July 27, 2025: After nearly a decade since its original Malayalam release, director Priyadarshan’s dream of bringing ‘Oppam’ to Hindi audiences is finally materializing. The remake, now titled ‘Haiwaan‘ is set to go on floors next month, featuring a compelling reunion of Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar after 17 years.
Akshay Kumar to Play Ruthless Villain Opposite Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan’s ‘Haiwaan’; Shoot Begins August 23
Priyadarshan, who has been keen on this adaptation since the 2016 Malayalam hit ‘Oppam,’ has been in talks with Saif Ali Khan for almost a year to finalize the project. While initially considering Akshaye Khanna and Bobby Deol, Akshay Kumar ultimately clinched the antagonist role, marking another collaboration with Priyadarshan after their upcoming films ‘Bhooth Bangla’ and ‘Hera Pheri 3’.
The shooting for ‘Haiwaan’ will kick off on August 23 in Cochin. Saif Ali Khan will portray a visually challenged caretaker, an expert in Kalaripayattu, a role originally played by Mohanlal. Akshay Kumar, on the other hand, will embody a “ruthless, cold-blooded killer out to avenge his family.” Both actors will sport a distinct “moustache and stubble to give off a raw, rugged, and real vibe.” The casting for the characters of a retired Supreme Court chief justice and his daughter is still underway.
For the unversed, ‘Oppam’ (reportedly based on Martin Scorsese’s ‘Cape Fear’ from 1991, which itself was a remake of the 1962 film and 1957 novel ‘The Executioners’) follows Jayaraman, a visually impaired man with heightened senses, who must protect a judge’s daughter from a vengeful killer he had once wrongfully imprisoned.
Priyadarshan, who penned the screenplay for the Malayalam original by Govind Vijayan, has personally adapted and written the Hindi version to ensure it resonates with a pan-India audience. “He started work on the script and screenplay for its adaptation last year, and it is now ready,” a source informed Mid-Day. Given the high-octane action sequences, both actors are undergoing extensive preparation, including hand-to-hand combat and martial arts training. Akshay Kumar, already a black belt in Taekwondo and trained in Muay Thai and Karate, will find his match in Saif Ali Khan, who is rigorously training in Kalaripayattu.
Following the Cochin schedule with Saif, Akshay will join the ‘Haiwaan’ team. After a month, the production will move to scenic locations in Mount Abu (Rajasthan) and Vagamon (Kerala) before wrapping up in Mumbai. “It’s basically a cat-and-mouse chase game between Saif and Akshay,” the source added.
‘Haiwaan’ is a significant reunion for Khan and Kumar, who last shared the screen 17 years ago in the 2008 film ‘Tashan’. This film also marks Saif Ali Khan’s first collaboration with director Priyadarshan. ‘Haiwaan’ is slated for a 2026 release.