‘Film industry has always been volatile’

Ayushmann Khurrana says that films, whether big or small, can equally work or fail at the box-office

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who is basking in the success of Bareilly Ki Barfi (BKB), and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (SMS), says it’s no surprise that small-budget, ensemble films sometimes do far better than the muchanticipated big-budget movies starring industry biggies. Case in point: Shah Rukh Khan’s Jab Harry Met Sejal and Salman Khan’s Tubelight tanked at the box-office.

Ayushmann says that’s how the film business works; there is always that uncertainty. “The film industry has always been volatile, especially now, since we have so many means of entertainment — web, TV, theatre — we can consume content easily. It has, therefore, become challenging for actors and directors to offer something that will make people buy a ticket and come to the movie hall. In such a scenario, one can only trust Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar to marry content with commerce effortlessly,” he says.

The 33-year-old admits that back-to-back releases (BKB and SMS) can leave an actor exhausted, considering the extensive promotional events these days. “Physically, it’s a lot of pressure. You are running helter-skelter, because you want that people should see this film,” says Ayushmann.

The actor is currently prepping up for his upcoming film, Shoot The Piano Player, in which he plays a visually impaired pianist. “It’s very difficult shooting for three films simultaneously and singing, too. But my partner [wife Tahira Kashyap] understands that these are initial days of my career. I need to work hard. She is also an artist, and understands the commitments,” he adds.

It has become challenging for directors and actors to offer something that will make people buy a ticket and come to the movie hall AYUSHMANN KHURRANA, ACTOR