Akshay Kumar is all set to surprise his fans with something they have never seen before. The actor, known for his comic timing and action roles, is playing a negative character in the upcoming film ‘Haiwaan’ . In a recent interview, he opened up about his role and called it his biggest acting challenge yet.
The teaser of ‘Haiwaan’ dropped on August 12, 2026, and it has already created quite a buzz. The film marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 18 years. They were last seen together in the 2008 film ‘Tashan’ . Directed by Priyadarshan, the movie is a Hindi remake of the director’s own 2016 Malayalam hit ‘Oppam’ .
Akshay Kumar Opens Up About His Evil Character
In an exclusive chat with Hindustan Times, Akshay Kumar spoke about his role in ‘Haiwaan’ . He made it clear that his character is not someone with a soft side or any moral confusion. The actor said his role is purely evil from start to finish.
“As the title goes, I am playing Haiwaan and my character has no grey shades, he’s out and out evil. I always wanted to play a psycho on-screen.”
Akshay Kumar also shared that he has been trying different genres in his recent films. From comedy to horror to action, he has done it all. But playing a full-fledged villain was something he had not tried before.
“With my last four-five films, I have tried to switch between completely different genres: comedy, horror, action, drama. This is my first time playing evil in the truest sense. I like to constantly challenge myself and Haiwaan is that challenge for me.”
How the Beanie Look Came Together
Director Priyadarshan revealed an interesting story behind Akshay Kumar’s look in the film. The actor is seen wearing a beanie in the teaser, and that idea came from a casual moment on another set.
Priyadarshan recalled that he saw Akshay Kumar wearing a beanie during the shoot of their previous film ‘Bhooth Bangla’ . He liked the look so much that he decided to use it for his character in ‘Haiwaan’ .
The director also shared that he never expected Akshay Kumar to agree to play a negative role. When he was narrating the story, he asked Akshay who he thought could play the villain. To his surprise, Akshay asked if he could do it himself.
“I saw Akshay casually wearing the beanie one day at the shoot of Bhooth Bangla, and I immediately liked the look. Him wearing it in Haiwaan was my idea. I remember I was narrating the story of Haiwaan to him one day, knowing he will not do it, and asked who does he think would do the role. I was shocked when he asked me ‘Can I do it?’”
The Teaser Creates Mystery and Suspense
The teaser of ‘Haiwaan’ runs for about 48 seconds and does not use any dialogue. It relies on background music and visuals to create a dark and tense mood. The teaser shows Saif Ali Khan as a blind man who uses a walking stick and a special watch. Akshay Kumar is shown in a menacing way, walking with a scary laugh in the background.
The teaser also includes brief shots of a bloody hand, papers falling from a building, and Akshay Kumar holding a large cross. These images hint at violence and danger without giving away the story. The tagline of the film asks a simple question: “Hero ya Haiwaan?” which means “Hero or Monster?”
Saif Ali Khan Plays a Blind Man
Saif Ali Khan also has a key role in ‘Haiwaan’ . He plays a visually impaired music teacher who is the only person who can save a little girl. His character is shown navigating his surroundings with a stick, adding to the mystery of the film.
The teaser keeps Saif’s face hidden for most of the time, which makes viewers curious about his character. The film seems to be a cat-and-mouse game between the two actors, with Akshay’s character watching Saif’s every move.
Star-Studded Cast and Release Date
‘Haiwaan’ has a strong cast along with Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. The film also features Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Pahal Chaudhary, and Manoj Joshi in important roles.
The movie is produced by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn under KVN Productions and Thespian Films. The music has been composed by Pritam.
‘Haiwaan’ is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on September 11, 2026. The film will be available in cinemas across India and other countries on the same date.
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s Successful Partnership
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan have worked together on many films over the years. They are known for their comedy films like ‘Hera Pheri’ , ‘Garam Masala’ , ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ , and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ . Their recent film ‘Bhooth Bangla’ , which released earlier this year, was also a hit.
‘Haiwaan’ is different from their previous collaborations because it is a serious thriller. Akshay Kumar has stepped out of his comfort zone to play a negative role, and fans are eager to see how he performs in this new avatar.
What Makes ‘Haiwaan’ Different from Other Films
Akshay Kumar has played negative roles before, but never in such a pure and evil way. In the past, his villain characters often had some redeeming qualities or a backstory that made them sympathetic. But in ‘Haiwaan’ , he says there is no such thing.
The actor explained that this is his first time playing evil “in the truest sense”. He has always wanted to play a psycho on screen, and this film gives him that opportunity. The character is described as a ruthless, cold-blooded killer who has no moral compass.
The film is also a remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam film ‘Oppam’ , which starred Mohanlal in the lead role. The original movie was well-received for its gripping story and strong performances. Fans are curious to see how the Hindi version compares to the original.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The teaser and first-look posters of ‘Haiwaan’ have generated a lot of excitement on social media. Fans are talking about Akshay Kumar’s new look and his decision to play a villain. Many are praising his willingness to try something different at this stage of his career.
On Instagram, Akshay Kumar shared the teaser with the caption: “HE hears the danger…I AM the danger! Ab jeet kiski hogi? Hero ya Haiwaan?” The post received thousands of likes and comments within hours of being uploaded.
The first-look posters showed both actors in rugged and intense avatars. Akshay Kumar was seen with a stern expression and dark clothing, while Saif Ali Khan had an intense gaze and a rugged appearance.
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What Viewers Can Expect from the Film
‘Haiwaan’ promises to be a psychological thriller with a dark and mysterious tone. The teaser does not give away much of the plot, which has made viewers even more curious. The film seems to focus on the conflict between the two main characters, with Akshay Kumar playing the villain and Saif Ali Khan playing the hero.
The makers have described the film as a thriller driven by mystery, danger, and “haiwaaniyat”. The word “haiwaaniyat” refers to beastly or monstrous qualities, which fits well with the title of the film.
With Priyadarshan at the helm, audiences can expect a well-crafted thriller with strong performances. The director is known for his ability to blend different genres, and ‘Haiwaan’ seems to be his attempt at creating a pure suspense film.
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on ‘Haiwaan’ and other big Bollywood releases. We bring you the latest news from the world of entertainment, so you never miss out on what’s happening in the film industry.
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