Mumbai, September 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Filmmaker Priyadarshan has revealed that Akshay Kumar was never part of the original casting plan for Haiwaan, with Saif Ali Khan initially being the only actor confirmed for the film.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Priyadarshan said finding the actor for the antagonist’s role proved challenging, as several actors declined the part.
“Basically, you first decide whom you want in the script and then think about who fits the character. At the same time, you also consider the market value of a film like this. All these factors matter while casting,” the filmmaker said.
Priyadarshan said Saif was locked in from the beginning, but efforts to cast the antagonist did not yield results.
“In this film, Saif is the only actor I had confirmed. I tried to get the antagonist with many people, and I failed,” he said.
The casting changed unexpectedly during the shoot of Bhoot Bangla, when Priyadarshan casually told Akshay about the role. According to the filmmaker, Akshay immediately expressed his willingness to take it up.
Priyadarshan said he was excited by the prospect of presenting “another Akshay Kumar” on screen, unlike anything audiences had seen from the actor before. He added that Akshay had always wanted to portray a psychologically disturbed character, which ultimately led to his casting.
“If you ask me, this film with Saif and Akshay was not planned, but it happened,” Priyadarshan said.
Haiwaan marks the reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after 18 years. The duo have previously collaborated on several successful films. The movie is slated to release on September 11.
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