Cinema VinesAkshay Kumar is stepping into a role that has never been seen from him before, as the much‑anticipated thriller Haiwaan opens in theatres on September 11. The film sees the Bollywood star team up again with director Priyadarshan, a partnership that has delivered a string of successful comedies, but this time the duo is venturing into darker territory.
In the teaser released today, Kumar’s character is presented as a ruthless antagonist with no redeeming qualities. “I am playing Haiwaan and my character has no grey shades, he’s out and out evil,” Kumar told reporters. “I always wanted to play a psycho on screen. With my last four‑five films, I have tried to switch between completely different genres: comedy, horror, action, drama. This is my first time playing evil in the truest sense. I like to constantly challenge myself and Haiwaan is that challenge for me.”
The actor’s new look is deliberately raw, complete with a beanie and a hairy chest that defies Bollywood’s usual clean‑chested aesthetic. Director Priyadarshan explained that the idea came when he spotted Kumar wearing a beanie on a shoot for Bhooth Bangla. “I immediately liked the look. Him wearing it in Haiwaan was my idea,” he said. “I was narrating the story of Haiwaan to him one day, knowing he would not do it, and asked who he thought would do the role. I was shocked when he asked me ‘Can I do it?’ I also then thought I would have a different Akshay Kumar in my film, it will be a chance to see an actor’s potential.”
The cast also includes Saif Ali Khan, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar, with Kumar and Khan sharing the screen in a film that promises high‑octane drama. Priyadarshan and Kumar had already delivered the horror‑comedy Bhooth Bangla earlier this year, followed by the action‑thriller Welcome To The Jungle, both of which were commercial successes.
Film critic Rishabh Suri of HT City, who has been covering Bollywood since graduating from Kirori Mal College, notes that Haiwaan marks a significant shift for Kumar. “It’s a bold move for an actor who has consistently chosen roles that showcase his versatility,” he writes. “This film will test his ability to portray a character devoid of any moral ambiguity, and it could redefine his career trajectory.”
