Top 5 Ayushmann Khurrana roles that demonstrate his ability to shine in unconventional films

Somewhere between Vicky Donor and Article 13, Ayushmann Khurrana cracked the code of seamlessly switching gears between lighthearted entertainers and serious films loaded with social commentary. Over the years, the actor has emerged as one of the most reliable stars of his generation. Since his debut in 2012, he has garnered much acclaim, and a lot of it was earned through a carefully curated filmography. Asyuhmann has always had a leaning toward the unconventional and the unexpected—he’s played a man with erectile dysfunction, a small-town guy and a sperm donor. Joining the line-up of inspired choices is his next film, Anek, a political action thriller. The Anubhav Sinha directorial, which also stars Andrea Kevichusa, promises a gut-wrenching tale. It sees Ayushmann playing an undercover agent on a mission set against the backdrop of a conflict-ridden part of Northeast India. 

Before heading into theatres to watch Anek, here’s a look at five Ayushmann Khurrana films that prove he thrives in atypical roles. 

Akash Sarraf in Andhadhun 

By the time Aysuhmann Khurrana did Andhadhun, a brilliant exercise in black comedy, he was already eight films into his intriguing filmography. But what the actor accomplished in the 2018 film came as a revelation. In Andhadhun, Ayushmann played Akash Sarraf, a pianist who fakes blindness to get inspiration for his piano playing skills. When he witnesses the murder of a former actor, he’s caught in a web that gets increasingly tangled after the late actor’s wife, Simi (a perfectly cast Tabu), begins to suspect he isn’t blind. The film sees Ayushmann give his career-best performance by far. His fake blind act is only elevated by his co-stars Tabu and Radhika Apte and Sriram Raghavan’s gripping plot.

Vicky Arora in Vicky Donor 

Before his Bollywood debut, Aysuhmann Khurrana was only known for his reality TV stints on Roadies and India’s Got Talent. With his maiden feature film project, he won acclaim not just for his acting chops as a newbie but for his choices. Vicky Donor did more than announce his arrival. It also set the tone of his career and established his penchant for unconventional roles. In the film, he plays Vicky Arora, a sperm donor for a fertility clinic. His comic timing and effortless screen presence quickly won over audiences. Moreover, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. And so began his seemingly unstoppable foray into critical and commercial hits. 

Kartik Singh in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan

Before we shower Ayushmann Khurrana with praise for his portrayal of a gay man in this romantic comedy, it’s important to acknowledge that the role should have ideally been offered to a queer actor, as it would do wonders for LGBTQ+ representation in Indian cinema. While there’s no good excuse for casting only straight stars in a film about a same-sex couple, Asyuhmann’s Kartik Singh, an openly gay man whose lover Aman (Jitendra Tripathi) is still in the closet, is definitely a conversation starter. To begin with, his portrayal of the character isn’t caricaturish, which came as a huge relief. Moreover, the film is a comedy for sure, but never at the expense of its adorable queer characters. If there’s any contemporary Bollywood actor who could’ve pulled off a respectful if not authentic depiction of a gay man, it’s perhaps Aysuhmann. 

Prem Prakash Tiwari in Dum Laga Ke Haisha

One of Ayushmann Khurrana’s strengths is his charm. The actor plays the everyman at his endearing best, and how. In Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a film about a man who is hesitant to marry an overweight woman against his wishes, the actor offers a crowd-pleasing performance. As Prem Prakash Tiwari, he’s vulnerable, relatable, and ultimately redeemable in spite of his shortcomings. 

Balmukund Shukla in Bala 

Ayushmann is never one to shy away from a challenge, so the idea of appearing on screen with a bald head was right up his alley. Bala sees him play Balmukund Shukla, a man who had great hair till he realised that he suffered from premature balding. The film has its faults, but Ayushmann shines in the feel-good comedy as his comedic talents are on full display. From his dialogue delivery to parts where he lets his expressions do the talking, Ayushmann makes this film an entertaining ride from start to finish.