Ayushmann Khurrana Champions Low-Budget Cinema, Calls for More Support for Films Like Hanuman Ansh and Obsession

As the curtain rose on the first day of FICCI Frames, the spotlight shone brightly on Ayushmann Khurrana, who took center stage during the session titled, ‘Cinema at Crossroads – The Rules of the Big Screen.’ With the buzz of his upcoming film Udta Teer in the air, the charismatic actor passionately spoke about what truly makes a film triumph in theaters. In a world where audiences have a galaxy of stars at their fingertips across various platforms, Khurrana believes the heart of success lies in a film’s narrative and authenticity.

According to the latest from PTI, Khurrana beamed with pride over the box-office gains of small-budget gems like Hanuman Ansh and Obsession. “These films come from two distinct realms and are crafted on modest budgets,” he shared. “We must strive to produce more films like these, balancing cost-effectiveness with genuine audience engagement. It sounds simple, but achieving it is quite the feat,” the actor elaborated.

The discussion was graced by the presence of luminaries like director Sriram Raghavan and Denzil Dias, the VP and Managing Director of Warner Bros Discovery’s India Theatrical. During the engaging dialogue, Khurrana emphasized that for him, the storyline has always taken precedence over big-name stars. He pointed to his forthcoming spy comedy, Udta Teer, as a testament to this belief.

“From my very first film, I’ve held the story as the true star,” he remarked. “Across the 20-something films I’ve ventured into, spanning various genres from experimental projects to classic narratives, I’m coming full circle back to my roots—authentic storytelling. Presenting audiences with genuine subjects is a powerful draw. My next film, Udta Teer, feels like a bold move back to my essence, and I’m thrilled about this return to my genre,” Khurrana concluded.