Akshay Kumar–Saif Ali Khan’s Haiwaan Hits Theatres Today: Opening Day Box Office & Early Details!

The long-anticipated psychological action thriller Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has officially hit the big screen today, September 11, 2026. Directed by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, the film brings the iconic duo back together after an 18-year hiatus since their last appearance in Tashan (2008).

Early Box Office & Advance Booking Numbers

Haiwaan generated considerable buzz leading into its theatrical debut. Here is a look at the opening day figures and early box office metrics:

• Advance Booking Total: Grossed approximately ₹2.76 crore across India for Day 1 (including block seats and 2D Hindi shows).

• Ticket Volume: Over 44,000 tickets sold across approximately 7,300 scheduled shows nationwide prior to release.

• Opening Momentum: Trade trackers report a relatively slow start in morning occupancy across major circuits.

• Key Territory Highlights: Delhi-NCR led advance figures (approx. ₹47 lakh), followed closely by Maharashtra (approx. ₹43.6 lakh) and Uttar Pradesh.

Industry analysts expect footfalls to build through evening shows and over the weekend, driven by walk-in audience traffic and word-of-mouth reviews.

Storyline & Character Roles

Haiwaan presents a stark visual and narrative clash between its two lead stars:

• Saif Ali Khan as Shyam: A visually impaired maintenance manager with heightened sensory perception who gets entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy while trying to protect an innocent girl.

• Akshay Kumar as Parshuram Gokhale: Marking a shift into darker, antagonist territory, Akshay portrays a vengeful, psychologically complex man driven by past tragedy and retribution.

The ensemble cast includes Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Paresh Rawal, and Tabu, along with a special cameo appearance by Mohanlal.

Connection to Oppam: Priyadarshan’s Clarification

While cinematic discussions have linked Haiwaan to Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam starring Mohanlal, the director has emphasized distinct storytelling choices. Clarifying his approach to media outlets, Priyadarshan stated that Haiwaan should not be viewed as a carbon copy, noting he deliberately altered the film's tone, scale, and character dynamics for a fresh cinematic experience.

Key Highlights & Film Specs

Attribute	Details
Release Date	September 11, 2026
Lead Cast	Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan
Director	Priyadarshan
Genre	Psychological Action / Crime Thriller
CBFC Rating	UA 16+
Runtime	2 hours, 44 minutes