Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, who have collaborated in several hit films together, have their long-awaited cinematic reunion in Haiwaan. The crime thriller, a remake of Mohanlal’s 2016 cult film Oppam, sees the two actors play complex characters who are pitted against each other. Released in theatres on September 11, 2026, the film has been on cinephiles’ radar for quite a while. But if you’d rather experience the big screen spectacle from the comfort of your home, here’s where you can catch Haiwaan on OTT instead…
Bollywood mostly loves a heavily orchestrated press junket. You know the drill: publicists hovering like prison wardens with digital stopwatches, PR teams mouthing “last question!” at the seven-minute mark, and talent repeating identical, hyper-polished soundbites they have recited to 20 journalists before you. Saif Ali Khan does not operate in that ecosystem.
Here’s proof: When India’s National Award-winning actor and reallife royalty wanted to talk about his latest project, Haiwaan, out in UAE cinemas today, there was no flurry of publicists setting ground rules. He simply sent a personal text message to my phone, asking to meet up while I happened to be on holiday in Mumbai.
STEPPING INTO BIG SHOES
In Priyadarshan’s upcoming thriller Haiwaan, Khan steps into a narrative universe originally anchored by Malayalam cinema giant Mohanlal in Oppam.
Playing a visually impaired protagonist who protects children through music and martial arts, he is under no illusions about the shadow cast by the original.
Saif Ali Khan has a refreshingly grounded take on fame, work and the life that comes with it. From staying present and valuing his work to being open to criticism, he speaks with the perspective of someone who has learnt to focus on what truly matters. He reflects on the privileges of stardom, staying grounded and the value of hearing different perspectives. With Haiwaan now in theatres, the full JBL Live Headphones presents Bombay Times Lounge episode featuring Saif is live. Here are some candid takeaways from our conversation with the actor.
You are playing a visually impaired man in Haiwaan. When an actor plays a character with a disability, there is often the danger of performing the disability rather than playing the person. How did you ensure the character was understated, normal?
Well, it’s a little tricky in that sense. He’s got these special abilities where he can do certain things, and he doesn’t come across as a handicapped person at all because of that. So, it had to be quite subtle, and it wasn’t very easy to find that balance. Also, I grew up watching a lot of Japanese samurai movies, and a lot of these films have blind swordsmen for some reason, who can hear so well that they can fight. So, I had already bought into that. When that happens, it makes it much easier for you to put it across what you need to with conviction.
Kurbaan Releasing 27th Nov 2009
Starring Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza, Kirron Kher, Om Puri
Produced by Dharma Productions
Directed by Rensil D'Silva
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