Before the pandemic, Ayushmann Khurrana was one of Bollywood’s most consistent success stories. His films often crossed the 100-crore mark, even with modest budgets.
Audiences connected with his blend of humor, emotion, and socially relevant themes. His stories felt relatable and fresh.
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But after the pandemic, things changed. With the rise of OTT platforms, many viewers began watching his films at home. The lack of theatrical scale made his movies less appealing for the big screen.
Big-budget entertainers with action, fantasy, or VFX started ruling the box office. Meanwhile, Ayushmann’s slice-of-life dramas found limited traction in theatres.
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Now, he’s planning a comeback with a strong lineup.
He returns to cinemas this Diwali with Thama, a horror-comedy directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. The film belongs to the Maddock horror-comedy universe that has had previous theatrical hits.
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Next, he stars in a spy comedy with Sara Ali Khan, backed by Dharma Productions, set to release in 2026. It’s expected to be more commercial and mass-friendly.
He has also signed an out-and-out comedy with Bhushan Kumar and Juno Chopra. Comedy is one of Ayushmann’s natural strengths and could help him win back audiences.
In another interesting move, Ayushmann is teaming up with director Sooraj Barjatya for a family-based dramedy. This genre aligns perfectly with his image and could further cement his comeback.
Ayushmann has always had the talent and the scripts. And at a time when Bollywood needs to uplift the right kind of outsiders, he’s exactly the kind of actor audiences should rally behind.
If anyone deserves a theatrical revival, it’s him.
