Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana recently addressed comparisons between his upcoming vampire comedy Thamma and the Malayalam hit Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan. In an interview with Galatta Plus, Khurrana described Thamma as a “massier” film tailored for Hindi-speaking audiences.
Khurrana on Thamma vs Lokah
Speaking about the similarities, Khurrana said:
“We are high on comedy. Though I enjoyed Lokah, ours is a more massy film because it penetrates down to the Hindi-speaking markets. Lokah could be a good induction for certain multiplex audiences, but we have a different genesis, different situations, and a different story. There’s hardly any similarity.”
Co-star Rashmika Mandanna also shared her views, praising Lokah and emphasizing that Thamma will offer a distinct experience for viewers:
“Having Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino, and Kalyani doing their thing was a different world altogether. Knowing what we have in store, it’s going to be a new conversation. You can’t put both films together.”
About Thamma
Thamma is the fifth installment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which includes hits like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. Set to release on October 21 for Diwali, the film explores the lore of vampires while blending comedy and mythology.
Producer Dinesh Vijan noted that Thamma draws from mythos, distinguishing it from Lokah, which is inspired by Kalliyankattu Neeli and other Kerala folklore creatures, including Chathan and Odiyan. Lokah was the first Malayalam film to gross over ₹300 crore worldwide, featuring actors like Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben, and Soubin Shahir.
Why the Comparison Matters
The Malayalam film has set high expectations for vampire-themed cinema in India. Khurrana and Mandanna aim to deliver a larger-scale, accessible experience for multiplex audiences across the Hindi belt, ensuring that Thamma stands out while honoring the growing popularity of horror-comedy films.
