Haiwaan shoot wrapped! Saif Ali Khan completes filming of Priyadarshan's Oppam adaptation

Main shooting for the high-octane thriller Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan, has been wrapped. The crew toasted the completion of the highly awaited film with a joyous cake-cutting ceremony on the last day of shooting in Mumbai.

Reuniting iconic duo

Since its announcement, Haiwaan has been the centre of media attention, mostly due to the fact that it will reunite Bollywood's renowned on-screen duo, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, after nearly twenty years apart. Bring back the synergy that defined 90s classics like Main Khiladi Tu Anari with their partnership in this film, following their last joint venture, Tashan (2008). Despite their fame for comedy and their dynamic as action buddies, Haiwaan sets them in a grim thriller.

The plot of Haiwaan is a Hindi adaptation of Priyadarshan’s acclaimed 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam. In this film, Khan plays the lead part of a man who is visually challenged but has heightened senses of smell and hearing, which he uses to elude and eventually catch the murderer. This cat-and-mouse pursuit thriller has Kumar in an unusual position as the antagonist, lending much gravitas to the performance. Previous remarks made by Priyadarshan indicate that Kumar's belief in the filmmaker's vision was evident when he was cast as the villain following the rumoured rejections of other performers.

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Wrap-up ceremony

In a special ceremony, Khan, Priyadarshan, and other members of the production crew celebrated the end of filming. Images from the set show the crew cutting two elaborate "It's a Wrap! Haiwaan" cakes. At the occasion, there was a clapboard that confirmed December 7, 2025, as the final filming date. It also gave thanks to Priyadarshan and Divakar Mani for cinematography. The massive magnitude of the filming sites is hinted at by the majestic gothic architectural building of St Xavier's College in Mumbai that serves as the backdrop for the final take.

The film's strong cast also includes notable supporting actors Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher. Einar Haraldsson, Samuthirakani, and the late Asrani are also part of the ensemble. The news that Oppam star Mohanlal, who starred in the original film, will make a surprise cameo appearance has further added to the excitement.

Challenging location shoots

The production's filming took place in a wide variety of difficult locations. Mumbai was the last stop on the team's exhausting tour of picturesque South Indian locations like Kochi, Vagamon, and Ooty. In this last stretch, the team had daring nighttime shoots of high-octane action scenes, with rumours circulating about a huge chase scene recorded near important spots like Churchgate and the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) involving dozens of vehicles.

The combination of action, comedy, and thriller in Haiwaan has made it a highly anticipated reunion film. The film is now in post-production and aiming for a big theatrical release in 2026, with shooting having wrapped. Following his forthcoming horror-comedy Bhoot Bangla and before the highly anticipated Hera Pheri 3, this movie is notable for being Priyadarshan's 99th directing venture.

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.