A remake of the Malayalam hit 'Oppam', 'Haiwaan' attempts to blend sensory suspense with star power but fails due to overacting and a hollow script. While Saif Ali Khan puts in the effort, Akshay Kumar's performance is described as 'relentless hamming'.
- Saif Ali Khan plays a visually impaired man protecting a child from a serial killer.
- The film is a Hindi remake of the 2016 Malayalam thriller 'Oppam'.
- Akshay Kumar's antagonist role is criticized for being over-the-top and lacking subtlety.
- Director Priyadarshan is accused of flattening a slow-burn mystery into a loud commercial vehicle.
Director Priyadarshan returns to the thriller genre with 'Haiwaan', a reimagining of the acclaimed 2016 film Oppam. The premise is inherently gripping: a visually impaired protagonist, Shyam (played by Saif Ali Khan), finds himself as the sole protector of a young girl targeted by a ruthless psychopathic killer, Parshuram (played by Akshay Kumar). The concept of a hero who cannot see his enemy creates an immediate sensory tension that promises a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Saif Ali Khan delivers a disciplined performance, internalizing the blindness and attempting to bring the necessary gravitas to his role as a high-rise maintenance man. He avoids the clichés of playing a disabled character, focusing instead on a gaze devoid of intent. However, the script grants him bursts of 'superstar charisma' that feel disconnected from the vulnerability the character requires, leaving the performance feeling slightly fragmented.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the trend of remaking regional South Indian hits for the Hindi belt is hitting a saturation point. When a director like Priyadarshan—who understands both industries—fails to root the soul of the story in its new setting, the result is a 'checklist remake'. 'Haiwaan' proves that simply swapping actors for bigger stars often erases the psychological nuance that made the original a masterpiece.
The film's biggest downfall is the portrayal of the antagonist. Where the original featured a chilling, muted menace, Akshay Kumar opts for theatricality. His performance is described as 'relentless hamming', swapping psychological dread for loud antics. This mismatch in tone creates a jarring experience, as the villain feels like he belongs in a different movie entirely than the protagonist.
The failure of 'Haiwaan' lies in its inability to balance the vulnerability of the victim with the terrifying stillness of the predator.Technically, the film is a mixed bag. While the atmosphere created by Sabu Cyril and Divakar Mani is evocative, the editing is plagued by fast-cut action sequences and a screaming background score that replaces genuine suspense. The supporting cast, including Boman Irani and Rajpal Yadav, provide brief moments of nostalgia, but they are ultimately reduced to plot devices in a narrative that drags significantly in its second half.
Did You Know?: The original movie 'Oppam' starred the legendary Mohanlal, whose portrayal of the blind protagonist is considered one of the finest performances in modern Malayalam cinema.
Feature Oppam (Original) Haiwaan (Remake) Pacing Slow-burn Mystery Fast-paced Commercial Antagonist Muted & Terrifying Theatrical & Loud Tone Psychological Thriller Action-oriented Masala Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'Haiwaan' a faithful remake of 'Oppam'?
While the plot remains similar, the tone is significantly altered from a psychological mystery to a loud commercial thriller.How is the chemistry between Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar?
The film fails to leverage their reunion, as their characters exist in two different tonal worlds, making their clash feel artificial.
