Cinema VinesIn a film market that is often dominated by big‑budget spectacles, the Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit Oppam, titled Haiwaan, has managed to carve out a respectable opening. Directed by the veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, the movie brings together the star power of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, who last shared the screen in 2004’s Tashan. Their reunion after a 17‑year hiatus has already sparked buzz among fans and critics alike.
Opening day numbers were modest, with Haiwaan collecting ₹3 crore. The film’s occupancy hovered around 5% in the morning, climbed to just over 12% during afternoon and evening shows, and peaked at more than 18% in the night slot. Despite the competition from the recent release of Mirzapur: The Movie, which was still riding its first‑week momentum, the psychological thriller held its own. By the end of day two, the total box‑office haul reached ₹5.11 crore, a figure that reflects a steady, if not explosive, audience turnout.
Priyadarshan’s direction is evident in the film’s kinetic pacing and unconventional camera work, a style that has earned praise from co‑star Boman Irani. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Irani noted that working with Priyadarshan has broadened his understanding of the director’s approach: “I have worked with him on two films. Now, 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. He gets bored himself so he doesn’t let the audience get bored.” The director’s emphasis on dynamic blocking and staging is a hallmark of his recent projects.
The cast lineup extends beyond the leads to include Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Manoj Joshi, and Jisshu Sengupta, with a cameo appearance by the legendary Mohanlal. The film also marks the final screen appearance of the late comedian Asrani, adding a layer of poignancy for fans of his work.
While Haiwaan has not yet eclipsed the performance of Mirzapur: The Movie, its steady growth and the high‑profile reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan suggest that the film could continue to attract viewers in the coming weeks. As Priyadarshan’s psychological thriller unfolds, audiences will be watching to see whether the combination of star power, seasoned direction, and a compelling narrative can translate into sustained box‑office success.
