Haiwaan is one of the most anticipated Hindi thrillers arriving in September 2026. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in dramatically different roles.

The movie is scheduled to release in theatres on September 11, 2026. It marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan on the big screen after their previous collaboration in Tashan.

The recently released trailer has given audiences a much clearer idea of the film's dark world. Saif Ali Khan plays a visually impaired man who protects a young girl, while Akshay Kumar appears as a ruthless and dangerous antagonist.

Haiwaan Movie Release Date

Haiwaan will release in cinemas on Friday, September 11, 2026.

The release date was officially announced by the makers in June.

Haiwaan Quick Details

BookMyShow currently lists Haiwaan as an Action, Crime and Thriller film releasing September 11.

Haiwaan Movie Cast

The film features a strong ensemble cast led by Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar plays the antagonist in Haiwaan, marking a major departure from his usual leading-hero image.

The trailer presents him as a dangerous and psychologically unsettling character who creates trouble for Saif's character. Akshay has also described his character as an unapologetically evil villain.

Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan plays the film's protagonist, a visually impaired man with martial-arts skills who becomes responsible for protecting a young girl.

His character is expected to rely heavily on his other senses and physical abilities to survive the threat posed by Akshay's character.

Other Cast

The supporting cast includes:

• Shriya Pilgaonkar
• Saiyami Kher
• Boman Irani
• Rajpal Yadav
• Sharib Hashmi
• Rajesh Sharma
• Manoj Joshi
• Pahal Chaudhary

Mohanlal is also listed among the film's cast in some databases.

Who Is Directing Haiwaan?

Haiwaan is directed by Priyadarshan, one of Indian cinema's most experienced filmmakers.

The film is particularly interesting because Priyadarshan is returning to a darker thriller format rather than making a conventional comedy.

The movie is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn under KVN Productions and Thespian Films.

Haiwaan Movie Story

The story revolves around a retired judge, his daughter and a dangerous criminal.

After the retired judge is murdered, a visually impaired man who was loyal to him becomes responsible for protecting the judge's daughter from the criminal who threatens her.

The trailer suggests that the story develops into a tense cat-and-mouse battle between Saif Ali Khan's character and Akshay Kumar's antagonist.

The movie combines:

• Crime
• Psychological tension
• Action
• Mystery
• Survival
• Revenge
• Mind games

The exact twists have been kept under wraps.

Haiwaan Trailer

The Haiwaan trailer was released on August 25, 2026.

The trailer immediately generated attention because it shows Akshay Kumar in a dark villainous role and Saif Ali Khan as a visually impaired protector.

The trailer focuses on a dangerous psychological game between the two characters.

What the Trailer Shows

• Saif's visually impaired character
• A young girl in danger
• Akshay's ruthless antagonist
• Multiple murders
• Action sequences
• Psychological mind games
• A cat-and-mouse chase
• A dark and suspenseful atmosphere

The trailer has also highlighted the unusual casting of Akshay as the villain, which has become one of the movie's biggest talking points.

Watch Haiwaan Trailer

The official trailer is available online and gives viewers the first detailed look at Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's characters.

Trailer: Haiwaan — Akshay Kumar & Saif Ali Khan

Is Haiwaan a Remake?

Yes.

Haiwaan is the Hindi adaptation of the 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal in the lead role.

Priyadarshan directed the original Malayalam film as well, making Haiwaan a Hindi adaptation of his own earlier work.

However, the Hindi version has been adapted for its new cast and audience.

Haiwaan and Oppam: What's Different?

The basic premise of a visually impaired protagonist facing a dangerous criminal comes from Oppam.

However, Haiwaan brings Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan into those central roles.

The casting itself creates a different dynamic because Akshay, usually seen as a hero, is playing the antagonist while Saif takes the protagonist's role.

Akshay Kumar as Villain in Haiwaan

One of the biggest reasons Haiwaan is attracting attention is Akshay Kumar's villainous character.

Instead of playing the traditional hero, Akshay takes on the role of a dangerous criminal.

The actor has said that Saif Ali Khan is the hero of the movie and that his character's purpose is to create trouble for him.

This is also a significant change for Akshay after a run of mainstream commercial films.

The trailer shows him embracing a much darker and more menacing personality.

Saif Ali Khan as a Visually Impaired Man

Saif's role is another major highlight.

He plays a visually impaired man who must use his remaining senses and martial-arts abilities to protect a young girl.

Priyadarshan reportedly advised Saif to avoid exaggerated acting and instead portray blindness in a more restrained and realistic manner.

That approach could make Saif's character one of the more interesting aspects of the film.

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan Reunion

Haiwaan marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after many years.

The two actors last appeared together in Tashan (2008).

Their return together after around 18 years is one of the movie's major attractions.

This time, however, they are not playing conventional friends or partners.

Their characters are positioned on opposite sides of the conflict.

Haiwaan Movie Genre

The film has been described as a:

• Action Thriller
• Crime Thriller
• Psychological Thriller
• Mystery

BookMyShow currently categorises it as Action, Crime and Thriller.

