Haiwaan Review: Akshay Kumar And Saif Ali Khan’s Cat-And-Mouse Battle Gives Priyadarshan’s Thriller A Fresh Edge
Haiwaan Review: Director Priyadarshan’s latest psychological action crime thriller Haiwaan brings Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan together on screen after 18 years. Instead of a conventional buddy dynamic, the Bollywood movie pits them against each other in a tense game of cat and mouse.
Haiwaan Plot
The central conflict revolves around Parshuram (Akshay Kumar) and Shyam (Saif Ali Khan), two men with contrasting strengths. Their confrontation becomes a battle of instinct versus physical menace, providing the movie with a solid dramatic pulse.
Akshay Kumar as Parshuram: Delivering a controlled and understated negative role, Akshay uses restraint, measured body language, and controlled expressions to give Parshuram a genuinely dangerous, unpredictable edge.
Saif Ali Khan as Shyam: Playing a visually impaired protagonist, Saif avoids theatrical tropes and focuses on Shyam’s intelligence, observation, and determination.
Haiwaan Performances
Beyond the lead stars, Haiwaan features notable ensemble cast which includes:
Paahal Chaudhary emerges as a major revelation, the young actor delivers a sincere and emotionally grounded performance that raises the narrative stakes.
Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, and Sharib Hashmi provide convincing support throughout the investigation.
Late actor Asrani’s return adds a heartwarming touch, with his final on-screen appearance bringing deep emotional significance to the film.
Adapted from Priyadarshan's Malayalam hit Oppam, the Hindi version features a special appearance by Mohanlal, bridging the connection to the original film.
The background score builds momentum during key standoffs, while Pritam’s music including tracks like “Mere Hero Hai Woh” and “Rangiyaara” adds emotional breathing space without stalling the narrative.
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Haiwaan Verdict: 3.5/5 Stars
Marking his 98th directorial outing, Priyadarshan balances drama, suspense, and mainstream commercial sensibilities effectively. At 2 hours and 44 minutes, the pacing holds steady due to the clear narrative focus.
Produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, Haiwaan is a solid, engaging theatrical thriller. Supported by strong lead acts, a menacing score, and sharp action choreography, it stands out as a worthy one-time watch for fans of dark psychological face-offs.
FAQs
What is the rating and duration of Haiwaan?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes and holds a critical rating of 3.5 / 5.
Is Haiwaan an official remake?
Yes, Haiwaan is adapted from Priyadarshan's 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam.
Who plays the lead villain in Haiwaan?
Akshay Kumar plays the antagonist, Parshuram, opposite Saif Ali Khan's protagonist, Shyam.