After years of anticipation, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are back together on the big screen with ‘Haiwaan’. Priyadarshan’s thriller, which released in theatres on September 11, marks the actors’ reunion after 18 years and has arrived with considerable curiosity around their unusual face-off.The film’s first reactions have now started emerging on X, with several viewers highlighting its dark treatment, performances and dramatic twists. While the comparisons with Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller ‘Oppam’ have also added to the conversation, early audience responses have largely focused on the new film’s intensity.
Akshay Kumar’s performance becomes a talking point
Akshay Kumar appears to have made a strong impression on early viewers with his portrayal of Parshuram, a dangerous and vengeful man at the centre of the story.One viewer awarded the film four stars and described it as an “absolute banger BLOCKBUSTER”, while also applauding the lead actors and Priyadarshan’s direction. The review read, “Akshay Kumar absolutely nails it, and Saif Ali Khan is brilliant.”The same viewer felt that the first half successfully combines “entertainment, intensity and solid performances”, suggesting that the film manages to maintain momentum from the outset.
Saif Ali Khan gets praise for his role
Another early reaction called ‘Haiwaan’ a “CAPTIVATING THRILLER” and gave the film 3.5 stars. The review particularly singled out Akshay’s portrayal of a psychologically complex character with darker shades.The viewer wrote that he “transforms into a full-time Haiwaan and surprises with his psychologically challenging character that has dark shades with mental elements attached to it”.According to the same reaction, the opening portions and climax stand out as some of Akshay’s strongest moments in the thriller.
What is ‘Haiwaan’ about?
The film revolves around Shyam, played by Saif Ali Khan, a visually impaired man who finds himself trapped in a dangerous conspiracy after being accused of murdering a retired judge.Akshay’s Parshuram is driven by revenge and is also looking for Nandini, the retired judge’s daughter. Their paths eventually bring the two central characters into a tense and dangerous conflict.Directed by Priyadarshan, ‘Haiwaan’ blends action, crime and psychological drama while presenting Akshay and Saif in markedly different avatars.
Runtime and certification
‘Haiwaan’ has received a UA 16+ certificate from the CBFC and has a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes. With the first audience reactions pointing towards the performances, darker narrative and thriller elements as its major strengths, the film’s box-office trajectory will become clearer over the next few days.The bigger question now is whether the Akshay-Saif reunion can translate the encouraging early reactions into strong theatrical numbers.