Filmmaker Priyadarshan has once again stirred nationwide curiosity with a single photograph from the sets of his upcoming Hindi film Haiwan. The image, featuring Mohanlal and Saif Ali Khan standing together during a break in filming, quickly went viral and sparked lively discussions across social media.
In his caption, Priyadarshan reflected on the unpredictability of life and filmmaking, sharing how he now finds himself directing the son of one of his cricket heroes while reuniting with an actor deeply tied to his cinematic journey. The note carried his trademark warmth and humility.
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Reimagining a Malayalam Classic
Haiwan is the official Hindi remake of Priyadarshan’s acclaimed Malayalam thriller Oppam, which originally starred Mohanlal in one of his most celebrated roles. In this adaptation, Saif Ali Khan steps into the lead as a visually impaired protagonist — a character rich with emotional depth and sharp instinct. Akshay Kumar plays a key antagonist, adding further intrigue to the project.
Priyadarshan had planned to keep Mohanlal’s cameo a surprise, but the viral photograph unintentionally revealed his presence in the film.
A Bridge Between Two Film Industries
The image of Mohanlal and Saif sharing a frame immediately captured attention among fans of both Malayalam and Hindi cinema. Priyadarshan and Mohanlal’s long creative association has produced many iconic Malayalam films, making this reunion especially meaningful.
For Saif, Haiwan marks a challenging role that demands both physical precision and emotional nuance. With Akshay Kumar joining the cast, the film brings together three distinct screen personalities within a single thriller narrative.
Priyadarshan’s Renewed Momentum in Bollywood
Produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, Haiwan features production design by Sabu Cyril, who is crafting an intense visual world for the film. The project is part of Priyadarshan’s renewed phase in Hindi cinema, as he also prepares Bhoot Bangla and Hera Pheri 3, both starring Akshay Kumar. Their long-standing collaboration continues to evolve, marking an active creative chapter for the director.
As Haiwan progresses in production, excitement surrounding the film continues to grow. With Saif in a layered role, Akshay in a darker shade, and Mohanlal making a meaningful appearance, the film is emerging as one of the most anticipated Hindi thrillers on the horizon. Under Priyadarshan’s direction, Haiwan is steadily shaping up into a project that audiences will be watching closely in the months ahead.
