Directed by Priyadarshan, 'Haiwaan' is a gripping Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit 'Oppam'. It features a powerhouse face-off between Akshay Kumar as a psycho-killer and Saif Ali Khan as a visually impaired man.
- Akshay Kumar returns as a menacing antagonist (Parshuram Gokhale) after a long hiatus from villainous roles.
- Saif Ali Khan delivers a nuanced performance as a blind man (Shyam Rane).
- The film is an official remake of the Malayalam blockbuster 'Oppam', directed by the versatile Priyadarshan.
- The plot revolves around a deadly game of cat-and-mouse fueled by revenge and suspense.
Renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan is famous for his ability to adapt South Indian hits into Hindi cinema with great success. With 'Haiwaan', he ventures back into the suspense-thriller genre. The film is a remake of the 2016 Malayalam hit 'Oppam', which starred Mohanlal. However, the Hindi version introduces several modifications to cater to the sensibilities of a wider national audience, adding more commercial layers to the original core.
The narrative follows Shyam Rane (Saif Ali Khan), a visually impaired man working in a luxury Mumbai society. He shares a deep bond with a retired judge, Pradhan (Boman Irani). The tension escalates with the entry of Parshuram Gokhale (Akshay Kumar). Parshuram is not just a criminal but a 'beast' (Haiwaan) who was wrongfully imprisoned in the past. Now driven by hatred, he seeks to eliminate everyone who wronged him, including Judge Pradhan and his daughter.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the pairing of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 18 years creates a massive nostalgic pull for the audience. Moreover, shifting Akshay Kumar from his usual 'disciplined' or 'comic' persona to a cold-blooded psycho-killer is a strategic casting move that refreshes his screen image. The film tests whether a protagonist's physical limitation (blindness) can be used as a narrative tool to heighten tension in a mainstream commercial thriller.
'Haiwaan' is more than just a remake; it is a calculated experiment in blending psychological horror with mainstream suspense.
The first half of the film is exceptionally tight, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The struggle between a blind man and a cunning killer is portrayed with great intensity. However, the second half loses some momentum, and the pacing becomes slightly sluggish. Despite this, the stellar performances of Akshay and Saif carry the movie through. While the music is average, the background score is instrumental in building an atmosphere of dread.
| Feature | Oppam (Original) | Haiwaan (Remake) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Mohanlal | Saif Ali Khan / Akshay Kumar |
| Language | Malayalam | Hindi |
| Tone | Pure Suspense | Suspense + Commercial Masala |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is 'Haiwaan' suitable for family viewing?
As a crime thriller featuring violence and intense psychological tension, it is best suited for teenagers and adults.
2. How is Akshay Kumar's role in the film?
Akshay plays the role of 'Parshuram', a terrifying psycho-killer driven by a thirst for revenge, marking a significant departure from his recent roles.
