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Director Priyadarshan has worked with Akshay Kumar and Mohanlal in many films. Now he is all set to bring them together in his next Haiwaan. During a conversation with Pinkvilla, the director mentioned how no one was ready to take up the antagonist role opposite Saif Ali Khan, but finally Akshay came on board. Priyadarshan said he was surprised when the superstar said yes to the role which had been rejected by so many actors. Haiwaan will reunite Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after many decades; they had last shared screenspace in Main Khiladi Tu Anadi.
Sharing how Akshay Kumar offered to play the part, Priyadarshan recalled, “Originally, Akshay was not there in the film. I was planning to do the film with Saif, and he got excited on the subject. We tried some other actors also, but everyone kept saying no because it was a small part. They kept asking for things to be changed. When I was shooting for Bhoot Bangla, I told Akshay that I don’t think Haiwaan will happen because I am not getting the right person to play the other role, but the role is as important as the hero. Akshay asked what the role was about, and I never thought he will agree, but he asked if he could do the role. I just asked him ‘Are you serious?’ Akshay replied, ‘yes, I like the thought and I trust you’.”
“Producers were also very excited to have him on board because the film just got bigger. Akshay is the antagonist, and he never hesitates. There are two actors – Mohanlal and Akshay Kumar, whom I have worked with the most, and they both never ask me what I am doing. The moment I go to them with a film, they ask are you excited? And say yes. That trust they have, and I like to maintain it by delivering,” Priyadarshan added.
Talking about Mohanlal’s role in Haiwaan, Priyadarshan said, “Mohanlal is there in Haiwaan, but what he is doing, I don’t want to say now.” He also added, “Every time the film excites me, I don’t think of the actors; the actor comes after the script, so you can never plan. You cannot say you will make a film with Mohanlal and Akshay Kumar together; you will never get a script. When you get a script, see who is the right cast and go behind that; that is the right way of doing films. Never chase a star for doing a film.”
Haiwaan is slated to release in 2026. The film also stars Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Asrani, Samuthirakani, and Einar Haraldsson.
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