Ayushmann Khurrana on how 2023 Debunked Box Office Conspiracy Theories, Validation From South India (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran Bollywood A-list actor Ayushmann Khurrana scored another major hit in 2023 with comedy sequel “Dream Girl 2.” But he is still happy to have achieved what he describes as “validation.” The film was one of several medium budget Hindi-language films that became box office successes, including “OMG 2,” “Mrs.

Chatterjee vs Norway,” “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” “Satyaprem Ki Katha” and “12th Fail.” These effectively debunked the notion that only big budget spectacles like “Pathaan” or “Jawan” would work at the post-pandemic Bollywood box office, which had a poor 2022. “There was a conspiracy theory, maybe a year back, that Indian audiences [were] only looking for spectacles or larger-than-life films, but this year, a lot of films, which not really big budget but mid budget, did really well,” Khurrana told Variety. ”Dream Girl 2′ did well, so did ‘OMG 2,’ and ‘Gadar 2’ was technically also a mid budget film.

That norm has been broken, that conspiracy theory has been proven wrong.” “In 2023, the audience would accept anything, which is different, which just connects with them – It doesn’t really have to be a spectacle or a big film.

We’ve seen small films working now. The industry is back on track. That’s a very positive sign this year,” Khurrana added. Khurrana debuted with “Vicky Donor” (2012), in which he played a sperm donor.