Haiwaan: Shriya Pilgaonkar joins Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan’s thriller

Summary:

• Filming of Priyadarshan’s action-thriller Haiwaan has begun in Kochi, starring Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, and Shriya Pilgaonkar.

• Kumar and Khan reunite onscreen after 2008’s Tashan, with Pilgaonkar expected to play a pivotal role.

• The film is a remake of the Malayalam thriller Oppam, combining urban and scenic locations, and marks Pilgaonkar’s return to mainstream cinema.

The highly awaited action-thriller Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan, has officially started filming, and Shriya Pilgaonkar has been confirmed to join Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the cast. On Saturday, August 23, in Kochi, the film's production began, kicking off what is sure to be an exciting cinematic adventure.

Shriya Pilgaonkar joins the cast

Soon, Pilgaonkar, who was in Netflix's Mandala Murders not long ago, will start filming her scenes. An individual familiar with the project has verified her involvement to The Hollywood Reporter India and mentioned that she is anticipated to have a significant impact on the story. The thriller, penned by Rohan Shankar of Saiyaara fame, will combine picturesque settings and urban intensity thanks to its shooting sites in both Ooty and Mumbai.

In a behind-the-scenes video from the set, fans had a glimpse of Kumar and Khan's chemistry as they engaged in light-hearted banter. Khan brought attention to the fact that the two are reuniting onscreen after a long hiatus while being close friends offscreen. They had been waiting a long time to work together again, and their 2008 Yash Raj Films action-drama Tashan is their last film together.

ALSO READ: Priyadarshan confirms Haiwaan with Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan | All you need to know about the upcoming film

Remake of Malayalam thriller Oppam

Haiwaan is based on the 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, starring Mohanlal in the lead role and the remake also features Boman Irani. While we don't yet know much about the plot, rumours say that Kumar will play the villain, leading to a showdown with Khan's character.

Pilgaonkar returns to mainstream cinema with Haiwaan after starring in critically acclaimed streaming productions like Guilty Minds (a legal drama on Prime Video), The Broken News (a drama on ZEE5), and Taaza Khabar (a JioHotstar drama with Bhuvan Bam at the helm). She made a recent prolonged cameo in the YRF Entertainment–produced, Gopi Puthran–and Manan Rawat–directed Mandala Murders, which starred Vaani Kapoor.

Saif Ali Khan's big return to theatres

Following his 2024 release Devara: Part 1 with Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, Khan's Haiwaan could be his most noticeable return to the theatres.

Haiwaan is the latest installment in Kumar and Priyadarshan's ongoing collaboration. The actors are back together after their 2010 collaboration on Khatta Meetha and have finished filming the horror-comedy Bhoot Bangla; they are also set to work in Hera Pheri 3 with Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal; however, the comedy's production dates are still up in the air.

High-octane thriller in the making

With its veteran cast, acclaimed director, and captivating plot, Haiwaan possesses all the elements of a highly anticipated thriller.

FAQs:

Q: Who is starring in Priyadarshan’s film Haiwaan?

A: Haiwaan stars Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Boman Irani.

Q: Who is directing Haiwaan?

A: Priyadarshan is directing the thriller Haiwaan.

Q: Is Haiwaan a remake of any film?

A: Yes, Haiwaan is reportedly the Hindi remake of the 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which originally starred Mohanlal.