The crime thriller 'Haiwaan', starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has hit a rocky start at the box office. Earning a worldwide gross of Rs 4.6 crore on Day 1, the film marks one of the lowest openings for Akshay in recent years.
- Haiwaan earned a net of Rs 3 crore in India on its opening day.
- The worldwide gross collection stands at Rs 4.60 crore.
- The film is among Akshay Kumar's lowest openers in the post-COVID era.
The crime thriller Haiwaan, directed by the seasoned Priyadarshan and featuring a powerhouse duo of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has had a mediocre start at the box office. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film opened on Thursday with 7,224 shows, generating Rs 3 crore net in India. The gross domestic collection reached Rs 3.60 crore, while overseas markets contributed Rs 1 crore, bringing the total worldwide gross to Rs 4.60 crore.
For a film headlined by two of Bollywood's most prominent stars, these figures are underwhelming. Haiwaan now joins the list of Akshay Kumar's weakest openers in the post-pandemic period. While it slightly outperformed films like Sarfira (Rs 2.50 crore) and Selfiee (Rs 2.55 crore), it remains far below the commercial threshold required for a high-profile multi-starrer to be considered a success.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows a concerning trend in Akshay Kumar's theatrical pull. Comparing this to his previous collaboration with Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla, which opened at a massive Rs 28.70 crore, the decline is stark. This suggests that the audience is no longer swayed by star pairings alone but is demanding high-concept, original storytelling.
"The failure of high-profile remakes indicates a shift in consumer behavior where the 'star system' is being replaced by 'content supremacy'."
Historically, 'Haiwaan' is an adaptation of the 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam, which was also directed by Priyadarshan. In the original, the role now played by Saif Ali Khan was portrayed by the legendary Mohanlal. The story had previously been remade in Kannada as Kavacha in 2019 before this Hindi version was produced.
The film marks a nostalgic reunion for Akshay and Saif, who dominated the 90s with hits like Yeh Dillagi and Main Khiladi Tu Anari. Their last pairing was in the film Tashan. Produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, the movie carries a UA 16+ certificate from the CBFC.
| Movie | Day 1 Collection (Net) |
|---|---|
| Haiwaan | Rs 3.00 Crore |
| Sarfira | Rs 2.50 Crore |
| Selfiee | Rs 2.55 Crore |
| Bhooth Bangla | Rs 28.70 Crore |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What was the worldwide gross of Haiwaan on Day 1?
A: The film earned a worldwide gross of Rs 4.60 crore on its first day.
Q2: How does Haiwaan compare to Akshay Kumar's other low openers?
A: It is slightly higher than Sarfira and Selfiee but still significantly lower than his typical commercial hits.
