Haiwaan (film): A Neo-Noir Thriller That Missed the Mark

Priyadarshan's 2026 Hindi film, Haiwaan, released with considerable anticipation, particularly given its star power and the pedigree of its director. Billed as a neo-noir action thriller, it was a remake of the director's own successful 2016 Malayalam film, Oppam. The film brought together Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan for their first on-screen pairing in 18 years, a reunion that itself generated significant buzz. Despite these promising elements, Haiwaan ultimately failed to resonate, opening to a lukewarm box office reception and concluding its theatrical run as a significant commercial disappointment. The critical reception mirrored the audience's tepid response, with reviews generally falling into the mixed-to-negative category. This widespread lack of enthusiasm suggested that the film, despite its remake status and talented cast, could not overcome perceived narrative or execution flaws. The confluence of a weak box office performance and critical underperformance marked Haiwaan (film) as a notable misfire in an industry constantly seeking its next big hit. ## The Plot of Revenge and Protection The narrative of Haiwaan centers on Shyam Rane, a visually impaired man working as a maintenance manager in a Mumbai residential society. Despite his lack of sight, Shyam possesses exceptionally acute senses of hearing, smell, and spatial awareness, complemented by his martial arts skills. His character is portrayed as kind and diligent, striving to accumulate wealth for his sister Shraddha's upcoming marriage and to support his family. Shyam shares a close bond with Justice Pradhan, a retired Chief Justice residing in the same society, who views Shyam as a trusted confidant. Justice Pradhan is burdened by a past case involving Parshuram Gokhale, whom he had sentenced to prison years prior for a serious offense. Parshuram maintained his innocence, but the overwhelming evidence led to his conviction, devastating his family. The subsequent tragic murder-suicide of his family left Parshuram alone and consumed by a burning desire for vengeance against Pradhan and anyone associated with his conviction. ## Seeds of Vengeance and a Dangerous Secret Upon learning that Parshuram is out of prison and likely seeking retribution, Justice Pradhan confides in Shyam. He reveals he has a secret daughter, Nandini, who has been kept at a missionary school in Dehradun for her safety, fearing Parshuram might discover her existence. Burdened by the potential threat to Nandini, and aware of his relatives' avarice, Pradhan entrusts Shyam with money and a solemn promise to protect Nandini should anything happen to him. Parshuram eventually tracks down and murders Justice Pradhan. Shyam arrives at the scene shortly after, and though unable to see the assailant, his heightened senses alert him to the killer's presence. He engages the attacker in a struggle, but Parshuram manages to escape. The circumstances of Pradhan's death, with evidence seemingly pointing towards Shyam, quickly position him as a suspect in the eyes of the police, initiating a complex dual pursuit for Shyam. ## A Cat-and-Mouse Game of Survival As Shyam grapples with the police investigation, he also becomes aware that Pradhan's killer is now targeting Nandini. Parshuram, viewing Nandini as an extension of the family he holds responsible for his ruin, makes her his next primary target. This revelation compels Shyam to travel to Dehradun, embarking on a mission to protect Nandini and keep her safe while simultaneously attempting to clear his name in Pradhan's murder. Inspector Varsha Joshi enters the investigation, working alongside other officers like Inspector Shinde, as they attempt to unravel the events. Shyam's extraordinary abilities prove crucial in evading perilous situations; he can identify individuals by their voices, movements, and even scents, offering him an advantage in his efforts to remain undetected and outmaneuver his pursuers. ## Escalating Danger and a Hidden Truth The pursuit intensifies as Shyam and Nandini try to stay one step ahead of Parshuram. He relentlessly tracks them, repeatedly attempting to get closer to the young girl. During their flight, Shyam uncovers more intricate details about Justice Pradhan's past, realizing that the secret surrounding Nandini's identity and her connection to the judge is far more complex than he initially understood. The ongoing police investigation adds another layer of difficulty, as Shyam must evade arrest while fulfilling his promise to protect Nandini. ## The Isolated Confrontation Eventually, Parshuram succeeds in trapping Shyam and Nandini within an isolated school building. He begins to stalk them through the corridors and classrooms, employing disguises and various tactics to disorient and terrorize them. Shyam is forced to rely almost entirely on his auditory senses and instincts, his blindness rendering him vulnerable in the darkened building as Parshuram closes in. Parshuram's determination to reach Nandini grows, while Shyam focuses on keeping her hidden and searching for an escape route. The climax unfolds as a protracted cat-and-mouse chase, with Parshuram scouring the building and Shyam using his acute hearing and spatial memory to track his enemy's movements. Nandini remains a frightened child, dependent on Shyam for her safety. As Parshuram corners them, Shyam finally confronts him directly, leading to a physical struggle that culminates in the revelation of the truth about Pradhan's past, Parshuram's motivations for revenge, and Nandini's true connection to the judge. ## The Resolution of Revenge The film concludes with Shyam successfully protecting Nandini and confronting Parshuram, thwarting the completion of his revenge plot. The prolonged chase between the two men ends, bringing Parshuram's vendetta to a definitive close and clarifying Shyam's role in Justice Pradhan's death. Shyam ultimately fulfills his promise to protect Nandini, ensuring her safety and bringing closure to the tragic narrative of Parshuram's quest for vengeance. ## Where This Approach Does Not Fit The narrative structure of Haiwaan, relying heavily on a visually impaired protagonist using heightened senses to navigate a dangerous world, while compelling in concept, also presents challenges. The film's attempt to blend a complex revenge plot with elements of protection and a police procedural likely contributed to its mixed reception. Audiences and critics may have found the integration of these varied genre elements uneven, or perhaps the execution of Shyam's extraordinary abilities stretched credulity beyond what was acceptable for a neo-noir thriller. The remake nature itself might have invited comparisons to the original Malayalam film, Oppam, with potential shortcomings in adaptation or cultural relevance becoming apparent to viewers familiar with the source material. Furthermore, the film's failure to connect at the box office suggests a disconnect between its premise and audience expectations for entertainment in 2026, indicating that not all remakes, even with star power, are destined for success.