The long-awaited reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan is finally arriving in cinemas, but Haiwaan is far removed from the kind of light-hearted pairing audiences might expect from the two stars. Directed by Priyadarshan, the upcoming film puts Saif in the role of Shyam, a visually impaired caretaker caught in a murder conspiracy, while Akshay plays Parshuram, a ruthless killer hunting down a key witness. The dark action-crime thriller is scheduled to release on September 11, 2026, giving the actors their first theatrical collaboration in 18 years.
There is already plenty of curiosity around the film because of the sharply different roles assigned to its leads. Saif’s character finds himself running from the police after being framed for the murder of a retired judge, while Akshay’s Parshuram represents a very different kind of threat. The contrast between an innocent man trying to survive and a violent antagonist gives the film its central tension, with Priyadarshan stepping into a darker storytelling space.
The film has also completed its theatrical certification process ahead of release. The Central Board of Film Certification has awarded Haiwaan a UA 16+ certificate, with the certificate dated September 8, 2026. Its certified length is 164.7 minutes, which puts the movie at approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, making it a substantial theatrical thriller rather than a short, tightly contained action film.
Haiwaan Certificate and Runtime Explained
The UA 16+ certification is one of the key details to know before heading to the theatre. The rating fits the film’s crime-heavy premise, violent action and darker narrative, particularly given that Akshay’s character is described as a dangerous and physically intimidating killer. With a certified runtime of 164.7 minutes, audiences can expect Haiwaan to spend considerable time developing its mystery alongside its action sequences.
The certification also arrives at an interesting point in Priyadarshan’s career. The filmmaker has been strongly associated with comedy and ensemble entertainers, but Haiwaan takes him into a considerably darker territory. The director has indicated that the project represents a new chapter for him, making the film an important departure from the style many viewers traditionally associate with his Hindi work.
The casting itself adds another layer to that change. Akshay is not playing the conventional hero here, instead stepping into the role of an antagonist who is described as a violent and vengeful killer. According to the supplied source, Akshay was not initially part of the project but eventually came on board after expressing interest in playing the character, giving the film an unusual hero-versus-antagonist dynamic between two established stars.
What Is Haiwaan About?
At the centre of Haiwaan is Shyam, played by Saif Ali Khan, whose life changes after he becomes the prime suspect in the murder of retired Judge Pradhan. Shyam is a blind caretaker, and after being framed for the crime, he has to escape while attempting to understand why he was targeted in the first place. What begins as a fight to prove his innocence soon develops into a much larger conspiracy.
His situation becomes even more dangerous when Shyam takes responsibility for protecting Nandini, who is revealed to be Pradhan’s secret daughter. She is not simply a person caught in the aftermath of the murder, however, because her identity makes her a target. Shyam therefore has to protect Nandini while staying ahead of the police and figuring out who is actually responsible for the events surrounding Pradhan’s death.
That brings Akshay’s Parshuram into the picture. The character is determined to find Nandini and is presented as a violent killer with a personal motivation for pursuing her. As Shyam attempts to keep Nandini safe, the two men are placed on opposing sides of a dangerous chase that gradually reveals more about the conspiracy.
The mystery becomes more complicated when Shyam uncovers a shocking secret about Nandini. That discovery changes what he believes about the case and gives the story another layer beyond the initial murder investigation. The film’s central question therefore isn’t simply whether Shyam can prove his innocence, but whether he can uncover the truth before the people behind the conspiracy catch up with him.
The reunion between Saif and Akshay is particularly interesting because their last big-screen collaboration came 18 years ago. Their return together could have been built around nostalgia, but Haiwaan instead uses their reunion to create a conflict between two dramatically different characters. Saif’s vulnerable position as Shyam gives the story an underdog perspective, while Akshay’s Parshuram provides the immediate physical danger.
Haiwaan Advance Booking and Release Details
With the September 11 release approaching, advance bookings have begun opening in select theatres. Nationwide booking has not yet fully started, while major cinema chains including PVR, INOX and Cinepolis are expected to open their bookings by September 9, according to the Sacnilk report referenced in the source material. The next few days should therefore provide a clearer picture of the film’s initial theatrical demand.
The advance-booking phase will be closely watched because Haiwaan has several elements that could attract different sections of the audience. Akshay and Saif’s 18-year reunion is the obvious nostalgia factor, while Priyadarshan’s shift toward a dark crime thriller gives the film a separate point of curiosity. The unusual casting of Akshay as the villain could also become one of the film’s biggest selling points once audiences see the character in action.
For Priyadarshan, the project represents a particularly notable change in direction. Instead of building the film around comedy, the director has created a story driven by murder, conspiracy, pursuit and hidden identities. That tonal shift makes Haiwaan a different proposition even before the audience considers its two leading actors.
The film’s theatrical release on September 11 will ultimately determine whether that combination works at the box office. For now, the strongest hook remains the reunion itself, but Haiwaan is clearly attempting to offer something more than a star pairing. By putting Saif in a visually impaired character’s role and turning Akshay into the threat chasing him, the film has built its central conflict around a direct clash of personalities and circumstances.
Haiwaan: Frequently Asked Questions
When is Haiwaan releasing in theatres?
Haiwaan is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 11, 2026. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles and is directed by Priyadarshan.
What certificate has Haiwaan received?
The Central Board of Film Certification has awarded Haiwaan a UA 16+ certificate. The certificate is dated September 8, 2026.
What is the runtime of Haiwaan?
The certified length of Haiwaan is 164.7 minutes. That translates to approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Who does Saif Ali Khan play in Haiwaan?
Saif plays Shyam, a visually impaired caretaker who is framed for the murder of retired Judge Pradhan. He later becomes responsible for protecting Nandini while trying to uncover the conspiracy surrounding the murder.
Who is Akshay Kumar playing in Haiwaan?
Akshay plays Parshuram, a violent and vengeful killer who is searching for Nandini. His character serves as the major antagonist of the film.
Why is Haiwaan special for Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan?
The film marks the actors’ reunion on the big screen after 18 years. Rather than placing them together as conventional heroes, Haiwaan puts Saif’s character against Akshay’s antagonist.
With its September 11 release now approaching, Haiwaan has several elements working in its favour before audiences even enter the theatre. The Akshay-Saif reunion provides the nostalgia, while the dark murder conspiracy gives the film its thriller hook and Priyadarshan’s genre shift makes it an intriguing change of pace. The UA 16+ certification and nearly 2-hour-45-minute runtime further underline that this is being positioned as a serious, action-heavy crime thriller rather than a conventional entertainer.
The real test will come once the film opens and audiences experience the mystery surrounding Shyam, Nandini and Parshuram for themselves. For now, the combination of two major stars, an antagonist role for Akshay and a darker Priyadarshan story has made Haiwaan one of the more distinctive theatrical releases to watch on September 11.
