Ayushmann Khurrana Confirms Films with Sooraj Barjatya and Dharma, Talks About Hybrid Cinema at FICCI Frames 2025

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana engaged in a lively conversation with journalist Mayank Shekhar on the opening day of the silver jubilee edition of FICCI Frames 2025, held in Mumbai. Known for his unconventional and content-rich film choices, Ayushmann discussed his passion for ‘hybrid cinema’ — films that combine entertainment with meaningful themes.

“Hybrid Films Are My Identity”

Ayushmann described hybrid cinema as the core of his career.

“I have always done hybrid movies from day one — that’s been my staple, whether it’s Vicky Donor, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, or the Shubh Mangal series,” he said.

He explained that such films strike a balance between creative risk and commercial viability.

“These are low to mid-budget films, but high on content. Coming from a street theatre background, I’ve always loved mixing social issues with entertainment. It feels like an extension of my theatre personality,” he added.

Entertainment Comes First

Emphasizing that entertainment must lead every story, Ayushmann used an analogy that reflected his storytelling philosophy:

“The audience is like a child — you have to give them medicine in a sweet form. If it’s bitter, they won’t like it. Subtle messaging with entertainment is the key.”

He believes that social themes must never overshadow the joy of cinema, adding that a powerful message works best when presented with humour and relatability.

Changing Choices Post-Pandemic

Reflecting on his film journey, Ayushmann admitted that his post-pandemic choices have evolved.

“Earlier, my films focused more on taboo topics. Now, I’m moving slightly away from taboo but not from quirk. I want to reach a larger audience while staying rooted,” he explained.

The actor shared that the balance between commercial appeal and substance defines his current artistic path.

Upcoming Projects: Sooraj Barjatya, Dharma, and ‘Thamma’

Ayushmann confirmed that his next release, ‘Thamma’, will hit theatres on October 21, 2025, marking his first big Diwali release.

Following that, he will collaborate with Sooraj Barjatya for a family-centric film and later with Dharma Productions for another mainstream project.

“Both films are for wider audiences, but I’ll continue taking creative risks. Main beech mein panga leta rahunga — I’ll always take on quirky, offbeat films because that’s my core,” he said with a smile.

About FICCI Frames 2025

The FICCI Frames 2025 silver jubilee event gathered leaders from the film, television, and digital entertainment industries to discuss innovation and storytelling in Indian media. Ayushmann’s insights into hybrid filmmaking highlighted the continuing demand for content-driven cinema that blends mass appeal with meaningful narratives.