Haiwaan Movie Review: Get Ready to catch a Gripping & Relentless Thriller Powered by Akshay and Saif
Movie– Haiwaan
Director – Priyadarshan
Star Cast – Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Mohanlal, Asrani, Sharib Hashmi
Run Time – 2hrs 44mins (164 mins)
Rating – 4.0
Here comes the most awaited film directed by Priyadarshan, Haiwaan, which marks his 98th directorial venture bringing in Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan back to the silver screen together after almost two decades (precisely 18 years). The film is adapted from the Malayalam thriller Oppam, it stands out as a polished, high-stakes psychological crime drama driven by contrasting performances and strong atmospheric tension.
Key Performances & Character Dynamics
Akshay Kumar (Parshuram): Delivering one of his darkest negative roles to date, Kumar opts for a calm, unsettling intensity rather than loud villany. His quiet menace and unpredictable body language make Parshuram a constant, dangerous presence.
Saif Ali Khan (Shyam): Playing a visually impaired man caught in a deadly situation, Khan grounds his performance with restraint and emotional intelligence, avoiding exaggerated tropes while conveying sharp survival instincts.
The Lead Face-Off: The psychological dynamic between Parshuram’s physical confidence and Shyam’s heightened senses creates the film’s core dramatic engine.
Breakout & Supporting Cast: Young actor Paahal Chaudhary brings genuine emotional weight to the plot. Supporting actors Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Sharib Hashmi add solid foundation, while veteran actor Asrani delivers a touching final screen appearance. A special appearance by Mohanlal bridges the film thoughtfully to its original Malayalam source.
Direction, Music and Technical Execution
Despite its 164-minute runtime, Priyadarshan is able to balance elements like suspense, commercial entertainment, and drama effectively. The film’s atmosphere is elevated by a tight background score that heightens confrontational scenes, alongside a well-integrated soundtrack by Pritam featuring tracks like Mere Hero Hai Woh and Rangiyaara.
Final Verdict
So, with all said and done, the film deserves 4/5 rating, thanks to the way Haiwaan succeeds on the strength of its lead performances, effective music, and Priyadarshan’s steady direction, serving as a satisfying, tension-filled theatrical thriller. It can be a worthy film to catch this extended weekend for the fans of Akki or Saif or the ones who enjoy gripping trillers. Enjoy!
