Renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan recently offered intriguing insights into his first-time collaboration with Saif Ali Khan for the upcoming psychological thriller ‘Haiwaan’. As anticipation builds for the film’s release, Priyadarshan openly discussed his experiences working with the celebrated actor, painting a nuanced picture of their dynamic on set. His observations ranged from praising Saif’s remarkable obedience to highlighting his intellectual curiosity, providing a unique glimpse into their professional relationship.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan shared his initial impressions of directing Saif Ali Khan. He candidly described the 55-year-old actor as “a very obedient actor, a little greedy but a very obedient actor.” This seemingly contradictory yet insightful description suggests that while Saif might possess a strong drive or ambition, it is always channeled through a highly professional and cooperative approach to his craft. Priyadarshan further elaborated that Saif’s trust in him grew quickly, which significantly streamlined the filmmaking process. “I think he developed a certain kind of confidence in me, which really helped me to take the film forward in a very smooth way,” the director remarked, underscoring the importance of mutual respect and understanding in a creative partnership.
The director of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ also delved into Saif Ali Khan’s inquisitive nature, likening him to a “mature child.” He observed that Saif consistently posed numerous questions, which Priyadarshan affirmed was an actor’s prerogative. However, he emphasized that these questions never hindered the workflow; once an answer was provided, Saif would promptly execute his role as instructed. This seamless transition from inquiry to action impressed Priyadarshan, who noted that after only a couple of days, the need for questions diminished. He humorously recalled asking Saif one morning if he had any questions, only to receive the confident reply, “No sir, now I know what you want to shoot.” This exchange illustrates the rapid development of a shared artistic vision and trust between the director and his lead actor, fostering a highly efficient and collaborative environment.
Beyond their professional interactions, Priyadarshan also lauded Saif’s exemplary discipline on set. He highlighted Saif’s preference for reading books during breaks rather than engaging with his phone, a detail that speaks volumes about the actor’s intellectual pursuits and focused demeanor. Priyadarshan, who openly admitted to being a great admirer of Saif’s royal heritage, revealed that their conversations often extended beyond the confines of filmmaking. “I could discuss a lot of things with him because I am a huge Nawab Pataudi fan, so I spent a lot of time with him,” he stated, indicating a personal connection that enriched their working relationship.
The forthcoming film ‘Haiwaan’ has already generated considerable buzz, especially with the recent release of its teaser. The film features Saif Ali Khan in the challenging role of a visually challenged protagonist, with Akshay Kumar cast as the antagonist. This project marks a significant reunion for Saif and Akshay, who last shared the screen 18 years ago in the 2008 film ‘Tashan’. ‘Haiwaan’ is slated for release on September 11, promising a gripping cinematic experience for audiences.
