Actor Saif Ali Khan is set to impress audiences with yet another dramatic shift in persona for Priyadarshan‘s highly anticipated thriller, Haiwaan. The film, which is currently under production, recently saw the actor shooting an intense sequence in Alibaug, showcasing a look that hints at the darker tone of the project.
Glimpses from the set revealed Saif in a traditional, authoritative avatar, shedding the playful image often associated with some of his past roles. Sources suggest his character is designed to keep viewers on edge, embodying the simmering tension that defines the edge-of-the-seat thriller.
Reunion and Role Reversal
Haiwaan marks two significant collaborations for Saif Ali Khan:
- First with Priyadarshan: This is the first time Saif is working with the acclaimed director, celebrated for his mastery over both comedy and intense genre cinema.
- Reunion with Akshay Kumar: The film brings back the iconic duo of Saif and Akshay Kumar after a gap of 17 years; they were last seen together in 2008’s Tashan.
The reunion is rumored to feature a captivating face-off. Reports indicate that the film is the official Hindi adaptation of the 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam (which starred Mohanlal). In a compelling twist, Saif Ali Khan is reportedly playing the protagonist, who is visually impaired (a role similar to the original lead), while Akshay Kumar is expected to play the formidable antagonist—a shift that has generated significant buzz.
Big-Scale Thriller
The film, which is being backed by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, is slated for a 2026 release. The production scale is massive, with reports of high-octane action sequences already shot in South Mumbai. A complex cat-and-mouse chase sequence involving 30-40 cars and 100 junior artists was filmed over five nights in the Churchgate area.
The ensemble cast for the thriller also includes Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, and a confirmed cameo by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who led the original source film, Oppam.
With its high-voltage premise, the pairing of Saif and Akshay in contrasting roles, and Priyadarshan at the helm, Haiwaan is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated releases of 2026.