In a move sure 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 hits cinemas this Diwali. This strategic pairing marks one of the year’s most compelling double bills, blending two genres Bollywood is 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 during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The film stars the legendary Dharmendra alongside breakout star Agastya Nanda, with Jaideep Ahlawat playing a key role. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, *Ikkis* promises both the adrenaline of battle and the depth of character that defines Maddock’s storytelling approach.
Originally planned for a Gandhi Jayanti release, the filmmakers have officially shifted *Ikkis* to December 2025 to avoid clashes with other blockbuster releases and to better reach patriotic and family audiences across the country. New posters hint at searing action sequences, nuanced familial emotions, and a fresh heroic journey for Agastya Nanda as the next-generation Khetarpal.
Meanwhile, *Thamma* is set to make Diwali 2025 historic in its own right. Featuring Ayushmann Khurrana—a consistent hit-maker known for his blend of comedy, heart, and strong box office returns—*Thamma* marks his first entry into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). He stars alongside Rashmika Mandanna in this ambitious project.
*Thamma* is not only Maddock’s priciest horror-comedy origin story, with significant 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 insiders reveal that early pre-booking numbers, combined with a rare two-day split Diwali holiday, could make *Thamma* 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 experience for audiences to enjoy 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 signaling its intent to set a new standard for bold, original entertainment in 2025 and beyond.
For movie buffs, this double-feature rollout delivers on anticipation: *Thamma* will light up theatres from October 21, 2025, just in time for Diwali celebrations, while *Ikkis* is slated to hit cinemas across India in December, with the exact date to be announced soon.
The convergence of horror-comedy and war drama, supported by powerhouse performances and Maddock’s reputation for delivering both commercial successes and critical acclaim, promises to deliver an unparalleled cinematic season for Bollywood fans.
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*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/
