India, Nov. 6 -- Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna's Thamma may have crossed the Rs.125 crore mark worldwide, but the film has also sparked a lively debate online not for its story, but for its three bold item songs. The latest addition to producer Dinesh Vijan's growing horror-comedy universe, Thamma has divided audiences over its music choices.

Director Aditya Sarpotdar, who previously helmed the hit Munjya, says the criticism is misplaced. In an interview with SCREEN, he explained that the songs serve a clear purpose in the film's world. "All these things are marketing assets that lead you into a film. What counts is what the film gives you in the end. For me, when these songs appear, they're there because my story unfolds thro...