Movie Name : Haiwaan
Release Date : 11 September, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Others
Director : Priyadarshan
Producers : Venkat K. Narayana (KVN),Shailaja Desai Fenn
Music Directors : Pritam Chakraborty
Cinematographer : Divakar Mani
Editor : Aiyappan Nair M.S.
Related Links : Trailer
Haiwaan marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Legendary director Priyadarshan directed this flick, and it is the official adaptation of the Malayalam film Oppam (2016). Despite several big names attached to the film, it created less excitement among the audience. Let’s see how the movie is.
Story:
Shyam (Saif Ali Khan) is a visually impaired man who works as a maintenance supervisor at an apartment complex. He shares a good bond with Pradhan (Boman Irani), a retired judge who lives in the same building. Under unexpected circumstances, Judge Pradhan is murdered, and the blame falls on Shyam. Who actually killed the judge? What risks does Shyam take to protect Pradhan’s daughter Nandini? What is Parashuram (Akshay Kumar), the killer’s connection with Pradhan? And why is Shyam determined to protect the little girl? That forms the crux of the story.
Plus Points:
Saif Ali Khan delivers a very mature performance as a visually impaired man. His screen presence stands out as one of the highlights of the film. Akshay Kumar surprises with his ruthless portrayal of the antagonist and a new look.
The second half moves at a faster pace compared to the first half. The cat-and-mouse game between the hero and the villain generates tension at times.
Some thrills suit the mood of the story and keep things moderately engaging. The hero’s efforts to protect the girl are effective. The star hero’s cameo in the climax is also appealing.
Minus Points:
Those who have already watched the Malayalam version or are familiar with the original story may not find much novelty here. Many scenes have been recreated almost exactly as they were in the original.
The film’s opening and first half move at a snail’s pace. The director takes his sweet time to establish Shyam’s character and introduce his backstory. Hence, Haiwaan offers very little in terms of engagement in the initial segments, causing boredom.
Some logical loopholes and the lengthy runtime can be tedious while watching the film. Crime thrillers should be crisp and avoid unnecessary elements. The songs are also unimpressive.
Technical Aspects:
Director Priyadarshan once again showcases his writing prowess. However, he misses his mark when it comes to the direction this time. A story like this deserved better treatment from him. Divakar Mani’s cinematography is good. Music by Preetham and Ralphie Raphael is disappointing. The editing needed more refinement.
Verdict:
On the whole, Haiwaan is a regular suspense crime thriller that falls short despite the Akshay Kumar-Saif Ali Khan-Priyadarshan combination. The basic premise and the performances are fine, but the routine remake format and slow-paced first half work against the film big time. Haiwaan has failed to generate interest among moviegoers, and hence, it will be tough for the film to survive at the box office.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team