soon.
The convergence of horror-comedy and war drama, backed by powerhouse performances and Maddock’s reputation for delivering both commercial and critical hits, is set to deliver an unparalleled cinematic season for Bollywood fans.
*Also Read:* Low buzz, high hopes: Trade optimistic that 6-day Diwali weekend will boost *Thamma* and *Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat*
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/bollywoods-diwali-blockbuster-thamma-debut-ikkis-trailer-uniting-patriotism-horror-big-screen/
