Haiwaan maker Priyadarshan on working with Mohanlal for his 100th directorial; 'Will memoir will also...'
It's interesting to note that Mohanlal, who starred in Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984), the director's first film, will also be the lead star in his 100th.
Last Updated: 10.24 PM, Jan 24, 2026
Filmmaker Priyadarshan hasn't directed a Malayalam movie in a long time, but he recently discussed the specifics of his 100th film in an exclusive interview with mid.day. The director also discussed his plans to publishing his memoir.
What are the details of Priyadarshan's 100th film?
It's interesting to note that Mohanlal, who starred in Poochakkoru Mookkuthi in 1984, the director's first film, will also be the lead star in his 100th. "I believe that this is the first time in Indian cinema history that an actor who starred in a director's debut picture is also the leading man in his 100th," Priyadarshan added.
Priyadarshan disclosed that he was able to pen his autobiography during busy shoot schedules. The filmmaker intends to release both his 100th production and his memoir together in 2027. His 97th film, Haiwaan, stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan and a project with Pankaj Tripathi, Annu Kapoor, and Saurabh Shukla will be the 98th.
Which are other Mohanlal-Priyadarshan films?
The duo's most recent collaboration was the period drama, Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea, which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video. They have worked together in over 30 films which includes some of the Malayalam classic such as Kakkakuyil, Kilichundan Mampazham, Chandralekha, Minnaram, Thenmavin Kombath, Midhunam, Kilukkam, Vandanam, and Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu. Most of them are available to watch on OTTplay Premium.
When will Haiwaan release in theatres?
The plot of Priyadarshan's critically acclaimed 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam is adapted into Haiwaan. Saif Ali Khan portrays the main character in this movie, a visually impaired guy who uses his enhanced sense of hearing to evade and apprehend a criminal. Kumar is playing the antagonist in this thriller, which brings in huge anticipation for its theatrical release. The producers are reportedly aiming for a big screen premiere in 2026. Though the filming concluded in November of last year, an official release date has not yet been disclosed.
Haiwaan FAQs
Q: What is the release date for the movie Haiwaan?
A: The film is currently in the post-production phase and is targeting a major theatrical release in 2026. An official, exact release date has not yet been announced.
Q: Who stars in the film Haiwaan?
A: Haiwaan stars Saif Ali Khan in the central role of a visually challenged man and Akshay Kumar in the crucial role of the antagonist. The strong ensemble cast also includes Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Samuthirakani, Asrani, and Einar Haraldsson, with a special cameo by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.
Q: Is Haiwaan a remake?
A: Yes, Haiwaan is the official Hindi adaptation of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan's acclaimed 2016 Malayalam thriller, Oppam, which originally starred Mohanlal.