Ayushmann Khurrana: From Vicky Donor to Andhadhun, Article 15 and Bala, how he became Bollywood’s unlikely hit machine

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana entered Bollywood seven years ago — and that is the number of back-to-back hits he has churned out over the past two years with Bala, his new release, becoming the latest chapter in his success story.

With Bala, Ayushmann registered his career best opening-day haul of Rs 10.15 crore on Friday, eclipsing the Rs 10.05-crore day one collection of his last release, Dream Girl. Incidentally, Bala is his 13th film in Bollywood since he started off with Vicky Donor in 2012 and, in the likely scenario that the film will see profits, Ayushmann will have an enviable track record of nine hits out of 13 releases. For an actor who started out being identified as the master of offbeat roles and a poster boy of unconventional films, Ayushmann has emerged Bollywood’s most unconventional hit machine.

Badhaai Ho gave Ayushmann his first Rs 100 crore superhit in India, opening in October last year. Article 15, which opened on June 28 this year, registered a lifetime domestic collection of Rs 63.05 crore. “I think I pushed the envelope a little bit further by choosing another script that was about a taboo topic that was not explored in detail. It gave people a lot of laughs but I hope it also taught people more about love, unconditional love. It was meant to trigger a thought, spark a conversation and I’m delighted that Badhaai Ho did all this in its own unique way,” Ayushmann said about the film.

According to trade expert Rajesh Thadani, Ayushmann’s “common man” appeal makes him a star. “People think he is the common man or more of a boy-next-door, and that has worked for him,” Thadani told IANS.

The back-to-back hits come with some pitfalls. There will be the pressure to continue the golden run, pick the right movie with a lingering question — to continue on the “offbeat” path or not? “The expectation from him is sky high now. Everyone will have huge expectations. He has to pick and choose very carefully,” said Thadani.

To this, Johar added: “As a fan, I would want him to do something different other than the films dealing with taboo topics, through which he can increase his fan base and stay strong at the box office.”

Ayushmann’s love for offbeat cinema will continue as he will next be seen with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo, and address the issue of homosexuality in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.

(Figures courtesy koimoi.com)

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

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