‘Haiwaan’ First Look: Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s Intense Posters Promise a Thrilling Ride

The first look posters of Haiwaan are out, and they have immediately set a very different tone for what we can expect from Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. The duo are finally back together on screen after 17 years, and director Priyadarshan seems to be moving away from the light-hearted chemistry that they were famous for in the 90s and 2000s and is going for something much darker and grittier.

A Different Kind of Intensity

The posters aren’t your typical “hero” shots; they’re meant to be disturbing. You see Akshay Kumar in a black beanie and heavy eyeshadow and Saif staring right at the camera with a non-blinking, razor-sharp intensity. The colour palettes are more in line with a psychological thriller than a Bollywood commercial film, with dramatic splashes of red, gold and neon green in abundance.

Akshay himself posted them, captioning it as "One sees everything; one misses nothing," and fans are already guessing about what kind of cat-and-mouse game their characters will be playing.

Why it feels special.

Reunion of the Century: For a generation of fans that grew up with Main Khiladi Tu Anari or Yeh Dillagi, seeing them share the screen again is a big deal. Picking a serious dark thriller seems like a conscious shift to demonstrate their growth as actors.

The 'Priyadarshan' Factor: Though the director is known for epic comedies, this film is an official remake of his 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam. His talent for suspense suggests that this will not be just another action movie but a true psychological drama.

The Stakes: The posters suggest a high-stakes plot with one even showing a silhouette of a child, suggesting the story is going to be about protection, obsession and vengeance.

Add to your calendar

The film is officially scheduled to hit theatres on September 11, 2026. The project looks like it’s putting story and atmosphere front and centre with an ensemble cast that also features Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar.

It’s a relief to see two established stars go for something that feels raw and moody, instead of playing it safe with a standard blockbuster template. Are you thrilled to see them in these darker, more mysterious roles or secretly hoping for another 'Khiladi' reunion?