Haiwaan Movie Review, Release Live Updates: Early reviews call Saif-Akshay film a ‘captivating thriller’

The saffron-streaked duet of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan take the lead in Priyadarshan's directorial venture Haiwaan, a Hindi adaptation of Mohanlal's Oppam. The film, slated for release today, bears the mark of their first on-screen partnership since their collaborative works like Yeh Dillagi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, and Tashan. While Akshay and Saif have a history of working together, this marks their reunion following a hiatus.

Haiwaan arrives amidst a bustling box office scenario, with Mirzapur The Movie currently leading the pack. The latter has amassed Rs 212.44 crore globally, and Hanuman Ansh, which has been captivating audiences for over a month, has raked in Rs 192.75 crore so far. Haiwaan's advance booking has been rather subdued, collecting Rs 2.76 crore (including block seats) and selling approximately 44,000 tickets.

The film has garnered a modest audience in Maharashtra and Delhi-NCR regions, collecting Rs 44 lakh and Rs 47 lakh respectively.

Interestingly, Saif Ali Khan revealed during a Gulf News interview that he was initially cast as the protagonist before Akshay Kumar. When Priyadarshan was struggling to find a suitable villain actor, it was Akshay who stepped in, even though he had prior commitments.