Ayushmann Khurrana & Rashmika Mandanna respond to Thamma– Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra comparisons: “Ours is a more massy film, totally different worlds”

October 16, 2025 - 4:15 PM IST

In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, actor Ayushmann Khurrana addressed the growing comparisons between his upcoming film Thamma and the Malayalam supernatural hit Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra, directed by Dominic Arun and starring Kalyani Priyadarshan.

Ayushmann Khurrana & Rashmika Mandanna respond to Thamma– Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra comparisons: “Ours is a more massy film, totally different worlds”

Lokah, which explores vampire folklore through the lens of Kerala mythology, has been widely appreciated by audiences and became the first Malayalam film to cross Rs. 300 crores at the global box office. Since its release, many fans and observers have drawn parallels between Lokah and Thamma, a vampire-themed horror comedy that is part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU).

Ayushmann, however, clarified that the two films are very different in tone and intent. “We are high on comedy,” Ayushmann said. “Though I enjoyed Lokah, I was shooting in Allahabad at that time and it wasn’t released there. Ours is a more massy film because it penetrates into the Hindi-speaking markets as well. Lokah could be a good induction for certain multiplex audiences, but we have a different genesis, different situations — it’s a different story. There are hardly any similarities.” Co-star Rashmika Mandanna also weighed in, noting that she is friends with Kalyani Priyadarshan and has watched Lokah. “Having DQ (Dulquer Salmaan), Thomas (Tovino), and Kalyani just doing their thing, it was a different world altogether,” she said. “Knowing what we have in store and where we’re coming from, I can promise it’s going to be a different experience. You can’t put both films together. I understand where the comparisons are coming from, but once you walk out of Thamma, it will spark a whole new conversation.”

About Thamma

Thamma is the fifth film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), following popular titles like Stree, Roohi, Bhediya, and Munjya. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Thamma explores vampire mythology with a comedic twist. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles and is set for a theatrical release on October 21, 2025, during Diwali.

Producer Dinesh Vijan also spoke about the comparisons, mentioning that while he hasn’t seen Lokah, he’s heard it’s “exceptional.” He emphasized that Thamma draws from a different creative space. “The genesis of Thamma is rooted in mythos,” he said, highlighting the foundational difference between the two films.

About Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra

Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra dives deep into Kerala folklore, portraying supernatural figures like Kalliyankattu Neeli (a vampire), Chathan (a goblin), and Odiyan (a shape-shifter). The film stars Kalyani Priyadarshan and also features Naslen and Sandy Master in prominent roles, along with cameos by Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben, and Soubin Shahir.

While comparisons between Thamma and Lokah continue to circulate online, both films appear to offer unique takes on vampire folklore rooted in their respective regional and cultural contexts.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana flashes fake vampire teeth as he and Rashmika Mandanna promote Thamma in Delhi