Haiwaan Star Akshay Kumar's Tiff With Saif Ali Khan Over 'High-Maintenance' Wife Remark, 'I Don't..'
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Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's much-awaited action thriller Haiwaan is finally here, and as expected, it has been generating immense buzz online. Much of the buzz came from the on-screen reunion of the iconic Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Tashan duo after almost two decades. While the film received mixed reviews on its opening day, their real-life friendship is once again the talk of the town, including their playful banter about their wives being high-maintenance.
Saif Ali Khan challenged Akshay Kumar's comment on 'high-maintenance' wives
Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar are known for their fun banter, playful energy, and a lasting friendship that started in the 1990s. The duo showcased their dynamic at promotional events for their latest release, Haiwaan, as well as in other joint appearances. During their appearance on Kajol and Twinkle Khanna's talk show, Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, the two friends left everyone in stitches with their witty one-liners.
In the 'This Side That Side' segment of the show, the actors and the hosts had to choose whether husbands or wives are more high-maintenance according to them. The Bollywood wives, Kajol and Twinkle Khanna wasted no time in choosing that husbands were the ones who needed higher maintenance. Whereas Saif and Akshay, the B-town hubbys, were of the opposite view. However, after a little contemplation, Saif changed his stance and joined the hosts on the other side.
Akshay was left confused and betrayed at Saif's sudden change of heart, and the former tried to convince the latter to stay on his side. Saif then shared the reason for his changing sides, and it left everyone in stitches. His comments revealed that he was of the same opinion as Akshay that wives need more high-maintainence, but he made the decision thinking about which answer would please his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Saif cheekily told Akshay that at the end of the day the Pataudi Nawab would have to return to the home where he lives with Kareena. Thus, he had to do what he did. Making the hilarious comment, Saif Ali Khan stated:
"Listen [Akshay], I love you, but I don't live with you."
More about Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's Haiwaan and its early review
Haiwaan is a Hindi crime thriller movie directed by Hera Pheri fame Priyadarshan. The director has already worked with Akshay in several projects like Bhooth Bangla, Khatta Metha, Bhoot Bhulaiyaa, and De Dana Dan, so their collaboration in Haiwaan came naturally. Saif's addition to the project was the cherry on top. Released in theatres on September 11, 2026, it marks the highly anticipated reunion of the iconic Akshay-Saif duo after an 18-year gap.
Although the project generated immense buzz at its announcement, it didn't receive the same response at release. Moviegoers who shared their reviews online appreciated Saif and Akshay's performances as 'Shyam' and 'Parshuram' as they lock horns as protagonist and antagonist. Many audiences enjoyed the old-school thriller vibe and high-stakes clash between the leads, however, not everyone was impressed.
As per critics, the plot seems to be too predictable and lacks the thrill and depth expected from it. Some reviews even suggest that the runtime is slightly stretched. Haiwaan has had a slow start at the box-office collections, registering advance bookings under Rs. 5 crore. Trade analysts said the film's success will depend heavily on strong spot bookings, positive weekend reviews, and word-of-mouth.
What are your thoughts on Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar's fun banter and dynamics resurfacing amid their high-stakes movie, Haiwaan's theatrical run? Let us know.
Also Read: Rekha Tried To Get 'Too Close' To Akshay Kumar When He Was Engaged To Raveena Tandon