Akshay Kumar confirms playing villain in Oppam remake Haiwaan: 'Was wondering whether I should do it or not'

Akshay Kumar will play the villain in Priyadarshan's Haiwaan a Hindi remake of Oppam, co-starring Saif Ali Khan.

Akshay Kumar/Instagram

In the next thriller, Haiwaan a Hindi remake of the highly praised Malayalam film Oppam, Akshay Kumar is set to surprise viewers with an unusually negative turn. The actor recently sought candid advice from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on taking on a dark persona. He takes on the role that Samuthirakani played in the original 2016 film.

Discussion on career versatility

The two spoke at length about the value of trying different things in one's career at the FICCI FRAMES 2025 event in Mumbai.

Priyadarshan's Haiwaan brings back Saif Ali Khan and Kumar for the first time in 17 years. Khan will essay the character originally portrayed by Mohanlal—a visually impaired caretaker who becomes entangled in a murder investigation. On the other hand, the Haiwaan (Beast) of the title is Kumar.

ALSO READ: Haiwaan: Priyadarshan unites Mohanlal and Akshay Kumar in Oppam remake; here's what the filmmaker has to say

Akshay Kumar's hesitation and dilemma

While they were talking, Kumar made it clear that he was hesitant to depart from his typical heroic cinematic persona. Explaining his dilemma, the actor said, "I am doing a film where I play a negative character. I was wondering whether I should do it or not. The film is called 'Haiwaan', but in the end, I lose. The Haiwaan loses."

Without hesitation, Fadnavis offered his support and encouraged the actor to take advantage of the opportunity. The politician affirmed, "Yes, you should definitely do it. A versatile actor like you should explore all kinds of roles."

Akshay Kumar's rationale for playing the villain

Further, Fadnavis emphasised that playing a variety of roles, especially those that highlight an actor's range, is a great way to advance one's career. "Ultimately, what is an accomplishment? Even in films where the villain loses, the character often leaves a bigger impact than the hero. That is creativity. But do continue doing more films as a hero as well," he said.

By saying, "I felt like doing a negative role; hence, I am doing it. Mostly I play the hero in the film," Kumar explained why he decided to play a villain.

Haiwaan which is already being shot, features Kumar in a very different role than his previous ones. The makers are really excited about the project because it reunites Kumar and Khan, two stars from the 1990s, and because the former is attempting a very negative part after a very long time.

FAQs

Q: What film is Haiwaan a remake of?

A: Haiwaan is a Hindi remake of the critically acclaimed 2016 Malayalam film Oppam which originally starred Mohanlal.

Q: Who is playing the villain in the Oppam remake Haiwaan?

A: Superstar Akshay Kumar is confirmed to be playing the villain in Haiwaan, a rare negative role for the actor. He steps into the antagonist character originally played by Samuthirakani.

Q: Who is the director of the film Haiwaan?

A: Haiwaan is a Priyadarshan directorial, marking a reunion between the director and his frequent collaborator, Akshay Kumar.

Q: Which actors are reuniting in the film Haiwaan?

A: Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are reuniting in Haiwaan after a gap of 17 years.

Q: What role does Saif Ali Khan play in Haiwaan?

A: Saif Ali Khan will essay the character originally portrayed by Mohanlal—a visually impaired caretaker who becomes entangled in a murder investigation.

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