Haiwaan X Review: Akshay-Saif hold up but the film is too stretched, say viewers

Haiwaan has drawn mixed early reactions on X, with viewers focusing on its lead face-off. The Akshay Kumar-Saif Ali Khan reunion and their contrasting performances are driving the conversation.

In Short

• Viewers praised the cat-and-mouse tension crafted through the central conflict
• Some felt the 2-hour-42-minute runtime and second half needed sharper editing
• One reviewer rated the film 3.5 stars for its dark tone

Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has started making its presence felt on social media after its theatrical release. Early reactions on X have praised the performances of the two actors, although some viewers felt the film’s runtime and second half could have been tighter.

One X user gave the Priyadarshan directorial a 3.5-star rating and praised Akshay for taking on a dark and unpredictable role. The user called the actor “genuinely menacing” and highlighted Saif’s restrained performance as a blind protagonist.

The post read, “Haiwaan is proof that a strong villain can still make a thriller work. Akshay Kumar is genuinely menacing in a dark, unpredictable role, while Saif Ali Khan delivers a restrained and layered performance as a blind protagonist.”

One viewer gave Haiwaan two stars and called it “a wasted potential”, arguing that both Akshay and Saif were “royally wasted”. The user also criticised the slow screenplay and called the story only “okish”, questioning the need for the remake.

The user also praised the cat-and-mouse dynamic created by Priyadarshan, while pointing out that the second half could have been tighter. The 2-hour-42-minute runtime was another criticism. Overall, the film was described as an “engaging old-school thriller with two strong performances”.

Another viewer focused on the reunion between Akshay and Saif, who are sharing the screen after 18 years. “Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan coming together after 18 years could have been just nostalgia. Thankfully, Haiwaan actually uses their contrasting screen presence,” the user wrote.

Several viewers also highlighted the central dynamic between the two actors. One post described it simply as: “One is unpredictable, the other is controlled and that makes their dynamic work.”

Another X user gave the film four stars and called it a “gripping psychological thriller”. The viewer praised Akshay and Saif’s performances, along with the film’s visuals and background score. “Priyadarshan keeps the tension alive, especially in the second half, delivering with a surprise at the end,” the post read.

However, not everyone was convinced. One viewer suggested that those who have already watched the original Oppam's Hindi version could skip Haiwaan. “Agar aap Original ka (Hindi) nhi dekha toh dekh lo #Haiwaan. Otherwise Rahene hi do,” the user wrote.

There was also an unexpected suggestion for Priyadarshan. “Instead of haiwaan, ... priyadarshan should remake malayalam comedy film two countries with Akshay kumar,” read one tweet.

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunite after 18 years

Haiwaan marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after nearly two decades. The two actors previously worked together in films including Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, Keemat and Tu Chor Main Sipahi.

Directed by Priyadarshan, Haiwaan presents Akshay and Saif in dramatically different roles. Akshay plays the film’s antagonist, while Saif takes on the role of its blind protagonist, setting up the central conflict between the two characters.

The film also stars Boman Irani, Sharib Hashmi, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar in key roles. It is backed by KVN Productions and Thespian Films.

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