Actor Ayushmann Khurrana has expressed his excitement over the response to his latest release Thamma, calling it the biggest film of his career in terms of opening and audience reception.

Speaking to ANI, Ayushmann said public appreciation means the most to him. “Validation by the public is the biggest validation. This is the biggest opening of my career and hopefully my biggest film as well,” he said.

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, Thamma marks the fifth instalment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. The film features Ayushmann opposite Rashmika Mandanna, alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal.

The actor shared that he was drawn to the role as it offered him a chance to break away from his usual “boy-next-door” image. “Here, the character slowly transforms — almost like a vampire with superhero traits. I did that for the first time and I have always been a fan of this universe,” he said.

Ayushmann added that the film’s success is an added bonus. “As an actor, I found the script very exciting. Whatever is happening now is like a cherry on top.”

Looking ahead, the actor confirmed that Bhediya 2 will release before a sequel to Thamma, as the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe continues to expand. “I’m excited to see how different characters will merge and clash in upcoming films,” he noted.

He also revealed that he will soon begin shooting for Sooraj Barjatya’s next project. “It’s a dream to play a character named Prem in Sooraj ji’s film. It’s a family entertainer with something fresh — a film like this hasn’t come out in years,” Ayushmann said.

The actor further confirmed that he has another project lined up with Yash Raj Films, though the title has not yet been announced.