Akshay, Saif's thriller Haiwaan gets U/A 16+ from censor board; runtime revealed

Haiwaan, featuring actors Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The upcoming film is directed by Priyadarshan.

In Short

• Haiwaan is a Hindi remake of Mohanlal-led 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam
• It marks Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunion onscreen after 17 years
• Haiwaan is set for a theatrical release on September 11, 2026

Haiwaan, featuring actors Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ahead of its theatrical release. The film received a U/A 16+ rating on September 8, 2026.

The theatrical certification process for the thriller has been completed, with its official runtime locked at 164 minutes and 7 seconds (approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes), according to a report by News18.

Haiwaan is a Hindi remake of the 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal in the lead role. The film also marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 17 years. The two actors were last seen together in Tashan in 2008. Before that, they shared screen space in Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, Tu Chor Main Sipahi and Keemat.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the film also features actors Boman Irani, Sharib Hashmi, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar in key roles. It is produced by Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn under the banners of KVN Productions and Thespian Films.

In Haiwaan, Saif plays Shyam, a visually impaired man caught in a dangerous situation. While adapting a role earlier played by Mohanlal, Priyadarshan said he wanted to ensure that Saif's performance did not become an imitation of the original.

The director therefore did not allow Saif to watch Oppam (2016) before beginning work on Haiwaan. Instead, he discussed the character and the scenes with the actor and allowed him to develop his own understanding of Shyam.

"Saif has no idea what Mohanlal has done. I did not allow it. Also, everyone has their own body language, dialogue delivery and movements. It cannot be imitated. When I work with Mohanlal, I tell him to move a certain way. I don't follow the same with Saif. His dialogue delivery, body language and hand and head gestures are completely different," Priyadarshan told Variety India.

He further added, "Imitation never works in acting. I saw him working on the scenes and discussed how I wanted him to approach the character. He understood my vision and has done a good job."

Haiwaan is set for a theatrical release on September 11, 2026.

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