Film: ‘Haiwaan’

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Mohanlal, Asrani, Sharib Hashmi, Pahal Choudhary

Director: Priyadarshan

Runtime: 2 hours 44 minutes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Hindi cinema’s thrillers are often known for their twists and mysteries, but what sets ‘Haiwaan’ apart is that its suspense does not stem merely from the question of who committed the crime. Instead, the real tension lies in watching how a man who cannot see manages to survive against a dangerous and violent adversary. Director Priyadarshan builds the film around this unequal contest. On one side is Parshuram, armed with physical strength, confidence and brutality; on the other is Shyam, who relies on his intelligence, heightened hearing and patience to confront an increasingly dangerous situation. It is this clash that keeps the film engaging from beginning to end.

Story

The story revolves around Parshuram and Shyam. Parshuram is an extremely dangerous and mysterious man who can easily overpower those who cross his path. In contrast, Shyam finds himself trapped in circumstances where every step becomes a challenge. Since he cannot see, he has to rely on his other senses and his intelligence to understand every movement around him.

As the story progresses, the tension between the two men steadily intensifies. Parshuram attempts to weaken Shyam through his physical dominance and intimidation, while Shyam patiently tries to anticipate his next move. The film’s central intrigue lies in discovering which of the two will manage to stay one step ahead.

The narrative does not remain confined to crime and pursuit; it also incorporates relationships and emotional dimensions. Pahal Choudhary, as Nandini, adds emotional depth to the story and gives Shyam’s struggle a more personal dimension.

Acting

The biggest strength of ‘Haiwaan’ is the performances of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. As Parshuram, Akshay Kumar appears completely removed from his conventional heroic persona. Instead of winning over the audience, his task here is to create fear and unease, and he succeeds to a considerable extent. What makes Parshuram particularly frightening is not merely his violence but his calm demeanour. Without raising his voice or relying on excessive mannerisms, Akshay creates an unsettling sense of menace. In several scenes, his restraint becomes the most powerful aspect of his performance.

Saif Ali Khan plays Shyam with remarkable naturalness. He does not use the character’s blindness merely as a device to evoke sympathy; instead, he brings out Shyam’s psychological resilience. Shyam is certainly afraid, but he refuses to surrender to that fear. Saif’s ability to maintain this balance makes the performance particularly effective.

The face-off between Akshay and Saif is the film’s strongest element. One has physical strength and aggression, while the other relies on intelligence and patience. The chemistry and confrontation between the two actors provide the film with its genuine sense of excitement.

Pahal Choudhary is a pleasant surprise as Nandini. Her performance feels natural and sincere. Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar also make an impression in their respective roles. Sharib Hashmi, as a police officer, helps move the narrative forward, while Asrani’s presence leaves an emotional impact.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Priyadarshan is a seasoned filmmaker, and he understands that a thriller does not need a major twist in every scene. In ‘Haiwaan’, tension is often created simply through the feeling that one character is hiding something or that the next move remains uncertain. The director makes effective use of this unpredictability.

The film maintains a serious and tense atmosphere throughout. Rather than making the narrative unnecessarily glossy, the focus remains on the struggles of its characters. The pacing does feel somewhat slow in certain portions, and there was room for greater tightness in those sections. Nevertheless, the central narrative manages to retain its grip.

The background score reinforces the film’s tense atmosphere. Pritam’s music also supports the emotional portions of the story and enhances the overall viewing experience.

Final Verdict

The real strength of ‘Haiwaan’ lies less in its twists and more in its characters and the conflict between them. Akshay Kumar brings a distinct new shade to his career with his portrayal of Parshuram, while Saif Ali Khan effectively captures the psychological strength hidden beneath Shyam’s apparent vulnerability.

The film’s length feels slightly cumbersome in places, but the confrontation between Akshay and Saif keeps the audience engaged. The battle of strength versus intellect and violence versus patience is the film’s biggest attraction.

If you enjoy serious, tense and character-driven thrillers, ‘Haiwaan’ is worth experiencing on the big screen.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar