Ayushmann Khurrana on playing a Pakistani spy in film: 'I do what the script demands'

The trailer for the upcoming spy comedy "Udta Teer" was unveiled in Mumbai yesterday (23 September). The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan in the lead roles and marks the directorial debut of Akash A Kaushik.

The film centres on a Pakistani agent who forgets his mission after arriving in India, a premise that has generated discussion on social media. Speaking at the trailer launch, Ayushmann said he had no reservations about portraying a Pakistani agent in the film.

Ayushmann Khurrana on 'Udta Teer'

"Udta Teer" revolves around a Pakistani spy named Bilal Ahmad (Ayushmann), who enters India and suffers from memory loss after an accident, mistakenly believing he is an Indian spy.

Responding to a question at the trailer launch, Ayushmann said, "It was part of the script. As an actor, you are ready to do anything. This is a spy comedy, a patriotic comedy, and a genre bender. I do what the script demands; I'm a director's baby. It is a fantastic script."

Ayushmann described the role as 'the most difficult character' because he had to maintain a straight face while chaos and comedy unfolded around him. The actor, known for films including Thamma, Andhadhun and Dum Laga Ke Haisha, said, "It is the most difficult character because things were happening around him. I had to have that straight face, though there were moments when I felt like laughing, but I couldn't. I had to be normal while there was chaos happening around me."

Sara Ali Khan opens up about the film

Sara Ali Khan stars opposite Khurrana in "Udta Teer." Speaking at the trailer launch, she said the film's unusual premise attracted her to the project.

"When I heard the story, I so wanted to be part of this world. It is a unique and fresh film. The character is not like my real self, and hence it was exciting for me to do it," she said.

Ayushmann credited director Akash A Kaushik with creating the unusual story, calling it his 'brain child'.

All about Udta Teer

Alongside Ayushmann and Sara, the film features an ensemble cast including Rahul Bose, Ram Kapoor, Suhail Nayyar, Gulshan Grover, Raghubir Yadav, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Smita Tambe and the late Mukul Dev, among others. It marks Mukul Dev's final posthumous performance.

Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain, "Udta Teer" is scheduled to be released in cinemas on 9 October.