Cinema VinesPriyadarshan’s Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit Oppam, titled Haiwaan, hit the big screen this Friday, bringing together a star‑studded cast that includes Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher. The film also features a cameo by Mohanlal, the original star of Oppam, and is scored by Pritam with background music by Ronnie Raphael. It marks the final on‑screen appearance of veteran actor Asrani, who passed away in 2025.
On its opening day, Haiwaan collected ₹2.58 crore net in India, according to the trade portal Sacnilk. The movie was screened in 7,224 shows and posted an overall occupancy of 11%, with afternoon and evening slots pulling slightly higher at 12%. The film’s launch came in the shadow of the recent release of Mirzapur: The Movie, which is expected to influence weekend performance.
Director Priyadarshan, who co‑wrote and helmed the project, explained that he wanted audiences to judge the remake on its own merits rather than compare it to the original. When asked about changes, he said, “No, I don’t want to talk about the changes. Let people see it and understand.” He also highlighted his decision to cast Akshay Kumar in a villainous role, noting that the pair had previously worked together in a series of comedies and that this new dynamic offered a fresh take on their on‑screen chemistry.
Haiwaan brings together Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan for the first time since their 2008 collaboration in Tashan. The duo’s earlier films include Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Yeh Dillagi (1994), Tu Chor Main Sipahi (1996), Keemat: They Are Back (1998), and Aarzoo (1999). The reunion has sparked a buzz among fans and critics alike, with many wondering if the new pairing can deliver the same spark that defined their earlier work.
Critical response to the film has been mixed. A review from HT described Haiwaan as a thriller that “promises more than it delivers.” The reviewer praised the strong premise and a tense climax but criticized the inconsistent writing, logical gaps, and the disruptive placement of songs, which were said to break the film’s rhythm. The review concluded that while there are moments of gripping suspense, especially in the final hour, the overall experience falls short of a taut thriller.
