Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Haiwaan Turns Priyadarshan’s Malayalam Crime Drama Into Dark Thriller
Haiwaan is a dark crime thriller directed by Priyadarshan.
It is based on his earlier Malayalam film Oppam.
The new story takes place mainly in Mumbai.
Akshay Kumar plays a man who was jailed for a crime he says he did not commit.
After leaving prison, he starts hunting people connected to the case.
Saif Ali Khan plays a blind man with remarkable senses who tries to protect a schoolgirl.
The two men become locked in a dangerous chase.
The review says the movie is exciting but does not completely surpass the original film.
Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan adapts the core story of the Malayalam crime drama Oppam for a Bollywood setting in Mumbai.
Akshay Kumar plays Parashuram Gokhale, a wrongfully imprisoned man who begins a killing spree after serving seven years.
Saif Ali Khan portrays Shyam Rane, a blind facilities manager who protects a judge’s hidden daughter from Parashuram.
The film retains Oppam’s cat-and-mouse structure but adds heightened Bollywood drama, humor, suspense and star-driven performances.
The review finds Haiwaan tense and watchable, though its glossy remake struggles to escape Oppam and Mohanlal’s shadow.
- Who
- Director Priyadarshan, with Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles; the film also features a cameo by Mohanlal.
- What
- Haiwaan is a Bollywood adaptation of the core story of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam crime drama Oppam.
- Where
- Primarily in Mumbai, with some scenes involving a village and a boat journey.
- Why
- The story follows a wrongfully imprisoned man seeking revenge and a blind protector trying to save a judge’s hidden daughter.
- Director
- Priyadarshan
- Lead cast
- Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan
- Adapted from
- Oppam, a Malayalam crime drama directed by Priyadarshan
- Primary setting
- Mumbai
- Akshay Kumar’s character
- Parashuram Gokhale, a wrongfully imprisoned man who becomes a killer
- Saif Ali Khan’s character
- Shyam Rane, a congenitally blind facilities manager and protector
- Review assessment
- Tense and watchable, but less distinctive than Oppam