Ayushmann Khurrana, one of Bollywood’s most consistently unconventional leading men, made a thought-provoking appearance on Day 1 of FICCI Frames 2025, diving deep into his philosophy of filmmaking, risk-taking, and the art of balancing entertainment with social relevance.
Reflecting on his decade-long journey in cinema, Ayushmann said, “I have always done hybrid movies, from day one — that was my staple. From Vicky Donor to Dum Laga Ke Haisha to the Shubh Mangal series, I’ve always believed in mixing genres.” According to him, the "risk-to-reward ratio" in such films is often underestimated. “These films aren’t expensive,” he noted. “They’re low to mid-budget but high on content. That makes the risk manageable and the payoff, creatively and commercially, quite meaningful.”
Known for championing content-driven cinema with a social conscience, Ayushmann gave a glimpse into how he approaches storytelling: “We used to mix social issues with entertainment, and this seems to be like the extension of my theatre personality.” But he was quick to add a vital caveat: “The entertainment quotient should always overpower the messaging. The audience is like a baby — you have to give them medicine wrapped in a sweet pill. The medicine is bitter; they won’t enjoy it otherwise.”
His comments echo the underlying success formula behind his biggest hits — stories that tackle taboo topics or social issues but are told with humor, heart, and relatability. Whether it’s sperm donation, body image, or gender identity, Ayushmann has carved a niche for making the unspoken, mainstream — and entertaining.
As Thamma, his first Diwali release and Maddock’s latest horror-comedy, gears up for release, Ayushmann’s words offer a sharp reminder of why he remains one of the most bankable — and brave — actors in Hindi cinema today.