Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Priyadarshan Says Akshay Wasn’t Planned for Haiwaan
Priyadarshan is making a film called Haiwaan.
He said Saif Ali Khan was the only actor chosen at first.
The filmmaker had trouble finding someone to play the bad character.
While working on another film, he told Akshay Kumar about the role.
Akshay immediately said he would do it.
Akshay also said he had always wanted to play a psycho character.
Priyadarshan was excited to show a different side of Akshay.
The film is now planned to feature both Saif and Akshay and will release on September 11.
Priyadarshan said Akshay Kumar was never part of the original plan for Haiwaan.
Saif Ali Khan was the only actor confirmed for the film from the beginning.
The director struggled to find an actor willing to play the antagonist.
Akshay accepted the role after Priyadarshan mentioned it during Bhoot Bangla’s shoot.
Haiwaan reunites Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar and is scheduled for September 11.
- Who
- Filmmaker Priyadarshan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshay Kumar.
- What
- Priyadarshan revealed that Akshay Kumar was not originally planned for Haiwaan but later accepted its antagonist role.
- When
- The casting conversation took place while Priyadarshan was shooting Bhoot Bangla; Haiwaan is slated to release on September 11.
- Where
- The conversation occurred during the shoot of Bhoot Bangla; the interview was given to IANS from Mumbai.
- Why
- Akshay joined after Priyadarshan struggled to find an actor for the antagonist and Akshay wanted to play a psycho character.
- Film
- Haiwaan
- Director
- Priyadarshan
- Initially confirmed actor
- Saif Ali Khan
- Later-added actor
- Akshay Kumar
- Akshay’s role
- The antagonist
- Casting trigger
- Akshay volunteered after Priyadarshan described the role
- Scheduled release
- September 11