Haiwaan (film): A Critical Look at its Box Office Failure

Priyadarshan's 2026 Hindi film, Haiwaan, which translates to 'Beast' or 'Animal,' was positioned as a significant cinematic event. Co-written and directed by Priyadarshan himself, it was a remake of his own successful 2016 Malayalam film, Oppam. The project boasted a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Saiyami Kher, with a notable cameo by Mohanlal. The film marked the on-screen reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after an 18-year hiatus, their last collaboration being Tashan in 2008. It also holds the somber distinction of being the final film appearance of veteran actor Asrani, who passed away in October 2025. Despite its promising elements and a theatrical release on September 11, 2026, Haiwaan failed to resonate with critics and audiences alike. The film garnered mixed-to-negative reviews, and its box office performance was described as lukewarm, ultimately concluding its run as a box-office disaster. This outcome stands in stark contrast to the expectations set by its pedigree and cast, prompting an examination of the film's narrative, production, and reception. The central narrative of Haiwaan revolves around Shyam Rane, a visually impaired man living in Mumbai. Despite his blindness, Shyam possesses exceptionally heightened senses of hearing, smell, and spatial awareness, complemented by his martial arts skills. He is portrayed as a kind and diligent individual striving to support his family and his sister Shraddha's impending marriage. His life is closely intertwined with Justice Pradhan, a retired Chief Justice residing in the same society, who regards Shyam as a trusted confidant. Justice Pradhan carries a heavy burden of guilt stemming from a past case involving Parshuram Gokhale. Years prior, Justice Pradhan had convicted Parshuram for a serious crime. Parshuram vehemently maintained his innocence, but the overwhelming evidence led to his conviction, devastating his family. While Parshuram was incarcerated, his family perished in a tragic murder-suicide. Upon his release, Parshuram, left with nothing, became consumed by a thirst for revenge, targeting those he believed were responsible for the destruction of his life and his family, including Justice Pradhan and anyone connected to the case. Justice Pradhan, upon learning of Parshuram's freedom, harbored fears for his own safety. He confided in Shyam, revealing the existence of his secret daughter, Nandini, whom he had placed in a missionary school in Dehradun for her protection. Pradhan was particularly concerned that Parshuram might discover Nandini's whereabouts. Aware that his relatives were primarily motivated by his wealth, Pradhan entrusted Shyam with funds, requesting him to ensure Nandini's safety should anything happen to him. Parshuram eventually tracks down and murders Justice Pradhan. Shyam arrives shortly after the incident. Though unable to see the attacker, his acute senses allow him to detect another presence. He confronts the killer, engaging in a fight, but Parshuram manages to escape. The circumstances surrounding Justice Pradhan's death, coupled with apparent evidence, lead the police to suspect Shyam. He finds himself under investigation while simultaneously realizing that Pradhan's killer is now pursuing Nandini. Parshuram learns of Nandini and identifies her as his next target, viewing her as an extension of the family he seeks to obliterate. Shyam embarks on a mission to protect Nandini, becoming her sole guardian while attempting to clear his name in Justice Pradhan's murder. Inspector Varsha Joshi joins the investigation, alongside other officers like Inspector Shinde, who are piecing together the events. Shyam's extraordinary abilities prove instrumental in his escapes from perilous situations, enabling him to identify individuals by their voices, movements, and scents, even in his sightless state. As Shyam and Nandini evade Parshuram, their predicament intensifies. Parshuram relentlessly pursues them, making repeated attempts to reach Nandini. Shyam uncovers more about Justice Pradhan's past, realizing that Nandini's secret is more complex than initially perceived. The ongoing police investigation further complicates Shyam's life, forcing him to evade arrest while safeguarding Nandini. Ultimately, Parshuram succeeds in cornering Shyam and Nandini within an isolated school building. He begins a calculated campaign of psychological terror, employing disguises and various tactics to disorient and frighten them. Shyam is forced to rely almost exclusively on his hearing and instincts to track Parshuram's movements within the building, as his vision is of no use. Parshuram's determination to reach Nandini grows, while Shyam endeavors to keep her hidden and find a means of escape for both of them. ## Development and Production Pre-production for Haiwaan commenced in May 2025, with the film's title being revealed subsequently. The official announcement of the film came in July 2025. It was confirmed to be a remake of the 2016 Malayalam film Oppam, with Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan