Ayushmann Khurrana has every reason to celebrate this festive season. His latest release, Thamma, has set the box office ablaze with a phenomenal start, emerging as the highest opening day grosser of his career. The Dinesh Vijan production has collected an impressive Rs. 25.11 crores on Day 1, marking a record-breaking beginning for the Ayushmann.
For an actor known primarily for his high-concept, content-driven cinema, this number is a landmark achievement. Thamma has more than doubled the opening of Ayushmann’s previous best, Dream Girl 2 (Rs. 10.69 cr), which held the top spot until now. The actor’s earlier films like Bala (Rs. 10.15 cr), Dream Girl (Rs. 10.05 cr), and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (Rs. 9.55 cr) also delivered strong openings, but none came close to the thunderous response Thamma has generated.
Even his breakout hits such as Badhaai Ho (Rs. 7.65 cr) and Article 15 (Rs. 5.02 cr) were celebrated for their content and longevity rather than massive day-one figures. Doctor G, one of his more recent releases, had opened at a modest Rs. 3.87 cr, a reflection of the challenges content films faced in the post-pandemic theatrical landscape. With Thamma, however, Ayushmann has rewritten the narrative, proving that strong content can coexist with blockbuster-scale opening numbers.
The film’s extraordinary debut also underscores the growing fanbase for Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). Over the years, Maddock has cultivated a distinct identity with films like Stree, Munjya, and Bhediya. Thamma, which sees Ayushmann playing a Betaal — a bold, unorthodox role with no cinematic precedent — fits perfectly into that universe, blending humour, folklore, and heart with mass appeal.
Trade circles have lauded Ayushmann’s ability to turn unconventional premises into mainstream winners. The film’s strong start during Diwali, traditionally dominated by commercial action entertainers, proves that audiences are now willing to embrace originality during festive periods as well.
Given its massive opening and highly positive word-of-mouth, Thamma is expected to enjoy an excellent run through the extended six-day festive weekend. Industry predictions suggest the film could clock anywhere between Rs. 60-70 crore by the end of its extended debut frame making it not only Ayushmann Khurrana’s biggest opener, but also potentially his highest-grossing film to date.
With Thamma, Ayushmann has not just delivered a box office hit he’s redefined what success looks like for original, high-concept Hindi cinema.
Ayushmann Khuranna’s Highest Opening Day grossers at a glance:
Thamma – Rs. 25.11 cr
Dream Girl 2 – Rs. 10.69 cr
Bala – Rs. 10.15 cr
Dream Girl – Rs. 10.05 cr
Shub Mangal Zyada Saavdhan – Rs. 9.55 cr
Badhaai Ho – Rs. 7.65 cr
Article 15 – Rs. 5.02 cr
Doctor G – Rs. 3.87 cr
