Saif Ali Khan on how Priyadarshan’s ‘Haiwaan’ with ‘elder brother’ Akshay Kumar won’t be another ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’: ‘This film doesn’t rely on that comedic chemistry’
After entertaining audiences together in comedy classics, Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar are set to reunite on screen in Priyadarshan’s upcoming thriller ‘Haiwaan’. Scheduled to hit theatres on September 11, the film promises to showcase the duo in an entirely new light. Speaking about working with Akshay again, Saif described the superstar as family and admitted that their latest collaboration explores a far darker space than their previous outings.
Saif is excited to see Akshay Kumar in a negative role
Over the years, Saif and Akshay have shared crackling chemistry in films such as ‘Yeh Dillagi’, ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ and ‘Tu Chor Main Sipahi’. However, ‘Haiwaan’ takes the actors away from comedy and places them in an intense dramatic setting.Talking to Variety India about Akshay’s character, Saif said, “We’re very lucky that he’s playing this part in the movie. It’s made it even more exciting because it’s a dangerous, negative role, and I haven’t seen him do that very often. I’m very excited to see it.”Reflecting on a friendship that spans more than three decades, Saif spoke warmly about the bond he shares with Akshay. According to the actor, their long association has created mutual respect and effortless chemistry, something that naturally translates on screen. Expressing his admiration, Saif shared, “I love Akshay. He’s like an elder brother to me. We have seen each other before. We go all the way back. There’s a special respect for someone who has served as long as he has. We have just gone through so much together. We have always had great chemistry.”
Priyadarshan often had to calm the duo down on set
Even though ‘Haiwaan’ is a serious thriller, Saif admitted that he and Akshay couldn’t resist joking around whenever the cameras stopped rolling. Their playful antics frequently invited humorous scoldings from director Priyadarshan.Recalling those moments, Saif said, “Priyan sir gets a bit dismissive of us. He says, ‘You’re behaving like naughty children.’ Akshay says, ‘He brings that out in me.’ I tell him, ‘You bring that out in me.’ We’ve been talking rubbish ever since we met on the set. When we’re alone, we’re a bit more mature. But together…”
‘Haiwaan’ leaves comedy behind
Fans have long associated the pair with their comic timing, but Saif made it clear that ‘Haiwaan’ deliberately avoids relying on that familiar dynamic. Instead, the film explores a darker relationship between the two characters. Explaining the shift, he said, “This film doesn’t rely on that comedic chemistry, which is also good because I think that has had its time.” At the same time, Saif isn’t ruling out another comedy with Akshay in the future. He added, “Who’s to say we won’t do it again if it’s written nicely?”Summing up the film’s tone, the actor concluded, “It’s interesting that this is a darker, more dramatic equation. It’s not all masti and banter. It’s quite a different space.”With ‘Haiwaan’, Priyadarshan brings together two beloved co-stars once again, but this time in a gripping thriller that promises to showcase a completely different side of their on-screen partnership. Go to Source
