Ayushmann Khurrana Finally Explains Thamma: “It’s About Betaals, Not Vampires”
Ayushmann Khurrana clears the air around his latest film Thamma, revealing it’s rooted in Indian folklore and revolves around betaals, not vampires. Here’s what makes this horror-comedy different.
Ever since the trailer of Thamma dropped, fans have been buzzing about one question, “Is Ayushmann Khurrana playing a vampire?” The pale skin, the missing heartbeat, the fangs: it all pointed that way. But Khurrana has now put all speculation to rest. “There are no vampires in Thamma,” he clarified. “It’s about betaals, spirits from Indian folklore, not bloodsuckers from the West.”
A Story Rooted in Myth
Ayushmann shared that Thamma takes inspiration from Indian legends, especially the idea of the betaal, a ghostly being that haunts graveyards and lingers between life and death. The title itself, he explained, comes from “Ashwatthama,” the immortal warrior from the Mahabharata. Producer Dinesh Vijan, who’s been building this horror-comedy universe with films like Stree and Bhediya, wanted Thamma to explore another corner of India’s supernatural world, one that feels homegrown, not borrowed.
Laughs, Chills, and the Unexpected
While Thamma dives into eerie folklore, Ayushmann insists it isn’t all doom and dread. The film mixes scares with humour, much like its predecessors in the Maddock horror-comedy universe. Rashmika Mandanna plays Tadaka, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui takes on the mysterious role of Yakshasan, who transforms into Thamma. Their interactions with Ayushmann’s character Alok, whose life turns bizarrely upside down and creates a strange balance of fear and fun.
A Desi Take on the Supernatural
What sets Thamma apart is how it rewires the horror template. Instead of aping Western vampire lore, it leans into Indian mythology, making the horror feel familiar yet fresh. It’s less about monsters and more about myths and how they still echo in modern life.
The Final Word
With Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui leading the charge, Thamma promises to be more than another spooky outing. It’s a reminder that Indian stories don’t need foreign fangs to bite, our own legends have enough power to haunt and entertain.
