Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar reunite after years for Haiwaan, joined by Saif Ali Khan in a casting move that evokes memories of their earlier collaborations.
While fans are thrilled to see the trio together after Tashan (2008), the announcement that Haiwaan is a remake of the Malayalam thriller Oppam has sparked skepticism.
Remakes have become a double-edged sword in Bollywood.
Though Oppam was critically acclaimed, audiences today are less tolerant of recycled plots unless they come with genuinely fresh storytelling.
With remake fatigue setting in, Haiwaan risks being dismissed as another safe bet unless it reinvents rather than retells.
That said, the film does present an opportunity for Akshay Kumar to return to form.
Whether he plays a wrongfully accused, visually impaired man or takes a darker turn as the antagonist, Haiwaan could offer him the depth and challenge missing from many of his recent roles.
Priyadarshan has previously succeeded in adapting his Malayalam films into strong Hindi hits (Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Viraasat), but that success relied heavily on compelling screenplays.
Haiwaan must do more than replicate Oppam—it needs to resonate with a new audience.
Saif Ali Khan’s inclusion could add further weight, provided his character is more than a gimmick.
Ultimately, Haiwaan has potential, but its success hinges on whether it can rise above its remake roots and deliver something truly original in spirit.
