The teaser of Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has arrived, offering a brief but intriguing look at Priyadarshan’s latest thriller. Rather than spelling out the story, the teaser leans into shadows, fragmented images and the uneasy dynamic between its two leading men. At the centre of it all is one question: “Hero ya Haiwaan?”
The film marks the reunion of Akshay and Saif after nearly two decades. The actors were last seen together in Tashan in 2008, and Haiwaan places them on opposite sides of an apparently dangerous conflict. Their contrasting characters are central to the intrigue, although the teaser carefully avoids revealing exactly what connects them.
Saif’s character immediately stands out. He plays a visually impaired man who navigates the world with the help of a stick, while the teaser suggests that his blindness does not necessarily make him vulnerable. There is an element of mystery to the way he moves through the story, with the film seemingly using his character’s perception and limitations as part of its suspense.
Akshay, meanwhile, appears to be operating from the shadows. His character watches Saif closely, with fleeting glimpses suggesting that he may be responsible for the danger surrounding him. The actor’s unsettling presence gives the teaser much of its menace, marking a striking departure from the lighter collaborations that have defined much of his association with Priyadarshan.
Akshay And Saif’s Characters Remain A Mystery
The teaser’s biggest strength is arguably what it refuses to reveal. There are hints of violence, danger and a larger conspiracy, but little information about the motivations of either character. Akshay’s sinister presence and Saif’s seemingly composed demeanour create an intriguing contrast, leaving audiences to wonder who is actually in control.
The film is also notable for bringing Priyadarshan back into thriller territory. Haiwaan is an official Hindi adaptation of the filmmaker’s own 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal in the lead. Priyadarshan has previously spoken about approaching his Hindi adaptations with the Hindi-speaking audience in mind rather than simply recreating the original film scene by scene.
The teaser suggests that the Hindi version will retain the suspense-driven core while giving Akshay and Saif room to create a fresh dynamic. The supporting cast includes Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar in pivotal roles.
For Priyadarshan and Akshay, Haiwaan also represents another chapter in a long-running creative association. The pair have previously collaborated on films including Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhooth Bangla. This time, however, the tone is considerably darker.
Produced by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn under KVN Productions and Thespian Films, Haiwaan is scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 11, 2026.
For now, the teaser does exactly what a teaser for a mystery thriller should: it raises more questions than it answers. With Akshay seemingly embracing a darker character and Saif playing a man whose blindness may not be the weakness it initially appears to be, Haiwaan could make for an interesting clash between two actors audiences have rarely seen in this kind of setting.
Also Read: The First Look of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s Haiwaan Unveiled
