Priyadarshan's 'Haiwaan', featuring the powerhouse duo of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, struggles with sluggish pacing and an uneven tone despite strong performances.
- Saif Ali Khan delivers a nuanced performance as a visually impaired man.
- Akshay Kumar's antagonist lacks the chilling menace required for the role.
- The 165-minute runtime is excessive, hindered by unnecessary musical interludes.
On paper, Priyadarshan directing a Hindi thriller starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan seemed like a guaranteed hit. The director was remaking his own 2016 Malayalam success, 'Oppam', meaning he knew the source material intimately. However, 'Haiwaan' fumbles the execution, proving that a strong blueprint doesn't always translate into a polished final product.
The narrative centers on Shyam Rane (Saif Ali Khan), a visually impaired man with heightened sensory perceptions who manages a high-rise in Mumbai. His life is disrupted by the arrival of Parshuram Gokhale (Akshay Kumar), a man driven by a dark vendetta and a traumatic past involving a family tragedy. Shyam inadvertently becomes the shield between this predator and the innocent residents of the building.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the current trend of South-to-North remakes is hitting a saturation point. 'Haiwaan' exemplifies the danger of 'padding' a film for a mass audience; by inserting generic songs and misplaced comedy, the tension—the very heartbeat of a thriller—is systematically drained.
"A thriller is only as good as its clock; once the audience starts noticing the runtime, the suspense has already died."
Saif Ali Khan is the highlight here, bringing warmth and authenticity to Shyam. However, the physicality of the role occasionally feels mismatched with his screen presence. On the opposite end, Akshay Kumar's portrayal of the 'beast' is underwhelming. Instead of a cold, unsettling menace, his performance leans toward the melodramatic, occasionally veering into unintentional comedy during the climax.
The supporting cast provides much-needed relief. Sharib Hashmi is a standout as Inspector Sanjay Shinde, providing genuine laughs. The late Asrani delivers a poignant and warm performance as the security guard, reminding audiences of his timeless talent. Unfortunately, talented actors like Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher are relegated to the sidelines with underdeveloped roles.
| Feature | Oppam (Original) | Haiwaan (Remake) |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Lean and Gripping | Slack and Overextended |
| Villainy | Quietly Terrifying | Over-the-top/Loud |
| Runtime | Efficient | 165 Minutes (Too Long) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is 'Haiwaan' worth watching?
It is a decent one-time watch for fans of the lead actors, but seasoned thriller enthusiasts may find it tedious.
Q2: How does it compare to the original 'Oppam'?
'Oppam' is significantly superior due to its tighter screenplay, better editing, and a more menacing antagonist.