attached to star. This marked a significant reunion for the two actors, who had not shared the screen for nearly two decades. The production aimed to leverage the success of the original film while adapting it for a Hindi-speaking audience. The choice of Priyadarshan to direct further underscored the intention to replicate the original's success, given his directorial expertise and his involvement in the source material. ## Critical Reception Upon its release, Haiwaan was met with a predominantly negative critical response. Reviewers pointed to a perceived lack of originality, despite it being a remake. While the performances of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan were often highlighted as a positive aspect, they were not enough to salvage the film from its narrative shortcomings. Critics often cited a predictable plot and a failure to evoke the same tension and emotional depth as the original Malayalam film, Oppam. The film's neo-noir elements were not consistently maintained, leading to a disjointed viewing experience for many. ## Box Office Performance The commercial performance of Haiwaan was a significant disappointment. The film opened to a lukewarm reception at the box office, failing to generate substantial audience interest. Despite the star power of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, the film could not overcome the negative word-of-mouth and critical reviews. It struggled to recoup its production costs, ultimately being declared a box-office disaster. This outcome contrasted sharply with the superhit status of its source material, Oppam, and the commercial track records of its lead actors. ## Narrative Themes and Structure Haiwaan delves into themes of revenge, guilt, and the resilience of the human spirit, particularly in the face of extreme adversity. The narrative structure follows a cat-and-mouse dynamic, with Shyam, the visually impaired protagonist, pitted against the vengeful Parshuram. The film attempts to build suspense through Shyam's heightened senses, which allow him to perceive threats that sighted individuals might miss. The plot unfolds with Shyam trying to protect Nandini while evading police suspicion, all while confronting the escalating danger posed by Parshuram. ## The Role of Enhanced Senses A key element of Haiwaan's narrative is Shyam Rane's extraordinary sensory perception. As a visually impaired man, his hearing, smell, and spatial awareness are depicted as being far beyond normal human capabilities. This unique attribute is central to his ability to navigate dangerous situations, recognize individuals, and anticipate threats. The film uses these heightened senses to create moments of suspense and action, showcasing how Shyam can perceive and react to his environment in ways that defy conventional understanding. This aspect of the character is crucial for his survival and his mission to protect Nandini. ## Challenges Faced by the Protagonist Shyam Rane faces a dual challenge throughout the film: proving his innocence in Justice Pradhan's murder and ensuring Nandini's safety from Parshuram. The investigation led by Inspector Varsha Joshi and others adds a layer of complexity, as Shyam must evade capture while actively pursuing Parshuram. His visual impairment, while compensated by his enhanced senses, also presents inherent limitations that Parshuram attempts to exploit. The film explores the psychological toll of being a suspect and a protector simultaneously, as Shyam grapples with the constant threat to himself and the young girl under his care. ## The Revenge Plot of Parshuram Gokhale Parshuram Gokhale's character drives the central conflict, fueled by a deep-seated desire for retribution. His family's tragic demise, which he attributes to Justice Pradhan's past actions, shapes his entire existence post-imprisonment. His revenge is not confined to Justice Pradhan but extends to anyone connected to the judge's life, including his daughter, Nandini. This relentless pursuit forms the backbone of the thriller elements in Haiwaan, creating a sense of urgency and danger as Parshuram systematically hunts down his perceived enemies. ## Where This Approach Does Not Fit While Haiwaan attempts to leverage a compelling premise of a visually impaired protagonist with heightened senses in a neo-noir thriller, its execution ultimately fell short. The remake approach, a common practice in Indian cinema, did not translate into a fresh or engaging experience for audiences, especially when the original was already a success. The film's failure suggests that simply replicating a successful plot without significant adaptation or innovation can lead to a lukewarm reception. Furthermore, the critical and commercial disappointment indicates that a strong cast and a unique character ability alone cannot guarantee success if the narrative pacing, thematic depth, and overall execution are not compelling enough to captivate a modern audience. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of remakes and the importance of delivering a polished and resonant final product.