Los Angeles/New Delhi, Dec 23 (UNI) Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is enjoying a career high with the success of “Thamma,” his first festive release to cross the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office, reported Variety.
The film, which marks his fifth entry into the elite club, is also his biggest opener to date and the latest addition to Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe.
Known for backing grounded, slice-of-life stories, Khurrana is now consciously shifting toward wholesome, family-oriented entertainers, with a strong slate of projects lined up.
“The texture of the theatricals has changed post-pandemic, and in such a scenario, this success feels hugely affirming,” Khurrana tells Variety.
“My heart is full of gratitude that both ‘Dream Girl 2’ and ‘Thamma’ were successful. I’m thrilled to be entering into 2026 with two consecutive 100 crore hits.”
Headlining his 2026 lineup is “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do,” which he describes as “a clean family comedy, and there is always a space for clean family comedies.”
The film is inspired by the 1978 classic starring Sanjeev Kumar and is backed by BR Chopra Films, led by Juno Chopra.
Khurrana is particularly excited about collaborating with filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, a name synonymous with family cinema. “For his stature, he’s a very simple man, very humble and hardworking at the same time,” Khurrana says.
“What inspires me most about him is that he’s a true student of cinema and works like a nerd. I’m a true fan boy of his kind of family entertainers, he’s a master of this genre and there is true dearth of this genre. No one does it better than Sooraj sir.”
The Barjatya project marks a departure from Khurrana’s usual roles. “What excites me most about his film is that the hero isn’t just one character, the entire family takes centre stage in his family entertainers,” he explains.
“I usually enjoy playing characters who are flawed and evolve over time, but this film is different – it celebrates a wholesome, ideal family as the hero.”
In addition, Khurrana will begin shooting an untitled Yash Raj Films–Posham Pa project in early 2026, followed by the release of a Dharma Productions–Sikhya Entertainment spy comedy.
Known for being producer-friendly and collaborative on set, Khurrana underlines the importance of professionalism. “When I commit to a project and step onto a shoot, I make it a point to keep things simple, even with my entourage,” he says.
“For me, it’s not only about the scripts I choose but also about the kind of professional I am. I take pride in being a collaborator first, rather than someone who is focused solely on being seen as the leading hero.”
Over the years, Khurrana has also established himself as a franchise starter, with successful series like “Dream Girl,” “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan,” and “Badhaai Ho.”
“The credibility of its predecessor is a plus that a franchise film has,” he notes. “The audience’s choices have become selective when it comes to venturing out and watching a new film. So, the priority is always to make a top-notch product, and it really helps when you have a successful franchise to back it.”
Looking ahead, the actor also shared his interest in exploring a sequel to his critically acclaimed thriller, adding that “Andhadhun 2” is something he would like to revisit in the future, according to Variety.
