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Priyadarshan explores a much darker cinematic world with Haiwaan (Image: Google)
Mumbai: Priyadarshan takes a dramatic detour from the comedy-heavy territory often associated with his Hindi films with Haiwaan, a dark crime thriller starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. The film is adapted from the director’s own Malayalam crime drama Oppam, but this new version attempts to carve out a distinctly Bollywood identity.
Set against the urban landscape of Mumbai, Haiwaan follows a dangerous man emerging from prison and embarking on a violent mission while a blind man with extraordinary sensory abilities becomes an unlikely obstacle in his path. The result is a glossy, tense and occasionally humorous thriller that does not completely escape comparisons with its Malayalam predecessor, but manages to remain watchable on its own terms.
Akshay Kumar plays Parashuram Gokhale, a deeply troubled man whose life takes a brutal turn after he is imprisoned for a crime he insists he did not commit. Unlike the restrained menace of the antagonist in Oppam, Akshay's version is far more expressive. The character wears his rage openly, giving the actor plenty of room to play against his familiar screen persona. His introduction immediately establishes the film's darker mood, with an emotionally charged sequence revealing the trauma that ultimately pushes his character towards violence. Akshay clearly relishes the opportunity to move away from the comic roles that have defined several of his collaborations with Priyadarshan.
Saif plays Shyam Rane, a congenitally blind man whose heightened senses allow him to notice details that others miss. The role inevitably invites comparisons with Mohanlal's performance as Jayaraman in Oppam. That is a difficult benchmark to meet, but Saif wisely avoids attempting an imitation. Instead, he gives Shyam a more overtly heroic personality, complete with humour, emotional vulnerability and a willingness to step into danger when a young girl's life is threatened. The character is considerably different from Mohanlal's quieter interpretation, reflecting the more commercial tone of the Hindi adaptation.
At its core, Haiwaan follows the same broad narrative framework as Oppam. A blind man becomes entangled in a dangerous conflict involving a ruthless adversary, a vulnerable child and a judge whose past decision has devastating consequences. Those familiar with the Malayalam film may therefore find few genuine surprises in the screenplay. However, Priyadarshan changes the atmosphere considerably.
The grounded quality of Oppam gives way to a more stylised Bollywood treatment, with heightened emotions, humour, songs and larger-than-life characterisation. The changes do not completely transform the story, but they give the remake a personality of its own.
With Haiwaan, Priyadarshan explores a side of filmmaking that feels noticeably different from the comic entertainers most audiences associate with him. The director builds a narrative around a classic pursuit: one man hunts while another struggles to stay ahead. Yet the power dynamic repeatedly shifts, preventing the chase from becoming completely predictable. The thriller works best when it allows the tension to breathe rather than leaning into spectacle.
The Mumbai setting also gives the film a more contemporary and expansive visual identity, while the screenplay introduces flashes of humour to break up the darker stretches.
The adaptation makes no secret of its commercial ambitions. Shyam's personal circumstances, his family's financial troubles and the preparations for his sister's wedding add a melodramatic layer that was not central to Mohanlal's character in Oppam.
Even Shyam's extraordinary sensory abilities are occasionally used for lighter moments, creating a hero who feels more conventionally Bollywood than his Malayalam counterpart. That shift may work for viewers looking for a mainstream thriller, although fans of Oppam could find some of these additions unnecessary.
The story remains overwhelmingly focused on the battle between Shyam and Parashuram. Saiyami Kher, playing a police officer who joins forces with Shyam, provides useful support, but is not given enough material to become a fully developed character. Shriya Pilgaonkar also has a relatively limited role around the judge's household. Asrani, in his final screen appearance, brings some welcome comic relief as a forgetful security guard whose confusion over people's names provides occasional lighter moments.
Haiwaan does not reinvent the story that inspired it and also doesn't erase the memories of Oppam. Instead, Priyadarshan gives the familiar material a new setting, a more flamboyant treatment and two Bollywood stars who bring their own identities to the roles. Saif's decision not to imitate Mohanlal works in his favour, while Akshay embraces the darker side of his character with conviction. The screenplay may be predictable for anyone familiar with Oppam, but the performances, suspense and visual polish keep the thriller engaging.
Verdict: Haiwaan is a stylish, dark and reasonably gripping cat-and-mouse thriller that works best when judged as a Bollywood adaptation rather than a replacement for Oppam.