The combination of a visually impaired protagonist and a dangerous killer makes the movie different from a standard Bollywood action film.

Haiwaan Movie OTT Release Date

The movie will have a theatrical release first on September 11, 2026.

OTT Platform

Not officially announced yet.

OTT Release Date

Not announced yet.

Current streaming listings also show that the streaming release date has not been announced.

So any specific OTT date circulating online should be treated as unconfirmed.

Haiwaan Movie Ticket Booking

Haiwaan is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 11, 2026.

BookMyShow has already listed the movie, although ticket booking/show availability depends on individual cities and theatres. The platform currently shows more than 9,600 interested users on its Delhi-NCR listing.

Ticket booking: Opening progressively closer to release.

Haiwaan Movie Budget

The official production budget has not been publicly confirmed by the makers.

Because several figures can circulate online before a movie's release, it is better not to publish an unofficial budget as fact.

The film does, however, have a major star cast, large-scale action and a theatrical release, indicating a substantial commercial production.

Haiwaan Movie Music

The music for Haiwaan includes Pritam Chakraborty, while Zee Music is associated with the music.

The promotional campaign has already introduced the song “Mere Hero Hai Woh”, adding another emotional layer to the film's marketing.

Haiwaan Movie Expectations

There are several reasons why the movie could attract audiences.

1. Akshay Kumar in a Villain Role

This is perhaps the biggest attraction.

Audiences are accustomed to seeing Akshay as the protagonist, making his villainous turn particularly interesting.

2. Saif Ali Khan's Unusual Character

A visually impaired action protagonist offers Saif a role that is physically and emotionally different from many of his recent performances.

3. Priyadarshan

The director has experience across comedy, thriller and drama, and his involvement raises expectations for the film's storytelling.

4. Akshay-Saif Reunion

The two actors returning together after Tashan gives the movie additional nostalgia value.

5. Oppam Connection

Fans of the original Malayalam film will be curious to see how Priyadarshan has adapted his own story for Hindi audiences.

Haiwaan vs Oppam

Haiwaan is based on the premise of Oppam, but features a new Hindi-language cast and adaptation.

Haiwaan Movie Release Date Countdown

As of August 31, 2026, Haiwaan is just 11 days away from its theatrical release.

Release Date: September 11, 2026

The trailer has already arrived, so the next major pre-release updates are likely to revolve around advance booking, theatre listings, songs and promotional events.

Haiwaan Movie: Everything You Need to Know

Is Haiwaan Worth Watching?

It looks worth watching for fans of crime thrillers and psychological suspense.

The biggest reason is the unusual combination of Akshay Kumar as a villain and Saif Ali Khan as a visually impaired action protagonist.

The trailer also suggests that the film will focus more on suspense and psychological confrontation than on conventional Bollywood action.

However, the final verdict will depend on the screenplay, pacing and how effectively the remake builds tension.

Haiwaan Movie: What to Expect

Before its September 11 release, audiences can expect:

✔ Akshay Kumar in a dark negative role
✔ Saif Ali Khan as a visually impaired protagonist
✔ High-stakes cat-and-mouse chase
✔ Psychological mind games
✔ Action and crime elements
✔ Priyadarshan's direction
✔ Hindi adaptation of Oppam
✔ Akshay-Saif reunion after Tashan

Final Verdict

Haiwaan has all the ingredients to become one of September 2026's most interesting Bollywood thrillers.

The film's biggest USP is its casting. Akshay Kumar is playing a ruthless antagonist, while Saif Ali Khan plays a visually impaired man forced to protect a young girl from danger.

Adding Priyadarshan to the equation makes the project even more intriguing, especially because Haiwaan is his Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam thriller Oppam.

With the trailer already released and the theatrical release scheduled for September 11, 2026, the next major milestone is advance booking.

Haiwaan Release Date: September 11, 2026

Verdict Before Release: Highly Anticipated Thriller

If the film successfully delivers the suspense promised by the trailer, the Akshay-Saif face-off could become its biggest strength.

FAQs

When is Haiwaan releasing?

Haiwaan will release in theatres on September 11, 2026.

Who stars in Haiwaan?

The film stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles, with Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Boman Irani and others in supporting roles.

Who directed Haiwaan?

Priyadarshan directed Haiwaan.

What is Haiwaan about?

The film follows a visually impaired man who attempts to protect a young girl from a dangerous criminal.

Is Akshay Kumar playing a villain in Haiwaan?

Yes. Akshay Kumar plays the film's negative/antagonist character, while Saif Ali Khan plays the protagonist.

Is Haiwaan a remake?

Yes. Haiwaan is a Hindi adaptation of Priyadarshan's 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam.

Are Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan working together after Tashan?

Yes. Haiwaan marks their reunion after Tashan (2008).

When will Haiwaan release on OTT?

The OTT release date has not been announced yet.

Where can I book Haiwaan tickets?

The movie is listed on major cinema-booking platforms, including BookMyShow, with theatrical release scheduled for September 11.

What is the genre of Haiwaan?

It is an Action, Crime and Thriller film