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Bollywood’s Diwali blockbuster: Thamma to debut Ikkis trailer, uniting patriotism and horror on the big screen

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 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, introducing 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 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

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Shakti Shalini announcement video to debut with Thamma: First glimpse reveals Aneet Padda’s starring role

As excitement builds for Maddock Films’ Diwali blockbuster Thamma, cinemagoers will be treated to another exclusive: the official announcement video for Dinesh Vijan’s upcoming superhero drama Shakti Shalini will premiere with every screening of Thamma across India. This special video marks the formal introduction of Aneet Padda in the much-talked-about lead role, and Bollywood Hungama proudly reaffirms its spot as the first to break the news of her headline-making casting.Months ahead of the official studio confirmation, we reported the major scoop that Aneet Padda had replaced Kiara Advani as the titular Shakti Shalini, following a series of creative pivots by Maddock Films and Dinesh Vijan [see our exclusive coverage here]. Our sources indicated the producers were impressed by Padda’s dynamic performance in Saiyaara and saw her as uniquely suited to spearhead the newest—and most ambitious—female-led franchise in the studio’s expanding cinematic universe.​The makers of Shakti Shalini have kept story details tightly under wraps, but the announcement video set to air alongside Thamma is said to spotlight Aneet Padda’s transformation into a contemporary superhero, channeling both vulnerability and unyielding strength. For Aneet, the role is not only a breakout moment, but a promise of a franchise that celebrates Indian mythology in a modern, action-packed framework.Maddock Films has denied speculation and rumours over the past months, but the premiere of the announcement video is the studio’s strongest confirmation, yet that Aneet Padda is Shakti Shalini. This move signals Maddock’s confidence in fresh talent and original storytelling, aligning perfectly with their Diwali release strategy for Thamma—another big-budget, genre-bending film starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.​By attaching the Shakti Shalini announcement video with Thamma, Dinesh Vijan and his team continue to deliver festival season fireworks, giving the audience a first look at what promises to be Bollywood’s next big heroine-led universe. Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy origin story may be the highlight of Diwali 2025, but fans will also be abuzz about Aneet Padda’s debut as Shakti Shalini—a scoop that, as always, Bollywood Hungama was proud to bring to you first.Also Read: SCOOP: The real reason why Aneet Padda replaced Kiara Advani in Dinesh Vijan’s Shakti Shalini