“Thamma Is Totally New”: Rashmika & Ayushmann Clarify Lokah Comparisons

Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana say their Diwali horror-comedy Thamma is very different from Malayalam hit Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra

Rashmika Mandanna Says “Thamma” is a New Experience, Will Start a New Talk

October 16, 2025, Mumbai: Actress Rashmika Mandanna is getting ready for the release of her new film, Thamma. This movie is a horror-comedy. She stars in it with Ayushmann Khurrana.

The film’s trailer and story have created a lot of buzz. Many people online are comparing Thamma to a recent hit Malayalam film. That film is called Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra.

Rashmika Mandanna recently talked about these comparisons. She said that while she understands why people are comparing the two films, Thamma will offer something totally new. She promised a “different experience” that will bring a “new conversation” after people watch it.

Why Are People Comparing the Two Films?

Thamma is a vampire romance story. It is the newest film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which includes Stree and Bhediya.

The Malayalam movie, Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra, also deals with a vampire. That movie talks about the legend of Kalliyankattu Neeli, a figure from Kerala folklore who is a vampire.

Since both films have a vampire theme and mix horror with other genres, people have started comparing them. They feel the basic idea is similar.

Rashmika’s Strong Promise

In a recent interview, Rashmika spoke clearly about the comparison. She said she has watched Lokah and enjoyed it. She also said she is good friends with Kalyani Priyadarshan, who is the lead actress in Lokah.

But Rashmika was quick to say that the two films are not the same. She said, “You can’t put both the films together.”

She explained that Lokah created a unique world with its cast. Thamma is coming from a different creative space. Rashmika is confident that her film is different. She promised the audience a unique experience. She added that once people walk out of the theatres after watching Thamma, they will be talking about something new.

Ayushmann Khurrana Also Agrees

Rashmika’s co-star, Ayushmann Khurrana, also talked about the issue. He said that Thamma is very different from Lokah.

Ayushmann said that Thamma is “high on comedy.” He called his film “more massy.” This means it aims to reach a wider audience across India, especially in Hindi-speaking areas.

He explained that Lokah might have been an introduction to the genre for some viewers. But he said that Thamma has a completely different starting point and story. “There’s hardly any similarity,” he stated.

What is Thamma About?

Thamma is being called a “bloody love story.” It is a romantic story that mixes with supernatural elements.

Ayushmann Khurrana plays a character named Alok. He is a journalist from Delhi. Rashmika Mandanna plays a character named Tadaka. Her character is said to be the “first ray of light.” Ayushmann plays a ‘Betal’ (vampiric spirit from Indian folklore), and Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the main villain.

The director of the film is Aditya Sarpotdar, who also directed the recent hit Munjya. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan. Vijan’s Maddock Films is behind the successful horror-comedy universe. They have focused on drawing stories from Indian folklore and local myths. Thamma is no exception.

The film is set to release on Diwali, October 21. Rashmika Mandanna’s promise of a “new conversation” makes the release even more exciting for Indian cinema lovers. The audience will soon decide if Thamma is a unique experience.