New thriller Haiwaan brings Akshay Kumar back as a villain

Priyadarshan directs the official Hindi remake of Oppam for a September 2026 release.

Navi Mumbai | editorial@unboxdailyhq.com
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The Takeaway

  • Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar join the cast alongside Boman Irani.
  • The worldwide theatrical debut is locked for exactly September 11, 2026.
  • Promotional footage shows the protagonist navigating with a white cane and a tactile watch.
  • Initial trade reports indicated a clash with Udta Teer before that project reportedly shifted to October.

KVN Productions and Thespian Films back this upcoming thriller. Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn handle all primary production duties for the highly anticipated release. The project arrives in cinemas soon. It brings a completely different kind of storytelling to domestic multiplexes this September.

Saif Ali Khan takes on the hero role as a blind martial artist. Akshay Kumar plays the antagonist. He appears in the early footage strictly as a shadowy figure laughing maniacally. Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal steps in for a special cameo appearance. He originally headlined the southern version.

The genuine appeal stems from seeing a successful 90s duo flip their usual dynamic. Audiences are accustomed to watching comedy features from this specific filmmaker. Placing his lead actor in a purely psychotic space offers something entirely fresh. Reuniting these massive stars after a long hiatus guarantees strong initial curiosity.

Haiwaan background details

FeatureDetail
Film titleHaiwaan
Previous collaborationTashan (2008)
Teaser runtime45 seconds

The worldwide theatrical rollout brings this intense narrative directly to domestic screens. A solo run at the box office gives the picture a major commercial advantage across local territories. This opened up after the Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan starrer Udta Teer reportedly moved its release to October. Featuring the original southern star in a cameo role also provides a direct connection for viewers familiar with the source material.

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The Unboxed Truth

Unbox Daily HQ sees a lot of unnecessary adaptations hit the box office every year. This specific project justifies its existence by completely changing how we view its leading men. You rarely get the chance to watch a massive star commit to playing an out-and-out monster. The huge gap since their last joint release makes this reunion a compelling reason to buy a ticket.

Best for: Fans wanting to see classic actors step outside their comfort zones.

Who Is This For: 25 to 50-year-olds.

Courtesy: KVN Productions

When will Haiwaan release in theatres in India?

Haiwaan arrives for its worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026. The thriller receives a solo run across Indian cinemas after competing film Udta Teer reportedly moved to October. Viewers across domestic territories can watch the movie on big screens from day one.

What makes Haiwaan different within its category?

The film flips the traditional dynamic of its lead duo by casting Akshay Kumar as a sinister antagonist against Saif Ali Khan’s visually impaired protagonist. Director Priyadarshan departs from his typical comedy projects to deliver an intense psychological thriller. This production marks their first on-screen collaboration in eighteen years.

Is Haiwaan worth watching in theatres?

Yes, Haiwaan is worth a cinema ticket because it lets audiences watch a massive star fully commit to a villainous role. The eighteen-year wait since Tashan justifies experiencing this dark reunion on the big screen. The film is best suited for viewers aged 25 to 50 who enjoy psychological thrillers.

Close-up headshot of Sumit, Lead Curator with clear-framed glasses and a beard.
Sumit Z.

10+ years in Indian media and a career built on understanding how consumer markets move, Sumit leads editorial at Unbox Daily HQ as Editor in Chief. He researches and evaluates launches across Mobility, Lifestyle, Consumer Goods, and Entertainment, studying market positioning, consumer need, and real-world usability before delivering a verdict. His editorial approach starts with the reader's decision, not the brand's announcement.
For editorial queries, launch coverage requests, or collaborations, reach out to Sumit Z. directly at sumitz@unboxdailyhq.com