Cinema VinesPriyadarshan, long celebrated for his Hindi comedies, has announced a decisive shift with the release of his latest thriller, Haiwaan. The film, a Hindi remake of his 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam, brings together Saif Ali Khan as a blind protagonist, Akshay Kumar as a ruthless killer, and Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Saiyami Kher in supporting roles. In a candid interview with the Hindustan Times before the movie’s launch, the veteran director revealed that he no longer feels drawn to the comedy genre that defined much of his recent career.
Priyadarshan’s early work in Bollywood was rooted in serious drama, with films like Muskurahat and Gardish establishing his reputation. The turning point came in 2000 with Hera Pheri, a comedy that catapulted him into mainstream popularity. From 2001 to 2021, he directed 20 Hindi films, 16 of which were comedies, including hits such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Billu. Even his recent return to Hindi cinema with the horror‑comedy Bhooth Bangla kept the comedic tone. Now, with Haiwaan, he is returning to the serious, psychological thriller style that first defined him.
Speaking about his aversion to comedy, Priyadarshan said, “I started with serious films. Gardish worked for me, Virasat worked for me. Then Hera Pheri made my life miserable. After that, it was just comedy, comedy, and comedy. To be honest, I hate shooting comedies.” He added that while he still enjoys humor, he prefers situational comedy over gags and tracks, and he dislikes forced facial expressions from actors. “I don’t want a ‘Priyadarshan signature’,” he explained. “When you make so many films in the same genre, you need a change. That’s why I tried Haiwaan, because I really enjoy making serious films.”
Boman Irani, who has worked with Priyadarshan on two previous projects, praised the director’s unique approach to filmmaking. “When I watch his films, I see the camera work and cuts, and I realise he doesn’t like the camera or audience to settle down,” Irani said. “He gets bored himself so he doesn’t let the audience get bored. Now, I am beginning to understand his methodology. His filmmaking, blocking and staging are unique, very kinetic.”
With Haiwaan now in theatres, audiences can expect a departure from Priyadarshan’s comedic legacy, as he reclaims his roots in serious storytelling while still incorporating subtle humor. The film’s release marks a new chapter for the director, who is determined to leave behind the “Priyadarshan signature” and explore fresh narrative territories.
