Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan share playful KBC 18 moment promoting 'Haiwaan'
Synopsis
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's unscripted gate moment outside KBC 18 is the lightest preview yet of a film with a dark premise — Akshay playing a psychopathic killer, Saif a blind martial artist hunting him down. Their last on-screen pairing was 18 years ago in 'Tashan', making 'Haiwaan' one of Bollywood's most anticipated reunions of the year.
Key Takeaways
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan visited the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 on 21 August to promote 'Haiwaan' .
An impromptu gate-side moment between the two actors drew laughter from the paparazzi on location.
In 'Haiwaan' , Akshay plays a psychopathic killer and Saif portrays a blind martial artist protecting a young girl.
The film marks their first on-screen reunion in 18 years , since 'Tashan' in 2008 . 'Haiwaan' is directed by Priyadarshan and hits cinemas on 11 September .
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan brought their off-screen chemistry to full display on 21 August outside the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 in Mumbai, where the two actors appeared to promote their upcoming psychological action thriller 'Haiwaan'. The duo's candid banter and impromptu gate-side antics quickly became a talking point among the waiting paparazzi.
The Moment That Stole the Show
It began with Saif leaning casually against a gate in a black T-shirt and blue jeans, posing solo for photographers. When Akshay — dressed in a loose T-shirt, black jeans, and a cap — spotted him, he swung open the other side of the gate and joined in. As Akshay's side of the gate unexpectedly opened mid-pose, the moment turned into an unscripted comedy bit, leaving both actors and the assembled paparazzi laughing. Akshay had earlier posed solo as well, dropping to his knees and striking stylish angles for the cameras.
About 'Haiwaan'
In 'Haiwaan', Akshay Kumar steps into rare territory — a negative, psychopathic role, a sharp departure from his signature heroic parts. Saif Ali Khan plays the film's central protagonist: a tough, blind martial artist who relies on heightened senses to shield a young girl from a dangerous killer. The film is directed by Priyadarshan and is scheduled to release in cinemas on 11 September.
A Reunion 18 Years in the Making
'Haiwaan' marks the first on-screen collaboration between Akshay and Saif in 18 years. The two were last seen sharing the screen in the 2008 film 'Tashan', and had also appeared together in 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari'. The long gap has only amplified anticipation around their pairing, with fans curious to see how their dynamic translates to a thriller format.
KBC 18 as Promotional Platform
Appearing on Kaun Banega Crorepati has become a staple promotional stop for major Bollywood releases, and the 'Haiwaan' team's visit to KBC 18 follows that tradition. The game show's mass viewership offers wide reach ahead of the film's September theatrical bow. With the release just weeks away, the paparazzi moment outside the sets offered an early, unfiltered preview of the pair's on-screen energy.
Point of View
But the subtext here is more interesting: Akshay Kumar taking on a full-fledged villain role is a genuine creative risk for an actor whose brand has been built almost entirely on heroism and patriotism. Whether 'Haiwaan' can reframe his screen identity — or whether audiences will simply root for Saif's protagonist — is the real question this film poses. Priyadarshan, meanwhile, is returning to big-budget commercial territory after years away from that space, adding another layer of unpredictability to a project that carries more genuine curiosity than most mid-year releases.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Haiwaan' about?
'Haiwaan' is a psychological action thriller in which Akshay Kumar plays a dangerous psychopathic killer and Saif Ali Khan portrays a blind martial artist who uses heightened senses to protect a young girl from him. The film is directed by Priyadarshan.
When does 'Haiwaan' release in cinemas?
'Haiwaan' is scheduled to release in theatres on 11 September. The film's cast visited KBC 18 in late August as part of its promotional run.
When did Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan last appear together on screen?
The two actors were last seen together in the 2008 film 'Tashan'. They had also shared screen space in 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari'. 'Haiwaan' marks their reunion after an 18-year gap.
Why is Akshay Kumar's role in 'Haiwaan' significant?
Akshay Kumar plays a negative, psychopathic character in 'Haiwaan' — a marked departure from the heroic roles he is best known for. It is considered one of the most unconventional casting choices of his recent career.
Who is directing 'Haiwaan'?
'Haiwaan' is directed by Priyadarshan, the veteran filmmaker known for a wide range of Hindi and Malayalam films spanning comedy, thriller, and drama genres.
