Ayushmann is the new hit machine

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana entered Bollywood seven years ago -- and that is the number of back-to-back hits he has churned out over the past two years with 'Bala,' his new release, becoming the latest chapter in his success story.

Over the past two years, he has struck gold with experimental subjects such as 'Bareilly Ki Barfi' (2017), 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan' (2017), 'AndhaDhun' (2018), 'Badhaai Ho' (2018), 'Article 15' (2019), 'Dream Girl' (2019) and now 'Bala.'

With 'Bala,' Ayushmann registered his career best opening-day haul of Rs 10.15 crore on Friday, eclipsing the Rs 10.05-crore day one collection of his last release, 'Dream Girl.'

Incidentally, 'Bala' is his 13th film in Bollywood since he started off with 'Vicky Donor' in 2012 and, in the likely scenario that the film will see profits, Ayushmann will have an enviable track record of nine hits out of 13 releases.

For an actor who started out being identified as the master of offbeat roles and a poster boy of unconventional films, Ayushmann Khurrana has emerged Bollywood's most unconventional hit machine.

When the actor entered Hindi films with Shoojit Sircar's 'Vicky Donor' in 2012, he instantly won hearts with his charm and witty screen presence.

The film, presenting a light-hearted take on the taboo attached with sperm donation and artificial insemination, was said to be made on a budget of Rs 5 crore. It went on to earn Rs 65 crore.

'Vicky Donor' made Ayushmann a household name, the multiplex hero with guy-next-door charm. What followed, however, was something he wasn't prepared for.

Films such as 'Nautanki Saala!', 'Bewakoofiyaan,' 'Hawaizaada' and 'Meri Pyaari Bindu' performed below expectations, and the only bright spot in that early phase was the unusual 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha'.

Ayushmann, with his blend of good looks, abundant acting skills and singing talent, isn't exactly the sort of actor you keep down for long.

The actor who started his journey on the small screen soon understood that, with changing times and tastes, the winning trick lay in being part of stories about flaws and imperfections, and in essaying men who has issues to struggle with.