Thama Teaser: Internet Divided On Rashmika-Ayushmann Film – “Cheap Copy Of Twilight” Or Something Fresh?

The highly anticipated teaser of Thama, starring Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana, has finally dropped online—and within hours, it became the talk of the internet. While the film promised a unique mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery, the online response paints a very divided picture. Some viewers are intrigued by the concept, while others were quick to dismiss it, calling it a “cheap copy of Twilight.”

The Teaser That Sparked Debate

The short clip sets the stage for a dark and moody love story filled with supernatural undertones. Fans see Ayushmann stepping into a mysterious character who carries a brooding charm, while Rashmika portrays a strong yet emotionally complex lead caught in his orbit. The intense background score, dreamy visuals, and hints of forbidden romance immediately drew parallels with the globally famous Twilight saga.

For many, this was enough to trigger comparisons. The slow-motion shots, the cold color palette, and the dramatic stares between the leads reminded viewers of the Bella-Edward-Cullen universe.

Social Media Reactions

Twitter (X), Instagram, and YouTube were instantly flooded with comments. A section of the audience accused the makers of lacking originality, calling it “Bollywood’s desperate attempt at recreating Twilight vibes.” Memes and sarcastic posts dominated feeds, with one user bluntly saying, “We didn’t need a desi Twilight, thank you.”

However, not everyone agreed. Some fans appreciated the attempt to bring a gothic fantasy romance to Indian cinema, a genre that is rarely explored. Supporters of the film praised Rashmika’s screen presence and Ayushmann’s bold choice to step out of his comfort zone. For them, Thama isn’t just a copy but rather an Indian reimagination with its own cultural twist.

Why the Comparison With Twilight?

The comparisons are not entirely baseless. The teaser heavily relies on aesthetics that resemble Hollywood’s vampire-romance classic—mist-covered forests, shadowy figures, and a forbidden chemistry between two contrasting characters. For a generation that grew up obsessing over Twilight, spotting similarities was almost inevitable.

But critics argue that dismissing the film as a “copy” even before its release is unfair. After all, cinema often borrows themes and visual languages from across the globe. The real question is whether Thama will bring fresh storytelling that resonates with Indian audiences or simply ride on nostalgia for an international franchise.

Ayushmann and Rashmika’s Risky Bet

Both stars are known for taking unconventional roles—Ayushmann has built his career on breaking stereotypes, while Rashmika continues to balance mainstream masala films with experimental projects. With Thama, they are venturing into a risky territory where expectations are sky-high, but criticism is already loud.

If the film succeeds, it could open new doors for supernatural romance in Indian cinema. If it fails, it might be remembered as another overambitious project that collapsed under the weight of comparisons.

The Bigger Picture

The heated reactions around Thama reveal a deeper trend: audiences today are quick to judge films through the lens of international cinema. With streaming platforms giving viewers access to global content, originality is constantly under the scanner. Bollywood’s challenge lies not only in creating visually stunning stories but also in delivering narratives that feel authentic to Indian culture and audience emotions.

What Lies Ahead?

Despite the criticism, Thama has already achieved what teasers are meant to do—spark conversations, debates, and curiosity. Whether audiences will eventually embrace it or reject it as a “cheap copy” depends on the storytelling beyond the two-minute glimpse we’ve seen.

For now, the verdict is divided: some see Thama as Bollywood’s unnecessary answer to Twilight, while others are hopeful it will carve out its own identity. Either way, Rashmika and Ayushmann have guaranteed that all eyes will be on the film when it finally hits theaters.