Local Folklore Goes Global: Ayushmann & Nawaz Discuss ‘Thamma’

The two stars reminisced about their childhood memories of stories like Vikram and Betaal. They expressed excitement about diving into a similar narrative for their film.

“Thamma” features Khurrana as Alok, a journalist from Delhi who inadvertently encounters a world of vampires, including the enigmatic Tadaka, played by Rashmika Mandanna, and a formidable vampire portrayed by Siddiqui.

Indian Culture in Focus

Khurrana remarked, “This is a very positive trend for our country, where we are rediscovering our cultural roots. More films are being crafted around our traditions, making them more relatable.”

He noted a shift in filmmakers’ aspirations—where once they sought foreign locales, now the focus is on exploring local stories.

A Rich Tapestry of Folklore

Siddiqui emphasized that local stories play a significant role in sharing Indian culture globally. “The more local we get, the more universally appealing our stories become,” he asserted.

He highlighted the abundance of untold tales waiting to be explored, many of which have been passed down through generations.

Continuing the Horror-Comedy Legacy

“Thamma” stands as the latest installment in the horror-comedy genre initiated by the successful “Stree” in 2018. Following its success, additional titles like “Roohi” and “Bhediya” have emerged.

Khurrana expressed his enthusiasm for this cinematic universe, eager to collaborate with fellow actors, including his brother Aparshakti and other friends associated with the franchise.

Looking Ahead

Excited about his involvement in “Thamma,” directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Khurrana shared that he has long admired the potential for storytelling that this franchise holds.

Interestingly, both Siddiqui and Khurrana had major breakthroughs in their careers in 2012, establishing them as prominent figures in Bollywood.

Siddiqui reflected, “We both took significant strides in our careers that year, leading us toward various influential projects.” For Khurrana, collaborating on bigger films opened doors to greater audiences, benefiting both mainstream and independent cinema.

With a diverse cast including Paresh Rawal, “Thamma” is set to release in theaters during Diwali. Are you looking forward to catching this blend of local folklore and modern storytelling?