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| A still from the film. |
Priyadarshan directing a dark psychological thriller? That's not the pairing most Bollywood fans expected. Yet here we are. Haiwaan brings Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan together after nearly two decades, and this Haiwaan Review examines whether the film justifies the wait.
The Haiwaan movie story centres on a visually impaired caretaker caught in a murder he didn't commit. The Haiwaan cast features two of Hindi cinema's most reliable performers in roles far removed from their usual work. Early Haiwaan movie rating scores have been mixed. Critics praise the performances; the runtime draws complaints.
So does this Haiwaan thriller movie deliver? Let's get into it.
The Big Picture
Haiwaan is a remake of Priyadarshan's own Malayalam film Oppam, which released in 2016 with Mohanlal in the lead. The director returns for the Hindi version and makes deliberate changes to the story.
The film runs 147 minutes. That length works against it. The premise is thin, and stretching it past two and a half hours leaves the second half struggling.
The tone is dark and psychological. Scenes involving the antagonist carry genuine unease. The confrontation between the two leads gives the film its strongest stretches. Priyadarshan has said he needed a break from comedy after decades of Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Haiwaan is his 98th film.
What Happens in Haiwaan
Saif Ali Khan plays Shyam, a visually impaired martial arts expert who works as a caretaker for a retired judge. After the judge is murdered, Shyam becomes the prime suspect. He didn't commit the crime.
The killer, Parshuram (Akshay Kumar), is after the judge's hidden daughter, Nandini. Shyam realises he must protect her while clearing his name. What starts as a survival story turns into a confrontation involving revenge and buried secrets.
The film doesn't reveal everything upfront. That works in its favour during the first half.
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in Haiwaan
Akshay Kumar Haiwaan
Akshay Kumar plays against type as Parshuram. Priyadarshan has directed him in numerous comedies over the years. This time, he wanted something different. "Every film should not look the same," he explained. "So I thought I could use Akshay Kumar in a different way."
Akshay brings physical intensity to the role. His character is calm on the surface, volatile underneath. Some critics felt the performance leaned theatrical. His commitment to the dark material isn't in question.
Saif Ali Khan Haiwaan
Saif Ali Khan's Shyam anchors the film emotionally. The role requires vulnerability, sharp instincts, and quiet resolve. He plays a character who is visually impaired but not helpless.
The performance has been described as restrained and instinctual. Saif adds wit and depth to Shyam. You care about what happens to him. That's not easy when the script gives you limited material.
Supporting Cast
The ensemble includes Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Sharib Hashmi, Rajpal Yadav, and Rajesh Sharma. The film marks late actor Asrani's final posthumous appearance. Mohanlal, who starred in the original Oppam, makes a cameo.
Priyadarshan Haiwaan: Direction and Storytelling
Priyadarshan built his career on comedies. Haiwaan is a departure. His handling of suspense relies on atmosphere rather than constant action.
The chase sequences show technical competence. The film looks polished, and Pritam's music supports the tense mood.
Pacing remains the problem. The first half moves relatively well. The second half drags. Scenes that should grip instead feel stretched. A tighter edit would have helped considerably.
What Works and What Doesn't in Haiwaan Thriller
The central conflict between a blind protagonist and a relentless killer is inherently tense. Both leads carry the emotional weight. The darker moments feel earned rather than gratuitous.
The screenplay struggles with predictability. The mystery behind the killer's motives becomes clear well before the reveal. Humour involving veteran actors occasionally feels out of place given the serious tone.
The runtime is a genuine issue. Trimming twenty or thirty minutes would have made the thriller tighter.
Haiwaan Movie Rating
Based on story, acting, direction, pacing, and entertainment value:
• Story: 2.5/5 — Workable premise, weak execution
• Acting: 3.5/5 — Strong leads elevate the material
• Direction: 3/5 — Competent but uneven
• Pacing: 2.5/5 — Runtime hurts the experience
• Entertainment Value: 3/5 — Worth watching for the performances
Overall Haiwaan Movie Rating: 3/5
The film earns this rating on the strength of its leads. Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar deliver committed performances. Their face-off scenes are genuinely engaging. The stretched screenplay and predictable twists keep it from being a standout thriller.
Should You Watch Haiwaan?
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with strong performances, Haiwaan has enough to offer. Fans of Saif Ali Khan will appreciate his unusual role. Those curious about Akshay Kumar's dark turn will find it interesting.
Viewers who prefer tightly paced thrillers may find the runtime frustrating. Anyone expecting the humour typical of a Priyadarshan film should adjust expectations.
For a weekend watch with tempered expectations, Haiwaan works as a one-time viewing.
The Bottom Line
This Haiwaan Movie Review finds a film that aims for tense psychological thrills and partially succeeds. The reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 18 years provides genuine star power. Both actors deliver performances that justify the attention.
Priyadarshan shows his range as a director. The screenplay needed more work. The thriller elements work in patches rather than consistently. For viewers who appreciate performance-driven cinema and can overlook pacing issues, Haiwaan offers a reasonably engaging experience.
FAQs
1. What is Haiwaan about?
Haiwaan follows a visually impaired caretaker named Shyam who is framed for a retired judge's murder. He must protect the judge's daughter while evading both the police and the real killer.
2. Who is in the Haiwaan cast?
The film stars Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Sharib Hashmi, Rajpal Yadav, and Rajesh Sharma. Mohanlal appears in a cameo.
3. Who plays the lead roles?
Saif Ali Khan plays the protagonist Shyam. Akshay Kumar plays the antagonist Parshuram.
4. Is Haiwaan a thriller movie?
Yes. Haiwaan is a dark psychological thriller with action and suspense elements. It is a remake of the Malayalam film Oppam.
5. What is the Haiwaan movie rating?
The film carries a U/A 16+ certificate. Critical ratings have generally ranged between 2.5 and 4 out of 5.
6. Is Haiwaan worth watching?
If you enjoy watching skilled actors in challenging roles, yes. The performances are the main draw. Those seeking a fast-paced thriller may find the 147-minute runtime excessive.
7. Who directed Haiwaan?
Priyadarshan directed the film. He also directed the original Malayalam version, Oppam, which was released in 2016.
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