Two of Bollywood’s most familiar faces, a director returning to a story he already told once, and a hero who must solve a murder without being able to see the killer — that is the promise of Haiwaan. This haiwaan review roundup is not a fresh watched verdict: it pulls together what published critics actually said about the theatrical release, so you can decide whether the SonyLIV premiere is worth your weekend. The film released in theatres on 11 September 2026 and streams on SonyLIV from 6 November 2026.
Quick Verdict / At a Glance
- Streaming: SonyLIV from 6 November 2026 (theatrical release 11 September 2026)
- Genre: Hindi neo-noir action crime thriller
- Director: Priyadarshan; official remake of his 2016 Malayalam film Oppam
- Lead cast: Saif Ali Khan as Shyam, Akshay Kumar as Parshuram, Boman Irani as a retired judge
- Also featuring: Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Manoj Joshi
- Critics’ spread: From 2 stars to 4 out of 5 — a genuinely divided film
- Roundup takeaway: Stream it for the star face-off, not for a tight thriller
What Is the Story About?
Shyam, played by Saif Ali Khan, is a visually impaired caretaker at a posh Mumbai housing complex whose life shatters when he discovers a dead body and becomes the prime murder suspect. With police closing in, he must rely on heightened senses — hearing, smell, touch and instinct — to identify the real killer, clear his name, and protect an innocent girl caught in the middle.
That killer is Parshuram, played by Akshay Kumar: a ruthless murderer whose history with the retired judge played by Boman Irani sits at the centre of the plot. It is a cat-and-mouse game in which one man cannot see and the other refuses to be seen for what he is — the film’s strongest card, and the one every critic judged it against.
What Critics Agreed On: The Face-Off Works
If there is one point of agreement across the published reviews, it is the central pairing. Critics who disagreed about almost everything still praised the scenes where Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar go head to head. One enthusiastic review described Akshay’s menace as coming through restraint — controlled expressions and measured intensity rather than loud villainy — and praised Saif for building Shyam around intelligence and determination instead of exaggerating his blindness. It also singled out newcomer Paahal Chaudhary and credited the cinematography and score for lifting the confrontation scenes. Even cooler reviews noted the leads’ palpable chemistry: reuniting them after 18 years pays off where it matters.
What Critics Disagreed On: Almost Everything Else
Here the consensus breaks down. The Indian Express was harshest, awarding 2 stars and calling the film more miss than hit: heavy-handed tonal switches, an innocent man imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, then a second half that turned into an unintentional comic police procedural, with neither lead fully believable. A mixed review awarding 2.5 out of 5 agreed in substance — a sluggish first hour, hanging subplots, momentum-breaking songs, and a climax that fell flat.
At the other end, the most positive published review awarded 4 out of 5, arguing that steady progression and strong performances keep the long runtime from feeling stretched. Across the board, this haiwaan review roundup found the same pattern: praise for the leads and premise, criticism for pacing, screenplay and the second half. Whether that trade is worth it depends on your patience for a thriller that wanders before it strikes.
The Oppam Question: Does the Remake Earn Its Existence?
Because Priyadarshan directed both versions, the remake question is sharper than usual. The original Oppam starred Mohanlal as the blind lift operator, and one review argued bluntly that the Hindi version fails to preserve the freshness and realism that made the original effective. Fair warning for viewers who know Oppam well: this is a retelling, not a reinvention, and the comparison rarely flatters the new version.
Should You Stream It on SonyLIV?
The honest roundup answer: if you like star-driven thrillers and want to see Akshay Kumar play menace quietly and Saif Ali Khan carry a demanding role, Haiwaan has scenes worth your evening — and streaming is the cheapest way to find them. If you want a lean, consistently tense thriller, heed the warnings about pacing and a flat climax. Listed runtime: about 2 hours 44 minutes; confirm the SonyLIV listing.
For more, browse Reviews, read our The Greatest review, and check our Gajab Raat review.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Haiwaan stream on SonyLIV?
SonyLIV from 6 November 2026, after theatres on 11 September 2026; confirm on the app on the day.
Is Haiwaan a remake?
Yes — an official Hindi remake of Priyadarshan’s own 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, and this haiwaan review roundup is based on published theatrical reviews, not a fresh watched verdict from DekhoOnly.
What did critics rate Haiwaan?
Published scores were divided: the Indian Express awarded 2 stars, one mixed review 2.5 out of 5, and the most positive review 4 out of 5. See the Indian Express review.
Critics ki rai saamne hai — ab faisla aapka. Sirf wahi dekho, jo worth hai.
