As the festive glow of Diwali illuminates homes across India, cinema halls are experiencing their sparkle with an impressive lineup of theatrical releases this week. From October 20 to 26, audiences have been treated to a diverse buffet of entertainment, spanning horror-comedy vampires, intense love stories, regional gems, and thrilling action dramas. Whether you’re in the mood for Bollywood glamour or regional authenticity, this week’s releases promise something for every movie lover.
October 21: The Big Diwali Showdown
Thamma: Vampires Meet Comedy in Maddock’s Universe
The crown jewel of this week’s releases is undoubtedly Thamma, the fifth installment in Maddock Films’ successful Horror Comedy Universe. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, this Diwali release dives deep into Indian vampire folklore, exploring the world of “vetalas” Indian vampires distinct from their Western counterparts.
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film follows Alok Goyal, a historian-turned-vampire who discovers he’s part of an ancient legacy of Indian vampires. When he’s unexpectedly transformed into one, he’s thrust into a war between vetalas and their rogue leader, Yakshashan, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat: A Tale of Obsessive Love
Clashing with Thamma on the same day is Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa. Directed by Milap Zaveri, this romantic drama explores the darker side of love, where passion transforms into obsession.
The film centers on Vikramaditya, a passionate artist who falls deeply for Adaa, a free-spirited woman who views love as liberation rather than possession. What begins as intense romance unravels when Vikramaditya’s affection turns obsessive, blurring the line between devotion and madness. Set against a backdrop of music, memories, and heartbreak, the film examines how love’s intensity can both create and destroy.
October 24: The Midweek Movie Marathon
Regretting You: Family Drama from Bestseller
Based on Colleen Hoover’s 2019 bestselling novel, Regretting You brings emotional family drama to screens. Directed by Josh Boone and starring Allison Williams and McKenna Grace, the film explores the strained relationship between young mother Morgan Grant and her teenage daughter Clara. After Morgan’s husband Chris’s tragic death reveals a shocking betrayal, mother and daughter are forced to confront family secrets, redefine love, and rediscover each other.
Nellikkampoyil Night Riders: Malayalam Horror-Comedy
Malayalam cinema entered the festive fray with Nellikkampoyil Night Riders, marking the directorial debut of acclaimed editor Noufal Abdullah. Starring Mathew Thomas, the film blends fantasy, horror, and comedy.
Set in Nellikkampoyil village, the story follows Shyam, an energetic young man who joins his friends to investigate mysterious nocturnal happenings wrapped in ancient village myths. As strange accidents and whispered legends turn their thrill-seeking into a dangerous search for truth, the film promises thrills, comedy, and supernatural intrigue. Initially scheduled for October 10, the release was postponed to avoid clashing with Kantara: Chapter 1.
Vidhrohi: Telugu Crime Thriller
Telugu audiences received the crime thriller Vidhrohi, starring Madhunandan and Ravi Prakash. Directed by Venkata Subramanyam Vijjana, the 2-hour-14-minute film tackles a disturbing subject.
The story follows Karthik, a strict, intelligent, and brave police officer who investigates a series of mysterious crimes occurring in victims’ own homes. As he sneaks in to investigate, he kicks off a dangerous series of events that test his courage and detective skills. Also featuring Shivakumar Ramachandravarapu, Thagubothu Ramesh, and Charishma Sreekar, the film received an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC.
Final Curtain Call
As the week’s releases draw to a close, cinema halls continue to glow with festive fervor, offering a spectacular array of stories from spine-tingling horror-comedy and heartfelt romances to regional gems and edge-of-your-seat thrillers. This Diwali week has truly showcased the vibrant diversity of Indian and international cinema, ensuring every moviegoer leaves the theatre with memories to cherish and conversations to spark.
By – Sonali