Filmmaker Priyadarshan and actor Saif Ali Khan have teamed up for the first time in the upcoming psychological thriller Haiwaan. Ahead of the film’s release, the director shared his experience of working with the 55-year-old actor and described him in a unique way — calling him a “little greedy” but “very obedient” actor.
The director’s comments have created quite a buzz among Bollywood followers. Priyadarshan, known for films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Hera Pheri, opened up about his time on set with Saif during an interview with Pinkvilla. His remarks give fans a closer look at how the actor approaches his work and what makes him stand out.
Priyadarshan Explains His ‘Greedy But Obedient’ Comment About Saif Ali Khan
Priyadarshan did not hold back when talking about Saif’s working style. He said, “I found him a very obedient actor, a little greedy but a very obedient actor, so that is the best part about him”.
The director explained that Saif’s curiosity and eagerness to learn made him ask plenty of questions. But once he got the answers he needed, he followed the director’s vision without any hesitation.
“I found him a very mature child because he has a lot of questions every time, and of course, every actor has the right question, but the moment it is answered, he just obeys you,” Priyadarshan shared.
The filmmaker also revealed how quickly their working relationship became smooth. After just two days of shooting, Saif stopped asking questions. Priyadarshan recalled, “After two days, I found that there was no question, so I asked him in the morning, ‘Any questions?’ He said, ‘No sir, now I know what you want to shoot’”.
This mutual understanding helped the director move the project forward with ease. “So that actually builds our confidence with each other, and that is the way it went on,” Priyadarshan added.
Saif’s Reading Habit Impresses The Director On Set
Beyond Saif’s acting approach, Priyadarshan noticed something else that made the actor different from many others in the industry. He observed that Saif spends his breaks reading books instead of looking at his phone.
“I have noticed one wonderful thing about him. In between the shots, he only reads books; I’ve never seen him on his phone,” Priyadarshan said.
The director described Saif as a “voracious reader” with impressive knowledge about the world. This made their conversations more interesting and allowed them to discuss many different topics.
Priyadarshan admitted that he is a big fan of Saif’s family legacy. He said, “I could discuss a lot of things with him because I am a huge Nawab Pataudi fan, so I spent a lot of time with him”.
Saif even gifted the director a book with an autograph from his father, the late cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. This gesture showed the warmth that developed between the two during the making of the film.
Haiwaan: Saif and Akshay Kumar Reunite After 18 Years
Haiwaan marks a significant reunion for Bollywood fans. Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar are coming together on screen after 18 years. The two actors previously appeared together in the 2008 action-comedy Tashan.
The film’s teaser, released recently, gives audiences a glimpse of Saif playing a visually challenged protagonist. He is shown walking with a walking stick and wearing a special watch designed for people with visual impairments. Akshay Kumar takes on the role of the antagonist, appearing in a menacing avatar.
Haiwaan also features a strong ensemble cast including Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, and Rajesh Sharma in important roles. The film is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn under KVN Productions and Thespian Films.
Haiwaan Is A Remake Of The Malayalam Film Oppam
Priyadarshan has confirmed that Haiwaan is a remake of the 2016 Malayalam film Oppam, which he also directed. However, several changes have been made to the dialogues and screenplay to suit the Hindi audience.
The director has also hinted at a special cameo appearance by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in the film. This has added to the excitement among fans who are eager to see the legendary actor make an appearance in this thriller.
Saif’s Role In Haiwaan: A Blind Samurai
Saif Ali Khan has described his character in Haiwaan as an Indian version of a blind samurai. In a conversation with Variety India, the actor shared that the role was something completely new for him.
“It was something completely new for me. More importantly, it’s a character written for the audience to genuinely feel for, which I haven’t really had much of, for whatever reason. I’m really happy I got this role,” Saif said.
He also spoke about working with Priyadarshan, comparing the director’s style to Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood. Saif said, “Working with Priyadarshan sir was amazing. It reminded me of Clint Eastwood, very economical and absolutely sure of what he wanted. We rarely did more than one take”.
The actor added that he usually likes doing a few takes but adapted to the director’s working style. “It was interesting to be completely ready for that very first take, and somehow it worked,” he shared.
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Haiwaan Release Date And What To Expect
Haiwaan is scheduled to hit theatres on September 11, 2026. The film will be released in cinemas across India and is expected to have a wide global release as well.
The psychological thriller promises to deliver a gripping story with strong performances from its lead cast. With Priyadarshan’s experience in crafting engaging thrillers and the star power of Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar, the film has already generated significant interest among movie lovers.
The teaser, which came out earlier this week, has set the tone for what audiences can expect. It features atmospheric visuals and builds intrigue around the conflict between Saif’s blind protagonist and Akshay’s mysterious antagonist.
Fans of both actors are looking forward to seeing them share the screen again after nearly two decades. The combination of Priyadarshan’s direction, the film’s unique premise, and the strong cast makes Haiwaan one of the most awaited Bollywood releases of the year.
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