Mumbai [India], September 11: The wait is finally over for Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s Haiwaan. Directed by Priyadarshan, the dark thriller arrived in cinemas on September 11, bringing the two actors back together on the big screen after nearly 18 years. Early reactions from moviegoers suggest that the film has made a strong impression, with several viewers praising the performances, background score and its intense first half.
The film has generated considerable curiosity because Akshay and Saif are returning in completely different roles from their earlier collaborations. Saif plays Shyam, a visually impaired martial artist and caretaker, while Akshay takes on the role of Parshuram, a ruthless criminal and psychopath. The contrasting characters form the centre of the film’s cat-and-mouse thriller.
Haiwaan Early Review: Fans Praise Akshay and Saif
As the first shows began on Friday morning, social media reactions started pouring in. Several viewers described Haiwaan as an intense, massy and thrilling revenge drama.
One early reaction praised the performances of both Akshay and Saif along with the film’s background music and engaging first half, calling it a strong one-time theatrical watch. Other viewers highlighted the film’s ability to create tension and suspense.
At the same time, the early response has not been completely unanimous. Some viewers felt that the film loses momentum in the second half, suggesting that the thriller does not maintain the same impact throughout its runtime.
Overall, however, the initial audience response appears to be leaning positive, with particular attention on the lead performances.
Akshay Kumar’s Darkest Role Yet?
One of the biggest talking points around Haiwaan is Akshay Kumar’s transformation into the antagonist.
The actor plays Parshuram, a character with a violent past who becomes the central threat in the story. Ahead of the release, Akshay revealed that he had wanted to explore a psychologically darker character and that discussions with people from the police force helped him understand the mindset of the role.
The actor has also said that the film made him question the simple distinction between good and evil. His character is deliberately positioned in a morally complicated world where appearances may not tell the entire story.
The performance is therefore a major departure from the straightforward heroic characters Akshay has played in many of his commercial films.
Saif Ali Khan Plays a Visually Impaired Hero
Saif Ali Khan takes on the role of Shyam, a visually impaired man who becomes caught in a dangerous situation.
The character is inspired by Mohanlal’s role in the original Malayalam thriller Oppam. However, Priyadarshan deliberately prevented Saif from watching the original film before filming because he wanted the actor to create his own interpretation rather than imitate Mohanlal’s performance.
Saif’s understated appearance is also part of the character’s design. The actor revealed that his look in the film was inspired by the clothes he was wearing when Priyadarshan first visited him before production began.
Haiwaan Is a Remake of Malayalam Film Oppam
Haiwaan is the Hindi adaptation of Priyadarshan’s own 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal.
While the basic premise has been adapted for the Hindi audience, the new film reportedly takes a darker and more brutal approach to the material. The story revolves around a visually impaired protagonist who becomes entangled in a dangerous murder case and is forced into a battle against a ruthless criminal.
The Hindi version also adds another major attraction — Mohanlal’s cameo. Priyadarshan confirmed that the Malayalam superstar agreed to appear in the film despite having played the lead in the original. His presence has become one of the most talked-about surprises surrounding the movie.
Akshay-Saif Reunion After 18 Years
Haiwaan marks another reunion between Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after nearly 18 years.
The two actors have previously appeared together in films including Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi and Tashan. Their return has generated nostalgia among fans, but Haiwaan completely changes their familiar dynamic by placing them on opposite sides of the central conflict.
This time, Saif is the protagonist trying to survive, while Akshay becomes the dangerous force hunting those around him.
Priyadarshan Moves Away From Comedy
Priyadarshan is widely associated with comedy entertainers, particularly in Hindi cinema. With Haiwaan, however, the filmmaker moves firmly into the dark thriller and revenge genre.
The film relies on suspense, psychological tension and the confrontation between its two central characters rather than the comedy that audiences traditionally associate with several of Priyadarshan’s Hindi films.
The trailer had already established the film’s darker atmosphere, teasing a tense confrontation between Akshay and Saif while keeping important elements of the story under wraps.
Runtime and Certification
Haiwaan has received a U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification.
The film has an official runtime of approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes, or 164 minutes and 7 seconds.
The supporting cast includes Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma and Rajpal Yadav. The film also features the final posthumous screen appearance of veteran actor Asrani.
Haiwaan Box Office: Can Positive Word of Mouth Help?
Despite the strong star cast, Haiwaan entered its opening day with relatively subdued advance-booking numbers. India Today reported that the film was expected to open below the ₹5 crore mark based on pre-release ticket sales, meaning the movie would need strong spot bookings and positive word of mouth to build momentum.
The early audience response could therefore prove crucial.
If the positive reactions surrounding Akshay and Saif’s performances translate into stronger weekend occupancy, Haiwaan could see a noticeable jump over the next few days.
For now, the early verdict is encouraging but mixed: the performances and first half are receiving strong praise, while the second half has attracted some criticism. The film’s real box-office potential will become clearer over the opening weekend.
