Known for his transformative roles, Ayushmann Khurrana is set to charm audiences once again, this time in the realm of classic romance. After surprising fans with his supernatural turn in the horror-comedy 'Thamma', the actor is now embracing heartfelt sentiment in Sooraj Barjatya's upcoming family entertainer, 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya'. In a recent interview, Khurrana opened up about this significant shift and his experience working with the legendary filmmaker.
Ayushmann Khurrana's Admiration for Sooraj Barjatya
Ayushmann Khurrana revealed to Mid-Day that collaborating with Sooraj Barjatya was an inspiring experience. He expressed being genuinely shocked by the director's meticulous work ethic throughout the shoot. "Sooraj sir is incredibly down-to-earth, yet his discipline and ruthless devotion to storytelling are truly impressive," stated Khurrana. He added that this singular focus energises everyone on set, creating a uniquely productive atmosphere.
Why Playing 'Prem' Feels Like a Fresh Challenge
Discussing his role as Prem in 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya', Ayushmann highlighted what sets Barjatya's cinematic universe apart. "The hero in a Sooraj Barjatya film is inherently kind and emotionally secure," he explained. While Khurrana often gravitates towards characters with visible flaws and strong arcs, this film celebrates unadulterated goodness across an entire family. He finds such a portrayal refreshing in today's cinematic landscape, offering a different kind of emotional connect. His past successes in family-oriented stories like 'Badhaai Ho', 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', and 'Bala' reinforce his strength in relatable storytelling.
Balancing Entertainment with Socially Relevant Cinema
Looking ahead, Ayushmann Khurrana has a clear strategy for his career. His next project is the film 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do', slated for release in 2026. The actor consciously mixes entertaining cinema with films that tackle social issues. "Making a 'Gulum' or 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do' helps me reach a wider audience, which in turn gives me the liberty to make films like 'Andhadhun' and 'Article 15'," he elaborated. This balance, he believes, is key to sustaining a diverse and trusted filmography.
Reflecting on his past work, Khurrana shared, "I feel 'An Action Hero' deserved more love." This sentiment fuels his current approach of striking a careful balance. He emphasised that building audience trust through mass entertainers like 'Dream Girl 2' and 'Thamma' is essential, and that trust carries forward to every new project he undertakes.
Inside 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya': Shoot Details and Grand Scale
Filming for 'Yeh Prem Mol Liya' is currently in progress. The project, initially titled 'Prem Ki Shaadi', is expected to wrap up by January 2026. A portion has been shot at Mumbai's iconic Mehboob Studios, with outdoor locations planned to ensure visual continuity. The filmmakers aim to create a natural emotional flow within the narrative.
The movie promises a signature Barjatya-style musical spectacle. A major song sequence was filmed over a week on a large set featuring approximately 200 background performers. A film industry source described the number as "colourful, upbeat, and grand," reminiscent of classic Barjatya movies, designed to warmly introduce the characters while adding to the film's celebratory mood.
