Ayushmann Khurrana to play cross-functional athlete in Abhishek Kapoor’s romantic drama

Ayushmann Khurrana has been signed by director Abhishek Kapoor for an untitled romantic drama. Interestingly, the actor will be playing the role of a cross-functional athlete in the film. 

The film, which is set in north India, is expected to begin filming this October.

Speaking more about the film, Khurrana told the newspaper supplement Bombay Times, “Abhishek has a distinct voice in cinema today, and I’m glad that we finally got the opportunity to work together on a project that’s close to my heart. This beautiful love story will take viewers on an emotional roller-coaster ride and it is a total family entertainer.” 

The role requires Khurrana to don a different avatar. “Ayushmann will have to undergo a physical transformation for this role. It’s quite a challenge and he’s committed to it,” added Kapoor. The filmmaker’s last film was Kedarnath (2018), which starred the late Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan. 

Sharing his take on the physical transformation, Khurrana said, “I have never attempted a look like this on screen before and I’m already looking forward to seeing the reaction of audiences. The process is going to be intense and excruciating, but I feel that the pain will be worth it.”

The actor was last seen in Gulabo Sitabo (2020) alongside Amitabh Bachchan which released directly on the Amazon Prime. 

The ongoing COVID-19 lockdown has ensured that cinema halls are shut since more than four months. Kapoor hopes this film will get people back to theatres en masse. “This film is special for both Ayushmann and me. We want audiences to come back to theatres and watch movies as a community. And, we will spare no effort to achieve that,” said the filmmaker.