Bollywood stalwarts Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are set to reunite under the direction of Priyadarshan for their much-anticipated thriller. After years, the project—an official Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit Oppam—has finally been named Haiwaan, and is slated to begin filming in August 2025 for a 2026 theatrical release.

The title Haiwaan was chosen unanimously by the creative team. According to insiders, it perfectly encapsulates the dark intensity and psychological depth of the story, and aligns with Priyadarshan’s vision of a gripping, edge‑of‑the‑seat thriller.

Star Pairing & Roles

⦾ Saif Ali Khan steps into the lead role originally portrayed by Mohanlal in Oppam, playing a character with a visual impairment.
⦾ Akshay Kumar takes on a rare malevolent role, turning antagonist—a sharp departure from his typical hero persona.

Their previous on‑screen collaborations include Yeh Dillagi (1994), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), and Tashan (2008), making this reunion a reunion after 17–18 years.

Production Plan
The shoot will commence in August 2025, following a straight-through production schedule with a goal to release in the second half of 2026.

Looking Ahead

⦾ Title: Haiwaan
⦾ Filming starts: August 2025
⦾ Expected release: Seconf Half of 2026
⦾ Key draw: Saif as a visually impaired protagonist; Akshay in antagonist mode

Audiences are poised for one of the most startling thrillers in recent Bollywood memory—where memory, suspense, and spectacle collide. Haiwaan promises to redefine genre boundaries in Hindi cinema—anchored by star performances, a masterful director, and an evocative title that embodies its essence.

Stay tuned for exclusive behind‑the‑scenes updates.