Director Priyadarshan's crime thriller 'Haiwaan' faced a rocky start at the box office, earning only Rs 3 crore nett on its opening day amid stiff competition from 'Hanuman Ansh' and 'Mirzapur: The Movie'.

  • 'Haiwaan' earned Rs 3 crore nett in India on its opening day.
  • Worldwide gross for Day 1 stands at an estimated Rs 4.60 crore.
  • The film faced heavy competition from 'Hanuman Ansh' and 'Mirzapur: The Movie'.
  • Marks the first on-screen reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in 17 years.

Director Priyadarshan’s latest venture, 'Haiwaan', a crime thriller featuring the powerhouse duo of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has hit a stumbling block at the box office. Released on September 11, 2026, the film managed to collect only Rs 3 crore nett in India on its first day, a figure that falls significantly short of industry expectations for stars of this magnitude.

According to data from box office tracker Sacnilk, the film recorded a meager overall occupancy of 11% across 7,224 shows. The trajectory of the day saw a slow start with 5% occupancy in the morning, rising to 12% during the afternoon and evening, and peaking at 18% during the night shows. Despite the slight evening momentum, the numbers remain underwhelming. Globally, the film grossed Rs 3.60 crore in India and approximately Rs 1 crore overseas, totaling a worldwide gross of Rs 4.60 crore.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the failure of 'Haiwaan' to secure a strong opening highlights a growing trend where star power is no longer a foolproof insurance policy. The dominance of 'Hanuman Ansh' suggests that thematic resonance and word-of-mouth are currently outweighing traditional star-driven marketing. For Akshay and Saif, this opening is one of the lowest in their respective careers.

"The modern audience is increasingly critical of remakes, and when a film lacks a unique hook, even the biggest stars cannot force a theatrical turnout."

To put these numbers into perspective, 'Haiwaan' has performed worse on Day 1 than some of the actors' early-career films. Akshay Kumar's 2007 hit 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' earned Rs 3.88 crore nett on its first day, while Saif Ali Khan's 'Ta Ra Rum Pum' recorded approximately Rs 3.50 crore nett in the same year.

The theatrical environment was particularly hostile due to the unprecedented run of 'Hanuman Ansh'. Even after 36 days, the devotional drama continues to draw crowds, earning Rs 10.50 crore on its sixth Friday alone. Additionally, 'Mirzapur: The Movie' maintained a steady grip in its second week, adding Rs 21 crore on Saturday, further squeezing the screen space for 'Haiwaan'.

Historically, 'Haiwaan' is an official remake of Priyadarshan’s own 2016 Malayalam blockbuster 'Oppam'. The film also serves as a poignant final appearance for the veteran actor Asrani, who passed away in 2025. The supporting cast includes Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Saiyami Kher, with a special cameo by Mohanlal.

Movie Day 1 Net Collection (Approx) Status
Haiwaan (2026) ₹3 Crore Underperforming
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) ₹3.88 Crore Historical Benchmark
Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007) ₹3.50 Crore Historical Benchmark
Did You Know?: 'Haiwaan' is based on the Malayalam film 'Oppam', which was a massive critical and commercial success featuring Mohanlal in the lead role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What was the Day 1 collection of 'Haiwaan'?
A: The film earned Rs 3 crore nett in India and a worldwide gross of approximately Rs 4.60 crore.

Q2: Which films were the main competitors for 'Haiwaan'?
A: The film faced intense competition from 'Hanuman Ansh' and 'Mirzapur: The Movie'.