How Does Ayushmann Khurrana Balance a Warrior Mindset and Creative Indulgence in His Films?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ayushmann Khurrana balances ambition with artistic integrity.
- 'Thamma' represents a bold shift in his acting career.
- The film combines elements of romance, fantasy, and horror-comedy.
- Khurrana embraces risk-taking in his role selection.
- His unique approach resonates with audiences seeking innovative storytelling.
Mumbai, Oct 27 (NationPress) Bollywood's Ayushmann Khurrana, who achieved the largest opening of his career with 'Thamma', has disclosed his approach to selecting roles.
In an interview with IANS following the film's release, he celebrated its success. When asked whether he approaches his films with a warrior mindset or a desire to indulge in the film's subject, he took a moment to respond: "It's a blend of both. I'm quite ambitious regarding my work. I strive for consistency in the film's quality. I'm proud that my success rate is among the best in the industry concerning hit ratios. However, I also identify as a purist when it comes to my artistry. It's a delicate balance I maintain between being a purist while enjoying a commercial perspective, which is incredibly enjoyable."
He further explained to IANS, "I enjoy working on films that are distinctive, provoke discussion, and are real game-changers. As a risk-taker, I find joy in my craft, and that's how I've always envisioned my career."
Previously, the actor mentioned that 'Thamma' was "tailor-made" for him. The film grossed INR 25 crore nett on its opening day and signifies a significant shift from his typical boy-next-door persona, as he often portrays relatable characters rooted in Indian society. 'Thamma' narrates a grand mythical tale of a vampire.
In a prior conversation with IANS, he stated, "I genuinely believe that 'Thamma' was crafted for me because I've portrayed realistic, flawed characters. This transition is particularly exciting since audiences haven't seen me in a role that is alpha, powerful, and action-oriented."
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, 'Thamma' was released on October 21, 2025, during the Diwali weekend. The film features Ayushmann Khurrana as a timid journalist entangled with a mysterious vampiric entity, portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna, in a myth-laden world of Betals. While part of the established horror-comedy universe (MHCU), the film leans more towards romance and fantasy than pure horror.