The wait is finally over for Haiwaan. Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan return to the big screen together in Priyadarshan’s upcoming crime thriller, and the newly released trailer makes it clear that this reunion is far removed from the lighter territory of their earlier films. Instead, the two actors are placed on opposite sides of a tense chase, with Saif playing a blind man and Akshay stepping into a disturbing antagonist role. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 11, 2026.
The trailer builds its intrigue around a simple but effective question: how does a visually impaired man stand against a dangerous killer who appears to have the upper hand? Saif’s character is shown protecting a young girl while trying to stay ahead of Akshay’s menacing character. The result is a psychological cat-and-mouse setup that gives Haiwaan a noticeably darker flavour than the comedy-driven films Priyadarshan and Akshay have made together in the past.
Akshay and Saif Return With a Dark Face-Off
The biggest attraction is obviously the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Their last film together was Tashan, and their return has generated interest largely because Haiwaan gives both actors dramatically different territory. Saif is playing a blind martial artist, while Akshay takes on the role of the dangerous figure at the centre of the film’s conflict.
That contrast is what gives the trailer its hook. Saif’s character cannot rely on sight, forcing the thriller to build tension around sound, movement, instinct and anticipation, while Akshay’s villainous presence brings a more unpredictable energy to their encounters. The trailer also leans into the film’s darker atmosphere rather than revealing every major story beat, which should leave enough mystery for the theatrical release.
The film has a sizeable supporting cast as well, including Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Sharib Hashmi, Rajpal Yadav, Rajesh Sharma and Manoj Joshi. The technical team includes cinematographer Divakar Mani, production designer Sabu Cyril, editor M. S. Aiyappan Nair and music composer Pritam.
The trailer also continues the visual language established by the teaser released earlier in August. That first glimpse relied heavily on shadows and silhouettes, while the trailer expands the world and brings the central conflict into sharper focus. The film is being presented as an action-crime thriller, with the makers clearly aiming for a more intense theatrical experience.
What Is Haiwaan Actually About?
At the centre of Haiwaan is Saif’s character, a blind man who becomes responsible for protecting a young girl from a psychopath killer. That premise gives the film an immediate vulnerability because its protagonist has to deal with a threat he cannot visually track. At the same time, his martial-arts background gives the character an ability to fight back, creating an interesting balance between vulnerability and physical strength.
Akshay, meanwhile, appears to be embracing one of the more unsettling roles of his recent career. Recent comments from Priyadarshan have described Akshay’s character as a “psycho” villain, while the director has also spoken positively about Saif’s suitability for the blind character.
Priyadarshan has also explained his thinking behind casting Saif. In the interview quoted in the supplied source, the filmmaker said, “I wanted someone who is not today’s hero, a man who is mature, who is struggling to live his life, he is blind. I thought I have never worked with Saif, I never knew him before but I was a big fan of Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.” He went on to say that Saif plays a villager in the film despite being sophisticated in real life, adding, “But I thought I could mould him in that role because he is a decent actor.”
The film’s connection with Oppam also deserves some clarification. Haiwaan has frequently been described in coverage as a Hindi adaptation or remake of Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal. However, Priyadarshan recently pushed back against the remake description and said Haiwaan should not be treated simply as a remake, making that distinction relevant when discussing the film before its release.
Why the Trailer Matters Before September 11
The timing of the trailer gives audiences their clearest look yet at what kind of film Haiwaan wants to be. Rather than selling the project primarily on the nostalgia of seeing Akshay and Saif together again, the campaign is putting the thriller element at the centre. That is a smart move because the unusual pairing of a blind protagonist and a psychologically dangerous antagonist gives the film a premise that can stand beyond its star value.
Priyadarshan’s involvement adds another layer of interest. Haiwaan marks his eighth collaboration with Akshay Kumar, while it is his first film with Saif Ali Khan, making the pairing particularly notable for the director as well. The combination also brings together a filmmaker known for both comedy and thrillers with two established stars taking roles that move away from their familiar mainstream images.
The film is produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, with Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn among the producers. Pritam handles the music, while Rohan Shankar is credited for dialogues and screenplay duties alongside Priyadarshan and Abilash Nair.
For viewers deciding whether Haiwaan belongs on their September watchlist, the trailer offers a fairly clear answer: this is being positioned as a theatrical thriller built around the clash between two very different characters. The release date is September 11, 2026, and the film is also listed with SonyLIV as its streaming partner for its eventual digital run.
Haiwaan Trailer: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the release date of Haiwaan?
Haiwaan is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 11, 2026.
Who plays the lead roles in Haiwaan?
Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar headline the film, with Saif playing a blind martial artist and Akshay portraying the antagonist.
Who directed Haiwaan?
Haiwaan is directed by Priyadarshan, who is also credited among the film’s writers.
Is Haiwaan a remake of Oppam?
The film has widely been described as being connected to Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller Oppam, but Priyadarshan has recently said that Haiwaan should not be described as a remake.
What is Haiwaan about?
The film follows a blind martial artist who protects a young girl while facing a dangerous psychopath, setting up the central conflict between Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar.
When will Haiwaan arrive on OTT?
The film is expected to stream on SonyLIV after its theatrical run, according to the film information currently available.
