Ayushmann Khurrana Banks on Family Entertainment With Four-Film Slate

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is riding high on the success of “Thamma,” his first festive release that crossed the INR 100 crore mark ($11.1 million) at the box office, marking his fifth film to achieve the milestone and his biggest opener to date. The film is the latest entry in Maddock Films‘ horror-comedy universe.

The actor, long known for championing realistic, slice-of-life cinema, is now pivoting toward wholesome family entertainment with a slate of four upcoming projects.

“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.”

Leading his 2026 lineup is “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do,” which Khurrana describes as “a clean family comedy, and there is always a space for clean family comedies.” The film draws inspiration from the 1978 hit starring Sanjeev Kumar and is backed by BR Chopra Films, headed by Juno Chopra.

Khurrana expresses particular enthusiasm for his collaboration with filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, known for his family-oriented films. “For his stature, he’s a very simple man, very humble and hardworking at the same time,” the actor 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 represents a departure from Khurrana’s typical 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.”

Khurrana will also begin filming an untitled Yash Raj Films-Posham Pa project in early 2026, followed by the release of a Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment co-production – a spy comedy.

The actor, known for his producer-friendly track record, emphasizes his collaborative approach. “When I commit to a project and step onto a shoot, I make it a point to keep things simple, even with my entourage,” Khurrana 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.”

Khurrana has established himself as a franchise starter, having launched successful series including “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.”

The actor also expresses interest in exploring “Andhadhun 2” in the future.