Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan to star in Priyadarshan thriller ‘Haiwaan’

Director Priyadarshan is preparing the release of the Hindi-language crime thriller ‘Haiwaan’, scheduled for September 11, 2026. The film is an official remake of Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam film ‘Oppam’.

In a departure from their frequent comedy collaborations, the film features Akshay Kumar in a villainous role and Saif Ali Khan as a visually impaired protagonist. Priyadarshan noted that Kumar personally expressed interest in playing the antagonist, a decision that initially surprised the director. The film also stars Boman Irani and Saiyami Kher.

Priyadarshan stated that he deliberately avoids showing actors his original films when remaking them to ensure they create independent characters rather than imitating previous performances. The plot follows a blind martial artist who protects a young girl from a dangerous psychopath.