Cinema VinesThe Hindi remake Haiwaan opened in theatres last Friday, reuniting actors Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar after a 17‑year hiatus. Their previous on‑screen collaboration was the 2008 action film Tashan, which also starred Kareena Kapoor Khan and Anil Kapoor. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film is a Hindi version of the Malayalam hit Oppam and features Saif as a visually challenged man while Akshay takes on the role of a cold‑hearted psycho killer.
From the opening day, Haiwaan earned a modest ₹3 crore. The first weekend saw a slight uptick, with Saturday’s collection reaching ₹2.5 crore and Sunday’s haul adding another ₹1.65 crore. By the end of day three, the total net collection in India stood at ₹7.15 crore, a figure that has sparked excitement among fans of the duo.
Priyadarshan explained his approach to the remake, noting that he wanted the film to feel distinctly Hindi rather than a direct copy of the original Tamil and Telugu remakes. He said, “I never make it the same way, and I always try to improvise and make it look like it is made for the North audience.” The director also revealed that Akshay Kumar’s acceptance of the role surprised him, as many actors had reportedly turned it down. “I told him that many actors had turned it down and to my shock, Akshay said, ‘I will do this role’,” he recalled.
The production is a joint effort between KVN Productions and Thespian Films, with Priyadarshan both co‑writing and directing. The film’s release has been noted for bringing a fresh dynamic to the screen, especially with Akshay’s portrayal of a villain that differs from his usual characters.
As the weekend progresses, Haiwaan continues to generate buzz, with audiences eager to see how the long‑awaited reunion between Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar plays out on the big screen.
