The 18-year wait is officially over. Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are finally sharing the screen again.
The highly anticipated first look at Haiwaan arrives tomorrow at 8:00 PM. Directed by master storyteller Priyadarshan, the psychological action thriller is locked for a September 11, 2026, worldwide theatrical release. Backed by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, the project marks a sharp detour for the duo.
And it is absolutely not a comedy.
Industry chatter indicates the core narrative draws direct inspiration from Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam crime thriller Oppam. The film features a strong supporting cast including Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher. But the biggest unannounced twist is a special cameo appearance by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.
The tone is pitch dark. Saif Ali Khan publicly praised the casting this week, confirming the movie completely discards the lighthearted energy they were famous for in the 90s. He noted that the film avoids their classic Main Khiladi Tu Anari chemistry, telling The Times of India that Kumar actually steps into a highly dangerous, negative role.
Khan also highlighted Mohanlal’s involvement, praising his “meticulous performance” and “childlike passion” on set.
The Verdict: By abandoning the safe nostalgia of their comedy hits for a psychological thriller, Kumar and Khan are taking a calculated theatrical risk. If Priyadarshan successfully adapts the tension of Oppam with this new antagonistic dynamic, this September release could easily dominate the fall box office.