• Source:JND
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Haiwaan: Director Priyadarshan has confirmed that Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will make a special cameo in his upcoming thriller Haiwaan, which stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. The announcement has excited fans across India, as the film promises a combination of suspense and star power. Priyadarshan, known for delivering both blockbuster hits and cult classics, is currently working on Haiwaan, a Hindi-language thriller adapted from the 2016 Malayalam film Oppam, which originally starred Mohanlal. 

In an interview with Pinkvilla, the veteran filmmaker confirmed Mohanlal’s cameo, though he chose not to reveal the character the actor will play. When asked whether he planned to make a full-length film featuring both Akshay Kumar and Mohanlal, Priyadarshan explained that he does not approach filmmaking with a “star-cast-first” mindset. He said, “First is always the script. Then the actor follows. I cannot say, ‘I am going to make a film with Mohanlal and Akshay Kumar together.’ You can’t… like, you will never get a script then. Whenever you get a script, then go behind the right cast—that’s the right way of making films. I have never chased a star to make a film.” Priyadarshan further emphasised that it is the story that excites him, not the actors. “If you’re asking me about Haiwaan, Mohanlal is there in that film. However, what character he plays, I don’t want to say right now,” he added.

 
 
 
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About Haiwaan

Haiwaan brings together Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan under Priyadarshan’s direction. The film is backed by Thespian Films and KVN Productions and is slated for a theatrical release in 2026. Alongside the lead actors, the cast includes Samuthirakani, Saiyami Kher, Shreya Pilgaonkar, Asrani, and Einar Haraldsson in important roles. 

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Meanwhile, for Akshay Kumar, Haiwaan follows the release of Jolly LLB 3, in which he reprised his popular role in the courtroom comedy opposite Arshad Warsi. Saif Ali Khan, on the other hand, was last seen in the thriller Jewel Thief. Mohanlal, fresh from his Onam release Hridayapoorvam, will appear in a cameo, which is already being highlighted as one of the film’s key attractions. In addition, Priyadarshan revealed that Akshay Kumar will also star in another of his upcoming projects, a horror-comedy titled Bhooth Bangla. With Haiwaan promising a mix of suspense, thrilling moments, and a star-studded cast, the film has quickly become one of the most eagerly awaited releases of 2026.