Filmmaker Priyadarshan has revealed that he never expected Akshay Kumar to agree to play the antagonist in his upcoming thriller Haiwaan. The director said several prominent actors had already turned down the role before Akshay came on board.
Known largely for his comedy films in Hindi cinema, Priyadarshan has often said that he prefers serious stories. Haiwaan marks his return to the thriller genre and also brings him together with Saif Ali Khan for the first time.
The film is inspired by Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal. In the Hindi version, Saif plays a blind lift operator who becomes the central character of the story.
Explaining his decision to cast Saif, Priyadarshan said the actor’s age and appearance suited the character. He also revealed that Saif was interested in taking on a role unlike anything he had previously attempted.
While Saif plays the protagonist, Akshay Kumar takes on the role of a dangerous and deranged killer. However, according to Priyadarshan, Akshay was not originally considered for the part.
“I was looking at someone else. I approached many actors, and they refused,” the filmmaker said.
Akshay eventually entered the project after a casual conversation with Priyadarshan on the sets of their previous film, Bhooth Bangla. The director said he simply mentioned the role to Akshay, who immediately asked why he could not play the character himself.
That conversation changed the casting plan.
Priyadarshan admitted that he had deliberately not approached Akshay earlier because he did not believe the actor would accept such a role. By that stage, several high-profile actors had already rejected the part.
The director, who has worked with Akshay on nine films, also explained what he expects from actors during the filmmaking process. According to him, an actor needs to fully surrender to the script and the director for a collaboration to work effectively.
Haiwaan features a large ensemble cast, including Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Manoj Joshi and Jisshu Sengupta. Mohanlal is also set to make a cameo appearance.
The film carries an added significance as it will feature the late veteran actor Asrani in his final screen appearance.
Produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films and directed by Priyadarshan, Haiwaan is scheduled to release in theatres on September 11. With Saif in a challenging lead role and Akshay stepping into a dark antagonist character, the film marks an interesting change of direction for both stars.
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