INDIA HAS THE RICHEST FOLKLORE: AYUSHMANN

Actor talks about why India does not need to catch up with Marvel and the MCU, the limitations of Al, and his Diwali horror, 'Thamma'

- By Manjusha Radhakrishnan

After a two-year self-imposed sabbatical, Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana returns with Thamma, a fantastical film rooted in Indian folklore and mythology. Known for his grounded, relatable roles, the actor ventures into uncharted territory with this Maddock production - part of their growing horror-comedy universe. In this Diwali release, out in UAE cinemas tomorrow evening, he swaps middle-class struggles for supernatural powers and explores the greys of human morality.

In a freewheeling chat, Ayushmann talks about embracing risk, resisting Al, and why this might just be his most exciting reinvention yet.

The poster behind you — it’s giving Gone With the Wind meets The Vampire Diaries vibes. What’s happening there? Are you in a passionate embrace, or about to suck her blood?

(Laughs) The truth is, our film is very Indian at heart. What you see on the poster is just a façade. It’s deeply rooted in Indian folklore. Thamma is different from the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe — it’s one of their first fantasy adventures, so it’s meant to be a clutter-breaker.

It’s been ages. I’m so thrilled to see you back on screen — we’ve missed you.

I know, right? That’s why I waited for two years — for a big Diwali release.

You look well-rested! What have you been up to during this break?

This film. It’s a huge creative risk, and my most experimental project. I’ve always done realistic stories, but Thamma is fantastical. Maddock’s horror-comedy universe is thriving, and Diwali felt like the perfect time for a comeback.

Was this planned — your big comeback moment? Two years is a long time for an actor.