Amitabh Bachchan Was The FIRST Choice For Haiwaan Not Saif Ali Khan; Director Priyadarshan Reveals

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are reuniting after a long hiatus for the upcoming horror thriller, Haiwaan. The film has been creating a buzz ever since its announcement. But did you know that Saif Ali Khan was not the first choice for the role? That’s right—Priyadarshan originally wanted to cast Amitabh Bachchan, but things didn’t work out.

Priyadarshan Reveals Amitabh Bachchan Was The FIRST Choice For Haiwaan

In 2025, the veteran director took to Instagram to share a picture with Saif Ali Khan and Mohanlal. In an old interview with Rediff, Priyadarshan revealed, “I’ve never had the opportunity to collaborate with writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, nor have I worked with Mr Bachchan. We came very close several times, but somehow the projects never materialised. For one reason or another, the films we were supposed to do together fell through.”

Elaborating further, the filmmaker revealed that while planning the remake of Oppam, Amitabh Bachchan was the only actor he could imagine as the blind protagonist. “I wanted to remake my 2016 hit Oppam, my film with Mohanlal. I could only think of Mr Bachchan for the role,” he said. The filmmaker added, “I am still searching for that one script that will bring us together.”

Priyadarshan Confirms Mohanlal’s Cameo in Haiwaan

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan confirmed that Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will have a cameo in Haiwaan. However, he chose not to reveal details about the character. He stated, “If you’re asking about Haiwaan, Mohanlal is in the film. But I don’t want to say what role he’ll play. Every time I make a movie, it’s the story that excites me—I never think about the actors first.”

Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan and Future Projects

Haiwaan marks the first collaboration between Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar since 2010’s Khatta Meetha, with the duo also working together on Bhooth Bangla. Meanwhile, the Oppam remake reunites Akshay and Saif Ali Khan on screen after their 2008 film, Tashan. Produced by KVN Productions’ Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn’s Thespian Films, the cast also features Saiyami Kher. The film is scheduled for release in 2026.

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Also Read: Akshay Kumar Wishes Priyadarshan On His 69th Birthday With Bhool Bhulaiyaa Twist Featuring ‘Monjulika’ Vidya Balan- Watch

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