Jun 27, 2026 4:33pm IST
Saif Ali Khan on ‘Haiwaan’ co-star Akshay Kumar: ‘He’s like an elder brother to me’ (EXCLUSIVE)
The release date for Priyadarshan's next directorial, “Haiwaan” was announced earlier today. The film, scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 11 this year, also marks the much-awaited screen reunion of Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar. While audiences have long associated the duo with their effortless comic chemistry, the new film takes them into a much darker and more dramatic space.
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During an exclusive chat with Variety India, Saif Ali Khan opens up about reuniting with Akshay Kumar and reveals why this collaboration feels completely different from their previous films like "Yeh Dillagi" (1994), "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" (1994), or "Tu Chor Main Sipahi" (1996). "We’re very lucky that he’s playing this part in the movie," Saif says, referring to Akshay's character. "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," he adds.
Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, Saif doesn’t hold back on the fond bond they share. "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," he adds.
Despite “Haiwaan”’s serious tone, Saif admits that the pair still couldn't resist fooling around on set, often drawing playful reprimands from director Priyadarshan. "Priyan sir gets a bit dismissive of us. He says, 'You’re behaving like naughty children,'" Saif recounts. "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…," the actor trails off.
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Addressing fans who expect flashes of the duo's signature comedic chemistry in the film, Saif says “Haiwaan” deliberately explores a different dynamic. "This film doesn’t rely on that comedic chemistry, which is also good because I think that has had its time," he explains. However, he also shares that they might be back with a comedy script, if it's written well. "Who’s to say we won’t do it again if it’s written nicely?" he asks.
He reiterates that there is nothing comic about Haiwaan. "It’s interesting that this is a darker, more dramatic equation. It’s not all masti and banter. It’s quite a different space," he concludes.
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