Aug 08, 2026 8:00pm IST
Saiyami Kher on Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s ‘Haiwaan’ Reunion: ‘It Was Non-Stop Entertainment’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Saiyami Kher says working on Priyadarshan’s upcoming thriller “Haiwaan” felt more like “one big picnic” than a conventional film set. In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, the actor reflects on collaborating with Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, and shares why the latter’s performance will surprise audiences.
Set to be released on September 11, “Haiwaan” is an adaptation of the Malayalam thriller “Oppam.” However, Saiyami reveals that the Hindi version has undergone several changes.
Talking about her experience of shooting “Haiwaan,” Kher says the atmosphere on set was unlike anything she had experienced before. She adds, “It did not feel like a film set. In fact, it felt like a picnic where we were all out having fun. Somewhere in the middle of that, a film was made.”
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She also praises director Priyadarshan for his clarity and pace of shooting. The director rarely asked for multiple takes. “He knows exactly what he wants. There’s such clarity that he rarely asks for more than one take. I’m used to doing three takes, but with him, scenes were often wrapped up in one,” she shares.
Kher says Akshay Kumar ensured there was never a dull moment between takes. “I had a ball with Akshay Kumar. He always has to be playing some sport on set. We were constantly playing cricket, catch, card tricks or bottle flips… there was always something happening,” she recalls. She played cricket with both Akshay and Saif Ali Khan during the shoot.
While this is Kher’s first film with Saif Ali Khan, she had worked with him a decade ago on an advertisement. She said sharing the screen with him in “Haiwaan” made her feel like “life now seems to have come full circle.”
She says, “He looks the same as he did 10 to 12 years ago. Nothing has changed.” Calling Khan one of the funniest people she has met, Saiyami adds, “The best part is, he isn’t trying to be funny. Also, he is just so well read. It is fun having a conversation with him.” Without giving away spoilers, Kher hints that Khan is set to surprise the audience with his performance in the film.
“Haiwaan” reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan on screen after a long gap, and Saiyami believes their combination will be one of the film’s highlights. “The combination of Akshay and Saif coming together again is incredible. On set, it was non-stop entertainment,” she says. Saiyami reveals that she has more scenes with Khan in the film, although she also shares scenes with Kumar.
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