Ayushmann Khurrana, Bollywood’s quintessential champion of unconventional narratives, is consciously evolving his career strategy in the post-pandemic entertainment landscape. At the FICCI Frames 2025 event in Mumbai, the actor made a significant revelation about his future film selections, stating he’s now “staying slightly away from taboo but not from quirk” . This calculated shift marks a new chapter for the actor known for breaking new ground with socially relevant comedies.
Ayushmann Khurrana, who built his reputation on tackling socially sensitive topics through accessible entertainment, isn’t abandoning what made him unique. Instead, he’s refining his approach to reach wider audiences while maintaining his distinctive voice. “It has to be for a bigger palette, a larger palette, more rooted, more commercial in a way,” he explained during the conversation . This evolution reflects both personal growth and professional adaptation to changing audience preferences.
Defining the Shift: What “Away From Taboo” Means
Ayushmann Khurrana’s filmography reads like a checklist of topics Bollywood traditionally avoided: sperm donation (Vicky Donor), erectile dysfunction (Shubh Mangal Saavdhan), premature balding (Bala), and homosexuality (Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan) . These “taboo-based” films became his signature, earning him critical acclaim and establishing him as an actor who could make difficult subjects palatable to mainstream audiences.
His current approach isn’t an abandonment of this filmmaking philosophy but rather an evolution. “I’m staying slightly away from taboo but not from quirk,” he clarified . The distinction is crucial: while he may be selecting subjects with broader appeal, he isn’t returning to conventional Bollywood formulas. The unique “quirk” that defines his filmography remains intact, ensuring his films maintain their distinctive identity while reaching for wider commercial success.
The Pandemic as Career Turning Point
Khurrana explicitly identified the pandemic as the dividing line between his previous and current approach to film selection. “Whatever my choices were pre-pandemic, they were more taboo-based,” he admitted . This acknowledgment suggests a deliberate recalibration in response to how audience preferences may have shifted during and after the global health crisis.
The actor’s reflection indicates a strategic awareness of changing market dynamics. Where previously he focused exclusively on taboo-breaking narratives, he now seeks projects that balance his unconventional instincts with broader commercial appeal. This doesn’t mean abandoning his core strengths but rather adapting them to new realities. “I’ll continue to do ‘tedhi’ (twisted) films as that’s my core,” he assured, while acknowledging the need to ensure these projects aren’t exclusively focused on taboo subjects .
Upcoming Films: Thamma Leads Commercial Charge
Khurrana’s immediate lineup exemplifies this new strategic direction, beginning with Thamma, his first major Diwali release. “This is my biggest release in terms of scale, marketing, and universe,” he revealed at the event . The horror-comedy, part of Maddock Films’ successful horror comedy universe that includes Stree and Bhediya, represents exactly the kind of commercially viable yet distinctive project that aligns with his evolved approach .
Thamma, described as a “bloody love story” based on Indian folklore, features Khurrana as a historian who uncovers a centuries-old vampire love story originating from Vijayanagara . The film boasts an ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal, and positions Khurrana squarely in a big-budget, pan-India commercial release .
Confirmed Future Projects
Following Thamma, Khurrana has lined up two more major productions specifically chosen for their wider audience appeal:
| Project | Director/Production House | Expected Audience Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Thamma | Aditya Sarpotdar / Maddock Films | Horror-comedy for family Diwali release |
| Untitled Family Drama | Sooraj Barjatya | Wider audience, family demographic |
| Untitled Spy Comedy | Aakash Kaushik / Dharma Productions | Commercial blend of espionage and comedy |
The Barjatya film, in particular, signals Khurrana‘s entry into mainstream family entertainment traditionally associated with wider demographic appeal. Meanwhile, the Dharma Productions spy comedy, described as “a unique spy comedy” that blends “espionage elements with comedy,” represents another commercially viable yet distinctive choice .
The “Hybrid Film” Strategy Explained
Despite this commercial pivot, Khurrana was quick to clarify that he isn’t abandoning the “hybrid film” model that defined his early success. “I have always done hybrid movies from day one,” he stated, referencing projects like Vicky Donor and Dum Laga Ke Haisha that balanced mainstream appeal with unconventional topics . These films, he noted, typically carry reasonable budgets while being “high on content,” creating a favorable “risk-to-reward ratio” from his perspective.
Khurrana traced his approach back to his street theater background in Chandigarh, where he “used to mix social issues with entertainment” . This foundation continues to influence his selection philosophy, though with refined packaging. “The entertainment quotient should always overpower the messaging,” he explained, using an evocative analogy: “Audience bacche ki tarah hoti hai. Unko meethi goli deni padti hai dawai ki. Dawai kadvi lagegi toh mazaa nahin aayega! (Audiences are like children. You have to give them medicine in a sweet pill. If the medicine tastes bitter, they won’t enjoy it.)”
This philosophy of “subtle messaging with entertainment” informs both his past successes and future direction, suggesting that while his subject matter may be evolving, his fundamental approach to meaningful entertainment remains consistent .
FAQ: Ayushmann Khurrana’s Career Evolution
What defines Ayushmann Khurrana’s “taboo-based” films?
Khurrana’s earlier work deliberately tackled socially sensitive topics that mainstream Bollywood typically avoided. His breakthrough film Vicky Donor (2012) addressed sperm donation, while subsequent films like Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (erectile dysfunction), Bala (premature balding), and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (homosexuality) continued this tradition of starting conversations about stigmatized topics .
What prompted Ayushmann Khurrana’s shift in film selection?
The actor explicitly identified the pandemic as the turning point, stating “I have deviated post-pandemic” . While he continues to believe that “a good script is a good script,” he’s now more consciously considering commercial viability and broader audience appeal when selecting projects, aiming for content that’s “more rooted, more commercial” .
What is Ayushmann Khurrana’s “hybrid film” approach?
Khurrana describes “hybrid films” as projects that balance mainstream entertainment with meaningful content, typically with moderate budgets that create favorable risk-reward ratios . These films, like Vicky Donor and Dum Laga Ke Haisha, combine commercial viability with the distinctive, content-driven qualities that have become his trademark .
How significant is Thamma in Ayushmann Khurrana’s career?
Thamma represents several firsts for Khurrana: it’s his first Diwali release, his biggest project in terms of scale and marketing, and his entry into a successful cinematic universe . As part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe that includes Stree and Bhediya, it positions him in a commercially proven franchise while allowing him to explore horror-comedy, a new genre for him .
Conclusion: An Actor in Evolution
Ayushmann Khurrana’s strategic pivot represents neither abandonment of principles nor mere commercial calculation, but rather the natural evolution of an artist responding to both personal growth and changing audience landscapes. His decision to “stay away from taboo but not from quirk” demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of his unique position in Bollywood—honoring the distinctive voice that defined his career while adapting to ensure its longevity and reach.
As he prepares for his most commercial lineup yet, beginning with the Diwali release Thamma and continuing with major productions from esteemed banners, Khurrana appears to be navigating the delicate balance between artistic integrity and mainstream success with characteristic awareness. “I’ll continue to do tedhi films as that’s my core,” he promised, offering reassurance to fans who appreciate his groundbreaking work, while simultaneously expanding his reach to new audiences .
What do you think about Ayushmann Khurrana’s strategic shift in film selection? Are you looking forward to his upcoming commercial projects, or do you prefer his earlier taboo-breaking narratives? Share your thoughts on social media using #AyushmannEvolution and join the conversation about one of Bollywood’s most thoughtful career trajectories.
