‘Haiwaan’ Adaptation of ‘Oppam’: Everything You Need To Know About Mohanlal’s Malayalam Hit Ahead of Akshay-Saif Film Release
Priyadarshan’s upcoming thriller 'Haiwaan', starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar, is the official Hindi remake of the director's 2016 Malayalam blockbuster 'Oppam'. The original film starred Mohanlal as a visually impaired elevator operator who relies on his heightened senses to clear his name after being framed for murder and protect a young girl from a ruthless killer.
Filmmaker Priyadarshan’s upcoming psychological action thriller Haiwaan is generating significant buzz as it prepares for its theatrical run. Starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in lead roles, the movie is the official Hindi adaptation of Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam blockbuster Oppam, which featured superstar Mohanlal in an acclaimed performance. The upcoming project marks a major collaboration, bringing together top talent for an intense cat-and-mouse suspense drama. ‘Haiwaan’ Teaser Reactions: Akshay Kumar’s Ruthless Villain Avatar Has Fans Hyped, Saif Ali Khan’s Blind Martial Artist Adds to the Thrill (Watch Video).
First Look and ‘Haiwaan’ Teaser Out!
The promotional campaign for Haiwaan kicked into high gear with the official release of new stills and teaser footage showcasing the leading duo. Actor Akshay Kumar shared the visuals online, highlighting the stark contrast between the two central figures. In a departure from his usual heroic roles, Kumar portrays a dark and calculating antagonist, while Saif Ali Khan takes on the role of a visually impaired protagonist who uses heightened physical senses and martial skills to fight back.
Watch the Teaser of ‘Haiwaan’:
The teaser sets up a high-stakes conflict between the two characters, framing the narrative around revenge, survival, and acute sensory perception.
About ‘Oppam’
Released during the Onam festival in September 2016, Oppam is a neo-noir crime thriller directed by Priyadarshan. The film was widely regarded as a major career milestone for the veteran director, marking a successful shift from his signature comedy ventures into gripping psychological suspense.
The original feature earned widespread critical acclaim for its taut screenplay, atmospheric background score, and strong character dynamics.
‘Oppam’ Plot
The core narrative revolves around Jayaraman, a visually challenged man who works as an elevator operator in a high-rise apartment building. Despite his lack of sight, Jayaraman possesses an extraordinary sense of smell, hearing, and touch, allowing him to navigate his surroundings with exceptional precision.
His life is turned upside down when a high-profile murder takes place inside the apartment complex. Due to circumstantial evidence at the crime scene, Jayaraman becomes the primary suspect. To clear his name, he must track down the real killer, a vengeful murderer targeting those linked to a past secret, while simultaneously protecting a young girl caught in the crossfire.
Mohanlal in ‘Oppam’
Oppam relies heavily on tension and sensory-driven storytelling rather than standard action tropes. The plot follows Jayaraman as he uses his heightened faculties to stay one step ahead of both the police force and a lethal killer pursuing him. The suspense builds through a series of close encounters, leading to a confrontation where the protagonist relies entirely on sound and touch to defend himself.
‘Oppam’ Cast and Crew
The original Malayalam film featured Mohanlal in the central role of Jayaraman, a performance that earned him extensive praise from critics and audiences alike. The film stars Mohanlal as Jayaraman, a visually impaired protagonist, and Samuthirakani as Vasudevan, the antagonist. Anusree plays ACP Ganga, while Baby Meenakshi portrays Nandini. The supporting cast includes Nedumudi Venu, Vimala Raman, and Anoop Menon. The music and background score are composed by 4 Musics and Ron Ethan Yohann, adding to the film’s tense thriller atmosphere.
‘Oppam’ Box Office Performance
Oppam was a massive commercial triumph at the box office. It set multiple opening records in Kerala and eventually grossed over INR 65 crore worldwide. The film enjoyed an extended theatrical run exceeding 150 days, becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2016 and one of the most successful Onam releases in Kerala box office history. Mohanlal Issues Apology to Fans After Missing ‘Vaikittu Endha Paripadi’ Show in Sydney Due to Visa Issue (Watch Video).
With Haiwaan, Priyadarshan adapts his own source material for Hindi audiences, reuniting Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan on screen after nearly two decades. The Hindi remake retains the core premise of a visually impaired protagonist battling a ruthless adversary, while re-engineering the action sequences and scale for a pan-India release. As promotional momentum builds following the teaser release, Haiwaan stands out as one of the most anticipated thriller releases on the Bollywood calendar.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 12:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).