Haiwaan first look: Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan reunite after 17 years
Synopsis
Seventeen years after the ill-fated Tashan, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are back together — this time in a dark thriller directed by Priyadarshan. The Haiwaan first look signals a tonal shift: no comedy, no lightness, just menace. With a September 2026 release and a heavyweight ensemble, this reunion has far more riding on it than nostalgia.
Key Takeaways
The first look of Haiwaan was unveiled on 15 July , revealing a dark, tension-driven thriller.
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunite on screen after nearly 17 years — their last film together was Tashan (2008).
The film is directed by Priyadarshan and also stars Boman Irani , Saiyami Kher , and Shriya Pilgaonkar .
Produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films under producers Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn .
Haiwaan is set for theatrical release on 11 September 2026 .
The first look of Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, was unveiled on Wednesday, 15 July, offering audiences a glimpse into the dark, tension-laden world crafted by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan. The thriller marks the on-screen reunion of the two actors after nearly 17 years, and is already being positioned as one of the biggest theatrical releases of 2026.
A First Look Steeped in Menace
The reveal imagery is drenched in mystery and unrelenting tension, signalling a departure from the lighter fare the duo is often associated with. The film also stars Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, and Boman Irani in pivotal roles, rounding out a formidable ensemble cast.
The Reunion 17 Years in the Making
Akshay and Saif last shared screen space in Tashan (2008), a film that failed to find favour with either critics or audiences. Haiwaan represents a markedly different proposition — a high-stakes thriller helmed by a director known for blending dark humour with gripping narratives. When the film went on floors, Akshay shared a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram, writing: 'Hum sab hi hain thode se shaitaan… Koi upar se Saint, koi andar se Haiwaan :)) Starting the shoot for #Haiwaan today with my absolute favourite captain of the ship, @priyadarshan.official Sir. Great to be working with Saif after nearly 17 years. Let's get the haiwaniyat rolling!!'
Production and Release Details
Haiwaan is produced by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, jointly backed by producers Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 11 September 2026.
What to Expect
With Priyadarshan — a filmmaker with a proven track record across Malayalam, Hindi, and Tamil cinema — directing, and two of Bollywood's most commercially bankable stars reuniting, the project carries considerable anticipation. Whether Haiwaan can finally deliver the definitive Akshay-Saif collaboration that Tashan failed to be will be the question audiences bring to cinemas this September.
Point of View
And the film's success will hinge on whether the thriller genre can hold multiplex audiences the way action-comedy once did for this pair. The first look suggests the makers know exactly what they are selling: not nostalgia, but a reset.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Haiwaan and when does it release?
Haiwaan is an upcoming Bollywood thriller directed by Priyadarshan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. It is scheduled for theatrical release on 11 September 2026.
When did Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan last work together?
The two actors last appeared together in Tashan, released in 2008 — making Haiwaan their reunion after nearly 17 years. Tashan was a commercial and critical failure at the time of its release.
Who else is in the cast of Haiwaan?
Apart from Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, Haiwaan features Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, and Shriya Pilgaonkar in pivotal roles.
Who is producing Haiwaan?
Haiwaan is produced by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, jointly backed by producers Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn.
What does the Haiwaan first look reveal about the film's tone?
The first look imagery is described as steeped in mystery, menace, and tension, signalling a dark thriller rather than the lighter genres Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are traditionally associated with.
