Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan brings together Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan for a much-anticipated on-screen reunion. The film arrived in theatres on September 11, 2026, and has generated considerable interest because of its star cast, its director and its connection with the Malayalam thriller Oppam. The film attempts to combine crime, suspense, action and emotional drama while giving the two leading actors contrasting characters.
Haiwaan is built around a tense conflict between its central characters. The story explores the confrontation between a dangerous antagonist and a protagonist who must depend on his senses and intelligence to understand the threat around him. This premise gives the film an opportunity to create a strong cat-and-mouse thriller, particularly because Priyadarshan is returning to a genre that has previously allowed him to balance suspense with commercial entertainment.
Akshay Kumar takes on a darker character in the film, moving away from the more conventional heroic roles that audiences have frequently associated with him. His performance is one of the major talking points of Haiwaan. The actor brings intensity to the antagonist, although the character does not always achieve the level of menace that the story appears to demand. Some scenes give Kumar an opportunity to display a different side of his acting, while other portions rely heavily on familiar thriller conventions.
Saif Ali Khan provides the other important pillar of the film. His character is placed at the centre of the suspense, and his performance works best when the screenplay allows the character’s vulnerability and determination to come through naturally. The chemistry between Kumar and Khan is also one of the reasons the film remains watchable. Their reunion carries a certain nostalgic appeal for audiences who remember their earlier collaborations.
However, the biggest challenge for Haiwaan is its screenplay. The basic premise has enough potential to support a gripping thriller, but the narrative does not maintain the same level of tension throughout. Several portions feel stretched, while some dramatic developments appear predictable. A thriller depends heavily on momentum, and when the pace slows down, the suspense loses some of its effectiveness.
The film also has the difficult task of being compared with Oppam, the 2016 Malayalam thriller directed by Priyadarshan and starring Mohanlal. Oppam was widely recognised for Mohanlal’s performance as a visually impaired character and for the tension created through the conflict between the protagonist and antagonist. The original also benefited from its atmosphere, action sequences and the lead actor’s ability to carry emotionally demanding scenes.
Haiwaan brings the same basic cinematic legacy into a Hindi-language setting but makes changes intended for its Bollywood audience. Priyadarshan has previously explained that the Hindi adaptation was developed with changes to suit its target audience. Recent reports have also highlighted that the film evolved through discussions around casting and production rather than simply following a straightforward remake formula.
The supporting cast adds further value to the film. Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher and Rajpal Yadav are among the actors associated with the project. Their presence helps strengthen the ensemble, although the central conflict between Kumar and Khan remains the main attraction.
One of the film’s strengths is Priyadarshan’s ability to create commercially accessible entertainment. Haiwaan contains action and suspense elements designed for a theatrical audience, while the lead actors provide enough star power to keep attention on the story. However, the execution is uneven, and the screenplay does not always make full use of the possibilities offered by its premise.
The film’s release also marks an important reunion between Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after several years. The pairing itself creates curiosity, and their contrasting screen personas add interest to the narrative. Recent reports noted that the film was among the major Hindi theatrical releases of September 11 and that advance bookings had begun before its release.
Overall, Haiwaan is a thriller with a promising foundation and a strong central cast, but it does not consistently deliver the gripping experience that its premise promises. Akshay Kumar’s attempt at a darker role and Saif Ali Khan’s performance provide engaging moments, while Priyadarshan’s direction gives the film a recognisable commercial style. At the same time, uneven pacing, predictable stretches and a screenplay that occasionally loses momentum prevent the film from becoming a consistently compelling thriller.
For viewers who enjoy crime thrillers, star-driven Bollywood films and Priyadarshan’s style of storytelling, Haiwaan may offer enough moments to make it worth considering in theatres. However, audiences familiar with Oppam may find themselves comparing the Hindi adaptation with the impact of the original, particularly the performance and screen presence that Mohanlal brought to the Malayalam film.
Haiwaan ultimately works as a mixed thriller rather than a completely satisfying remake. The reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan is its biggest attraction, while the screenplay remains its most significant weakness.