Ayushmann Khurrana has every reason to feel triumphant as he looks ahead to another promising year at the box office. One of Bollywood’s most dependable stars, Ayushmann has once again proven his mettle in 2025. His first-ever festive release, Thamma, comfortably crossed the ₹100 crore mark, becoming his fifth film to achieve the milestone and also his biggest opener to date. Alongside Dream Girl 2, the success reinforces his rare ability to blend strong content with commercial appeal.
Known for championing stories where the common man takes centre stage, Ayushmann is now poised to expand his cinematic canvas in 2026 with an exciting lineup of four films, all positioned as wholesome family entertainers. Reflecting on his recent successes, he shares, “The texture of theatrical films has changed post-pandemic, and in that context, this success feels deeply affirming. I’m filled with gratitude that both Dream Girl 2 and Thamma worked with audiences. Entering 2026 with two consecutive ₹100 crore hits is truly thrilling.”
Among his upcoming projects, Ayushmann is especially excited about Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, which he describes as a clean, family-friendly comedy. “There will always be space for honest, clean family comedies,” he says. Equally special is his collaboration with Sooraj Barjatya, a filmmaker he deeply admires. “Despite his stature, he’s incredibly humble and hardworking—a true student of cinema. He’s the undisputed master of family entertainers, a genre that is sadly rare today.”
What excites Ayushmann most about Barjatya’s film is its unique perspective. “In his films, the hero isn’t just one person—the entire family becomes the protagonist. That’s what makes them special. The leading man is a quintessential green flag, which feels refreshing. While I usually play flawed characters who evolve, this film celebrates a wholesome, ideal family, and that’s deeply inspiring.”
Ayushmann’s slate also includes a highly anticipated YRF–Posham Pa project, which goes on floors in early 2026, and a Dharma-backed Sikhya film—a genre-breaking spy comedy. Renowned for delivering strong returns relative to budgets, Ayushmann proudly embraces his reputation as Bollywood’s ‘Mr. ROI.’
“I’m a producer-friendly actor,” he says. “I believe in keeping things simple—on set and off it. For me, it’s about being a collaborator first, not just a leading hero.”
A proven franchise-starter with hits like Dream Girl, Badhaai Ho, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Thamma, and Andhadhun, Ayushmann values the trust audiences place in established stories. “A successful franchise brings credibility. Today’s audiences are selective, so the priority is always to deliver a top-notch product. Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, inspired by the 1978 Sanjeev Kumar classic, is a strong IP under BR Chopra Films, now led by Juno Chopra—and it’s an exciting journey ahead.”
