What to Expect from the New Thriller 'Haiwaan': A Closer Look at Its Opening Weekend

The newly released thriller 'Haiwaan', directed by Priyadarshan, opened to a net collection of ₹2.58 crore in India. As a Hindi remake of the Malayalam film 'Oppam', it faces stiff competition from 'Mirzapur: The Movie'. With a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, the film has garnered mixed reviews, highlighting both its potential and execution challenges. Critics note issues with pacing and narrative flow, while the film's climax delivers expected thrills. As it continues its theatrical run, audiences are eager to see if 'Haiwaan' can build on its initial success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 12, 2026, 01:19 IST

Opening Weekend Performance

The thriller 'Haiwaan', helmed by director Priyadarshan, premiered in theaters last Friday, garnering a net collection of ₹2.58 crore on its opening day in India. As reported by the trade platform Sacnilk, the film achieved an overall occupancy rate of 11% across 7,224 screenings, with a noticeable increase in audience turnout during the afternoon and evening shows.

This film is a Hindi remake of the 2016 Malayalam hit 'Oppam' and enters a bustling cinematic landscape, competing against 'Mirzapur: The Movie', which was released the previous week. Industry analysts are keenly observing the upcoming weekend to see if 'Haiwaan' can maintain its initial traction and enhance its box office performance.

Cast and Production Insights

Production Details and Cast Dynamics

'Haiwaan' boasts a star-studded cast featuring Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Saiyami Kher. The film also includes a cameo by Mohanlal, who played a significant role in the original Malayalam version. Produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, the film's soundtrack is crafted by Pritam, with Ronnie Raphael providing the background score. This project is particularly poignant as it marks the last film appearance of actor Asrani, who passed away in 2025.

Notably, 'Haiwaan' reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, who have collaborated on various projects in the 1990s and 2000s, such as 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari', 'Yeh Dillagi', and 'Tashan'. In a shift from their previous comedic roles, director Priyadarshan has cast Akshay Kumar as the antagonist. In an interview prior to the film's release, the director explained his decision to showcase the actor in a different light to distinguish this film from their earlier collaborations.

Critical Reception and Narrative Analysis

Critical Reception and Narrative Context

When discussing the creative modifications made while adapting his own 2016 film for a Hindi audience, Priyadarshan expressed a preference for allowing viewers to experience the story without revealing too much about the changes. The film has received a mixed response from critics, with some acknowledging the premise's potential while pointing out inconsistencies in execution.

Critics have highlighted issues with the narrative flow, indicating that the pacing is sometimes disrupted by musical interludes and that certain plot twists require a leap of faith. Although the film's climax has been praised for delivering the suspense typical of a thriller, the general consensus suggests that it struggles to maintain a cohesive tone throughout its runtime. 'Haiwaan' continues to screen in theaters as it embarks on its initial box office journey.