Priyadarshan's 'Haiwaan' promises a fresh thriller, not a remake

Director Priyadarshan and the cast of the upcoming psycho-thriller 'Haiwaan' are set to bring a distinct cinematic experience to audiences. The film, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, marks a notable shift from the director's well-known comedy collaborations with Kumar in Hindi cinema.

Priyadarshan clarified that 'Haiwaan' is not a carbon copy of his Malayalam film 'Oppam', emphasizing a deliberately different narrative approach. He refrained from detailing the changes, preferring audiences to discover them. The director also revealed that he initially envisioned Saif Ali Khan in the lead before Akshay Kumar came on board.

Addressing the casting of Kumar in a villainous role, Priyadarshan explained his desire for variety. "That's the difference, because every film should not look the same," he said, adding that this was an opportunity to present the actor in a new light. He also noted his practice of not showing actors the original film during remakes, to encourage independent character creation rather than imitation.

Actor Boman Irani, who shares significant screen time with Saif Ali Khan, echoed the director's philosophy. He emphasized bringing freshness to his role rather than competing with the original performances. "If every character does their work with great dedication, it benefits the film," Irani said, praising Priyadarshan's thorough preparation and the trust required in his process.

Saiyami Kher described the experience as special, noting the unique combination of Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar, and Saif Ali Khan. She mentioned that while she had seen 'Oppam', it was not a reference for her performance due to the director's significant changes. Shriya Pilgaonkar highlighted the relaxed on-set atmosphere, recalling games of Ludo organized by Akshay Kumar between takes, despite the film's serious subject.

'Haiwaan' is a neo-noir thriller built around a tense cat-and-mouse game between a psychopath and a visually impaired man. The film marks the on-screen reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 18 years. Produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, the film features a background score by Ronnie Raphael and is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.