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Priyadarshan Kept Saif Away From Mohanlal’s Oppam
Haiwaan is a new Hindi movie directed by Priyadarshan.
It is based on his earlier Malayalam movie Oppam.
Mohanlal played the main character in Oppam.
Saif Ali Khan plays the same kind of character, named Shyam, in Haiwaan.
Priyadarshan did not let Saif watch the older movie.
He wanted Saif to act in his own way instead of copying Mohanlal.
The director discussed the character and scenes with Saif.
Haiwaan also stars Akshay Kumar and is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 11, 2026.
Haiwaan is Priyadarshan’s Hindi remake of his 2016 Malayalam film Oppam.
Priyadarshan did not allow Saif Ali Khan to watch Oppam before filming.
The director wanted Saif to create his own interpretation of visually impaired character Shyam.
Haiwaan stars Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar.
The film is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
- Who
- Director Priyadarshan, actors Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar and other Haiwaan cast members.
- What
- Priyadarshan explained why he prevented Saif Ali Khan from watching Oppam before playing Shyam in Haiwaan.
- Where
- Haiwaan is scheduled for worldwide release in cinemas.
- When
- The comments were reported on September 3, 2026; Haiwaan is scheduled to release on September 11, 2026.
- Why
- Priyadarshan wanted Saif to develop an original performance rather than imitate Mohanlal’s portrayal in Oppam.
Key facts
- Film
- Haiwaan
- Original film
- Oppam, a 2016 Malayalam film directed by Priyadarshan and starring Mohanlal
- Director
- Priyadarshan
- Saif’s character
- Shyam, a visually impaired man caught in a dangerous situation
- Main cast
- Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar
- Release date
- September 11, 2026
- Producers
- Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn
Quotes
Priyadarshan
Director of Haiwaan and the original Malayalam film Oppam
“Imitation never works in acting. I saw him working on the scenes and discussed how I wanted him to approach the character. He understood my vision and has done a good job.”
news18.com
“Saif has no idea what Mohanlal has done. I did not allow it. Also, everyone has their own body language, dialogue delivery and movements. It cannot be imitated.”
news18.com
Sources
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