Aditya Sarpotdar Defends Thamma Against Unfair Comparisons

Director Aditya Sarpotdar has responded to the rising trend of comparisons between his Hindi film Thamma and the Malayalam blockbuster Lokah Chapter 1. In an interview with Indian Express, Sarpotdar emphasized that such parallels are misguided and fail to recognize the distinct narratives and intentions of both films.

Defending Unique Visions

Sarpotdar, who previously directed the successful film Munjya, described the ongoing comparisons as “stupid,” asserting that the two films are “poles apart” in their storytelling and thematic approach. While he expressed admiration for Lokah Chapter 1, highlighting his appreciation for lead actor Dulquer Salmaan, he was clear about the need to evaluate films on their own merits. “When I watched the film, I loved it. I’m a big fan of Dulquer Salmaan as an actor too. I reached out to him after I saw the film and said, ‘I just loved what you’ve done with it,’” Sarpotdar shared.

Despite acknowledging the shared supernatural elements, particularly the presence of vampires, Sarpotdar argued that the films should not be placed in the same category simply because of this similarity. He stated, “Just because there’s a vampire in that film and there’s a vampire in my film, people are putting them in the same space. It’s pointless to compare them.”

Addressing Online Criticism of Hindi Films

Sarpotdar also took the opportunity to critique a broader trend in which Hindi films, including Thamma, have faced significant online ridicule. He noted that this negative discourse has become a common theme, with many people seemingly enjoying the act of disparaging Hindi cinema. “People just love ridiculing and pulling down Hindi films. It’s become a trend; people think it’s fun to do that,” he remarked. Sarpotdar emphasized that such attacks on the industry as a whole are unjustified and do not contribute to constructive criticism.

As Thamma continues to perform well at the box office, Sarpotdar’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of appreciating each film for its unique vision rather than resorting to genre-based comparisons. With the success of both films, it is clear that diverse storytelling resonates with audiences across different regions.

In a competitive film landscape, Sarpotdar’s insights may encourage viewers to engage with cinema more thoughtfully, recognizing that every film has its own narrative journey worth exploring.