Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana’s recent film Thamma has not performed, at the box office, as well as expected in the Telugu-speaking states. Released during the Diwali festival, the movie earned only around ₹35 lakh in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the first two days. Considering the star-studded cast and the festive release, these numbers are relatively low, surprising many fans and industry observers.
Industry insiders suggest that one key reason for this underperformance is the lack of strong promotion in the Telugu markets. While the makers did host a single event in Hyderabad, it appears that it was not enough to create widespread awareness among audiences in the region. With more active promotional campaigns, the film might have attracted a larger audience.
Another factor affecting Thamma’s performance could be the competition from other releases during the Diwali period. Festivals are usually a time when audiences flock to theatres, but with multiple films vying for attention, it can be difficult for any single movie, even for Thamma to dominate the box office. Without a strong marketing push, Thamma struggled to stand out in the crowded release schedule.
However, the film has been received more positively in other parts of India. Reports indicate that outside the Telugu states, Thamma has opened well, with good audience response and promising word-of-mouth reviews. Viewers have appreciated the unique mix of horror and comedy, as well as the performances delivered by Rashmika and Ayushmann.
Experts suggest that the movie could still improve its performance in the Telugu market with additional post-release promotions. Engaging with audiences through interviews, special events, and targeted marketing could help raise the film’s profile and bring more viewers to theatres.
Despite the slow start in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, there is hope that Thamma can gain momentum over the coming weeks. If the makers continue to promote the film effectively, especially in regions where it underperformed initially, it could still become a success across India.
