Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is excited about an even better 2026 following a stellar year. He is set to star in “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do” and a project with Sooraj Barjatya. Ayushmann is thrilled to welcome the New Year with two consecutive Rs. 100 crore hits, “Dream Girl 2” and “Thamma.”
Post-Pandemic Success
“The texture of the theatricals has changed post-pandemic, and this success feels hugely affirming. My heart is full of gratitude that both Dream Girl 2 and Thamma were successful. I’m thrilled to be entering into 2026 with two consecutive 100 crore hits,” Ayushmann expressed.
Upcoming Projects
Discussing his plans for 2026, Ayushmann shared: “To begin with, I’m excited about Pati Patni Aur Woh Do; it’s a clean family comedy, and there is always space for such films. Then, I have Sooraj Barjatya sir’s next! For his stature, he’s a very simple man—humble and hardworking.”
What inspires Ayushmann most about Barjatya is his dedication: “He’s a true student of cinema and works like a nerd. I’m a true fan boy of his kind of family entertainers. He’s a master of this genre, and there is a true dearth of this style. No one does it better than Sooraj sir.”
A Fresh Take on Family Cinema
Ayushmann highlighted that in Barjatya’s films, the hero isn’t just one character; the entire family takes center stage. “That’s what makes it truly special. In a Sooraj Barjatya film, the leading man is a quintessential green flag, which feels like a refreshing break from the clutter we see today,” he noted.
While Ayushmann typically enjoys playing flawed characters who evolve, this film is different. He elaborated: “It celebrates a wholesome, ideal family as the hero. Watching such a family onscreen will be inspiring and deeply endearing.”
Future Ventures
Following this, Ayushmann will appear in the yet-untitled YRF–Posham Pa project, which he starts filming in early 2026. He will also see the release of his Dharma Sikhya film.
Ayushmann describes himself as “a producer-friendly actor.” “When I commit to a project and step onto a shoot, I keep things simple, even with my entourage. For me, it’s not only about the scripts I choose but also about the kind of professional I am. I take pride in being a collaborator first, rather than someone who is focused solely on being seen as the leading hero,” he stated.
Franchise Insights
On being part of franchise films, he remarked: “The credibility of its predecessor is a plus that a franchise film has—be it Badhaai Ho or Dream Girl. I would love to explore Andhadhun 2 in the future.”
He added, “Audience choices have become selective when it comes to venturing out and watching a new film. The priority is always to make a top-notch product, and it really helps when you have a successful franchise to back it.”
Ayushmann concluded: “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do takes me back to the 1978 hit of Sanjeev Kumar. It’s a great IP with BR Chopra Films now headed by Juno Chopra, and it’s an exciting film, I must say!”