Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana continues to conquer the silver screen with his latest comedy sequel, “Dream Girl 2.” Despite his success, Khurrana still values the feeling of validation he receives from his achievements. This film is part of a growing trend where medium-budget Hindi-language movies, such as “OMG 2,” “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,” “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” “Satyaprem Ki Katha,” and “12th Fail,” have proven that big-budget spectacles are not the only ticket to success in the post-pandemic Bollywood box office.
Debunking the Conspiracy Theories
In an interview with Variety, Khurrana revealed that there was a conspiracy theory circulating about Indian audiences only being interested in extravagant, larger-than-life films. However, the success of films like “Dream Girl 2,” “OMG 2,” and even the mid-budget film “Gadar 2” has debunked this misconception. In 2023, the audience has shown a willingness to embrace anything different that connects with them, regardless of scale or budget. This positive shift in the industry indicates a revived diversity of movie preferences among viewers.
Khurrana’s Unique Acting Choices
Khurrana’s success is not a stroke of luck. Ever since his debut in “Vicky Donor” back in 2012, where he portrayed a sperm donor, he has deliberately chosen diverse roles that challenge traditional Bollywood stereotypes. From a man with erectile dysfunction in “Shubh Mangal Savdhan” to an alopecia sufferer in “Bala,” Khurrana has consistently proven that unconventional stories can captivate audiences and achieve commercial success. His versatility extends to playing an out and proud gay man in “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan” and a gym instructor discovering his fiancée’s gender reassignment surgery in “Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui.” Khurrana’s selection of roles breaks the mold of mainstream cinema and reflects his commitment to bringing unique stories to life.
Embracing Regional Industries
Khurrana’s success isn’t limited to Bollywood. His thriller film “Andhadhun” made waves in China, where it collected nearly $50 million. Proving his admiration for regional cinema, Khurrana highlighted the distinct tonalities, cinematic grammar, and diverse audiences found in southern Indian languages. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with talents from the south Indian industries, including versatile actor Fahadh Faasil and director Sandeep Vanga Reddy. Khurrana’s aspiration to explore different genres and work with various directors demonstrates his commitment to artistic growth.
A Journey Beyond Acting
Apart from acting, Khurrana is also a talented musician. His track “Nindiya” for the hit Netflix series “The Railway Men” received critical acclaim. Starting in 2024, he plans to invest more time and energy into his music career alongside his acting endeavors. Khurrana acknowledges the soul-stirring power of music and its ability to uplift and inspire him during difficult times. It has become an integral part of his life, and he intends to explore it further as a personal and creative endeavor.
Future Plans and UNICEF Ambassadorship
Currently, Khurrana is busy with several film projects that are still under wraps. Additionally, he serves as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF India, using his platform to combat cyberbullying and create employment opportunities for young adults. Khurrana believes in the power of cinema to empower and educate children, with plans to produce commercial films targeting this important audience.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s journey in the film industry continues to defy norms and break stereotypes. Through his versatile acting choices and dedication to storytelling, he has become a trailblazer in Bollywood. As an accomplished actor and musician, Khurrana remains committed to pushing boundaries, expanding his horizons, and creating meaningful cinema experiences for audiences far and wide.