Mumbai, Oct 28 (NationPress) Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana, who achieved the highest opening of his career with 'Thamma', has revealed his fascination with real-life narratives and eccentric characters.

In an interview with IANS following the film's release, he celebrated its success. Throughout his acting journey, he has intentionally chosen roles that resonate with audiences and feel authentic.

When asked how to develop a mindset that transforms seemingly ordinary tales into box office hits, he shared with IANS, “I'm a non-fiction enthusiast. With a degree in journalism and a master's to boot, I find myself captivated by actual stories. I firmly believe that reality is often stranger than fiction, providing ample inspiration for films. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship between society and cinema.”

He elaborated, “We draw inspiration from society, and society in turn is influenced by films. I frequently engage with this dynamic. It’s quite challenging to reflect real-life quirks and situations on screen, but that challenge exhilarates me. My perspective is that of an everyday person. I evaluate scripts like someone from Chandigarh who enjoys watching movies. That's how I navigate my craft and enjoy being an artist.”

Previously, the actor mentioned that 'Thamma' was “custom-built” for him. The film generated INR 25 crore nett on its opening day and represented a significant shift in the actor's image, deviating from his typical roles as relatable characters from India's heartland. 'Thamma' narrates an epic mythical tale of a vampire.

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, 'Thamma' premiered on 21 October 2025, coinciding with the Diwali festivities. The film features Ayushmann Khurrana as a timid journalist entangled with a mysterious vampire, portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna, set against the myth-laden backdrop of Betals. While it is part of the established horror-comedy universe (MHCU), it leans more towards romance and fantasy than pure horror.