‘Haiwaan’ promises to be a show Akshay Kumar in one of his darkest roles in recent years, but the actor is almost not part of the film. Filmmaker: Priyadarshan now it has been revealed that Akshay Kumar was not his original choice to play the antagonist. Bobby Deol was his first choice for antagonist, while: Akshaye Khanna and: Suniel Shetty: was also considered before the ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ actor unexpectedly entered the project. The director also shared why the upcoming film marks a significant departure from his recent string of comedies.
Bobby Deol was Priyadarshan’s first choice for ‘Haiwaan’
Speaking to Mid-day, Priyadarshan revealed that Bobby Deol was the first actor he approached to play the antagonist. Saif Ali Khan. Recalling the casting process, the filmmaker said, “When I narrated the film to Saif first, he asked me who would play the antagonist. I approached Bobby Deol, who was not happy with his role, but I don’t blame him for that. I thought of Akshaye Khanna and told him that I want to tell a story to him. He invited me to meet him. I thought if he refuses, I will go to Suniel Shetty.”The director explained that several actors were considered before the role finally went to Akshay Kumar.
How Akshay Kumar got the role in ‘Haiwaan’
According to Priyadarshan, the casting took an unexpected turn as he was working with Akshay Kumar in ‘Bhooth Bangla’. Before meeting Akshaye Khanna, the filmmaker casually mentioned ‘Haiwaan’ to Akshay, who immediately showed interest in playing the antagonist.Priyadarshan recalls, “[Before I met Akshaye]I mentioned the film to Akshay while shooting for ‘Bhooth Bangla’. After I told him the story, he said to me, ‘Why can’t I do the movie?'”Initially, the director did not consider Akshay in the role as it was very different from the actor’s recent screen image.He explained, “Akshay loved the character. While we were shooting, Saif told me, ‘By doing this role against me, Akshay gave me the best gift’.”
Priyadarshan wants to break Akshay’s recent image
In the same interview, Priyadarshan admitted that he did not initially envision Akshay Kumar as the film’s villain as audiences had recently associated the superstar with lighter, comedy-driven roles. However, Akshay’s enthusiasm to portray a darker character convinced the filmmaker that he was the right choice. The role marks a significant change for the actor, who will be seen in an intense antagonist avatar opposite Saif Ali Khan.
‘Haiwaan’ is not a comedy, Priyadarshan clarifies
Despite Priyadarshan’s reputation for directing blockbuster comedies, the filmmaker made it clear that Haiwaan belongs to a different genre.He said, “Some people think Haiwaan is a comedy; it’s not. It’s about a cat-and-mouse game between the hunter and the hunted. I’m back with an action thriller after 16 years, and it’s one of the best movies I’ve ever done.”The director believes that the film will showcase a new side of his filmmaking while delivering an intense action-thriller experience.
About ‘Haiwaan’
‘Haiwaan’ stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles and reunites Priyadarshan with the two actors. The recently unveiled first-look posters present the duo in cheeky, intense avatars, hinting at a high-stakes fight between the protagonist and antagonist.Unlike Priyadarshan’s recent comedy outings, ‘Haiwaan’ is pitched as a slick action thriller built around a tense cat-and-mouse chase between the hunter and the hunted. The film is expected to feature Akshay Kumar in one of his most unconventional roles as a fearsome antagonist, while Saif Ali Khan plays the antagonist. With its dark tone and action-driven narrative, Haiwaan marks Priyadarshan’s return to the thriller genre after almost 16 years.