Ayushmann Khurrana is a disruptive element in Indian cinema and harbinger of a new genre that bridges the gap between blockbuster and parallel, says the actor's Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui director Abhishek Kapoor. Ayushmann, who occupies a league of one in Bollywood currently, is known for his work in films that combine offbeat content with Ayushmann's matinee idol presence, such as AndhaDhun, Badhaai Ho, Gulabo Sitabo, Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. The National Award-winning actor plays a gym trainer named Manu in Abhishek Kapoor's Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, co-starring Vaani Kapoor.
Abhishek Kapoor defines the niche created by Ayushmann Khurrana as "content-pole cinema," as opposed to tentpole movies of the sort typically churned out by Bollywood - sure fire hits packed with marquee names and released on strategically chosen dates. "We've been led to believe that there's conventional tentpole cinema and then there's parallel cinema but thanks to actors like Ayushmann Khurrana that gap is being bridged gracefully, giving rise to a new wave of content-pole cinema," said Abhishek Kapoor, director of acclaimed hits such as Kai Po Che and Rock On!!
Ayushmann Khurrana hit the ground running from the very start with his debut in 2012's Vicky Donor, in which he played a sperm donor. "What's wonderful about Ayushmann is that right since his debut, he's championed the art of taking the road less travelled. This hasn't just granted him the credibility of his fans but also the limitless scope to experiment," said Abhishek Kapoor.
The Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui director knew he had found his Manu when he met Ayushmann. "I believe that creating compelling characters is paramount to being a filmmaker. Manu's character had stayed with me for over two years before the film went on floor but Ayushmann walked in like a breeze and made it his own in no time. He fit the part like a glove and enriched it further with his own nuances," he said, "He and I connected mentally and emotionally instantly because we have the same passion to present something fresh and new for audiences to connect with. We pushed each other to deliver the best film that we could have possibly made."
Ayushmann's Instagram is filled with posts documenting his physical transformation for the role:
More praise for Ayushmann Khurrana from his director: "I'm glad to creatively collaborate with an actor who is sensitive, genuine and deeply opinionated. He enjoys a special place in the hearts of his fans because he made them a promise and kept delivering on it relentlessly. With Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, I'm bolstering that promise while also backing it on a large-scale to let the audiences relish this experience in all its glory," said Abhishek Kapoor.
Watch the trailer of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui here:
As the title makes it clear, the film is set in Chandigarh which is also Ayushmann Khurrana's hometown. Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui releases on December 10.