Ayushmann Khurrana's seventh film with a new director, 'Udta Teer', to release on October 9

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been known for more than a decade for offbeat characters and unconventional films. Along with choosing different subjects and strong roles, he has also kept backing new and emerging directors. With 'Udta Teer', he is set to complete a run of seven films with directors who were either directing for the first time or making their Hindi cinema debut.

The list includes Sharat Katariya of 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha', R. S. Prasanna of 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan' and Raaj Shaandilyaa of 'Dream Girl'. He also worked with Hitesh Kewalya in 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan', Anubhuti Kashyap in 'Doctor G' and Anirudh Iyer in 'An Action Hero'. Aakash A. Kaushik joins as the seventh name with 'Udta Teer'.

The films drew mixed responses at the box office, but one thing is common to Ayushmann's choices. He is seen consistently supporting directors with fresh ideas, offbeat subjects and a clear creative vision.

Ayushmann Khurrana said, "For me, the script always comes first. I do not pay attention to whether a filmmaker is directing their first film or their tenth. What matters to me is whether they have a story and a vision that excite me."

He added, "Some of the most memorable experiences of my career have come from working with new voices. They bring a different hunger, freshness and the courage to look at familiar subjects from a different angle." Ayushmann also said it is his belief that if the conviction behind a story is strong, one should stand by that story.

'Udta Teer' is writer Aakash A. Kaushik's first film as a feature director. Kaushik has both written and directed the patriotic comedy. In the film, Ayushmann plays a Pakistani spy named Bilal Ahmed, who starts believing he is Indian after losing his memory. The film thus offers an unusual mix of spy thriller and comedy.

At the trailer launch, Ayushmann had described the film as a "patriotic comedy". Saying he likes working according to what a script needs, he had also called himself a "director's baby".

Speaking about working on 'Udta Teer', Ayushmann said, "Every new director brings a different energy to the set. In 'Udta Teer', it was not just the genre that drew me; the world Aakash has created was also pulling me in." He said it is rare to get a script that is chaotic, funny, emotional and tied to a big idea all at once. He therefore found it important to surrender fully to Aakash's vision and take the character in an unexpected direction.

Ayushmann's filmography shows he has consistently chosen subjects that spark conversation. He has put themes such as body image, erectile dysfunction, LGBTQ+ love, relationships outside traditional boundaries and the social pressure on the common man on screen in an entertaining way. Working with new directors is therefore not just an experiment for him but appears to be part of his creative thinking.

'Udta Teer' will release in cinemas on October 9, 2026. Ayushmann's journey of seven films, from 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' to 'Udta Teer', is not just a list of collaborations with new directors. It also stands as an example of his willingness to trust new stories and different perspectives.