Filmmaker Priyadarshan is teaming up with Akshay Kumar once again for their upcoming project ‘Haiwaan’, but this time, the duo famous for delivering comedy classics together is stepping into unfamiliar territory. With Saif Ali Khan also on board, the film marks a genre shift, and Priyadarshan recently opened up about what pushed him to take this new direction.
Priyadarshan on casting Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan together
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Priyadarshan admitted bringing two A-list actors together would be difficult with current-generation stars. He said, “Yes, that is true. I have worked with Akshay and Govinda, Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna, but there were never any issues because there were no ego problems between them. They both knew that they have a lead role and they have enough meat for themselves.”He added, “But the new generation is very insecure. They always want to know what the other person is doing. They don’t want to know what they are doing.”
Priyadashan talks about a personal shift away from his comedy image
For Priyadarshan, ‘Haiwaan’ also represents a chance to move past being typecast as a comedy director. He said, “I started my career with serious films like ‘Viraasat’ (1997), after ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000), this comedy brand came on my head. But at the same time, fortunately, I have been making serious movies too in the South. Something unusual is always attractive, so I thought, this time, let me try something different. ‘Haiwaan’ is not a dark film, and there’s enough for you to laugh in between too. But it is a very emotional film. I always prefer films for family, so a family can watch ‘Haiwaan’ together too.”
More about ‘Haiwaan’
Directed by Priyadarshan, the film features Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, and Shriya Pilgaonkar. The movie is set to hit theatres on September 11, 2026.
Leave a Reply