Akshay Kumar Embraces His Dark Side: Why the Star is Trading Heroics for Villainy in ‘Haiwaan’
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is currently riding a wave of professional momentum. Following the massive success of his recent projects, Bhooth Bangla and Welcome To the Jungle, the versatile actor is showing no signs of slowing down. Instead, he is pushing his creative boundaries by venturing into uncharted territory: playing a dark, unapologetically evil antagonist in Priyadarshan’s upcoming thriller, Haiwaan.
A Refreshing Shift to Villainy
In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, Akshay discussed the psychological appeal of stepping away from the conventional “hero” archetype. For a performer known for portraying patriotic and virtuous leads, the transition has been a welcome change of pace.
“To be honest, it was a huge relief,” Akshay admitted. “I find playing villains so fascinating. I feel they get to play much more interesting characters than heroes do. Heroes, most of the time, have to be perfect; they can only be good, do good, and act as influential role models.”
For Kumar, the role is less about comfort and more about artistic evolution. “I like to be challenged. Easy is nice, but it’s also boring sometimes,” he explained, adding that working with director Priyadarshan—a frequent collaborator—has served as “medicine for the working side of my soul.”
A Iconic Reunion with a Twist
Haiwaan marks a significant reunion for Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, who haven’t shared the screen in a major capacity for nearly two decades. The duo, who delivered classics like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, and Keemat, are known for their natural camaraderie. However, this film promises a complete subversion of their established on-screen chemistry.
“Saif and I have been fortunate that audiences have enjoyed us together… but Haiwaan is definitely a role reversal for us,” Akshay noted. “This time, we’re on opposite sides. Saif is the hero, and I’m the villain. Instead of helping each other out of trouble, we’re trying to create as much trouble for each other as possible.”
According to Kumar, their long-standing history allowed them to push each other’s performances to new heights. He expressed excitement for the audience, believing that fans of their past collaborations will relish seeing them navigate this intense, adversarial dynamic under Priyadarshan’s direction.
A Star-Studded Cinematic Event
Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn, Haiwaan boasts an impressive ensemble cast beyond its two leads. The film features powerhouse talents including Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles.
With a blend of high-stakes drama and a fresh take on the classic hero-villain conflict, Haiwaan is already one of the most anticipated releases in the industry. Audiences can look forward to seeing this intense face-off when the film hits theaters worldwide on September 11, 2026.
