# Priyadarshan calls Saif Ali Khan greedy but obedient in Haiwaan

2026-08-15T12:37:19+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has described actor Saif Ali Khan as a 'greedy but obedient' actor after directing him for the first time in the upcoming thriller Haiwaan. In an interview with Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan said Saif asks many questions while working, a trait he compared to his granddaughter. However, once questions are answered, the actor follows directions completely, the filmmaker said. Priyadarshan also noted that Saif reads books between shots instead of using his phone, calling this habit rare among actors today. Haiwaan is a remake of the Malayalam film Oppam and features Saif as a visually impaired man. Akshay Kumar plays a psychopath villain, not a morally grey character, Priyadarshan clarified. The film marks Priyadarshan's eighth collaboration with Akshay and reunites Akshay and Saif after 18 years. The ensemble cast includes Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, and Shriya Pilgaonkar. Mohanlal will make a cameo appearance. Haiwaan is scheduled for release on September 11, 2026.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Priyadarshan's framing of Saif Ali Khan as 'greedy but obedient' paints a director-actor dynamic that is both flattering and self-serving for the filmmaker. Hindustan Times emphasises the actor's intellectual curiosity and bookish habits, while Bollywood Hungama focuses on the director's simple instructions and the actor's natural delivery. The collaboration is framed as harmonious, but the word 'greedy' hints at a creative tension that is downplayed. The real story is how Priyadarshan, known for comedies, is pivoting to a psychological thriller with a blind protagonist and a psychopath villain. Watch for the teaser release, which will test the audience reception to this tonal shift.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/priyadarshan-opens-up-on-directing-saif-ali-khan-for-first-time-in-haiwaan-calls-him-a-greedy-actor-akshay-kumar-101786782590717.html>
- bollywoodhungama.com <https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/priyadarshan-talks-about-haiwaan-says-saif-ali-khan-impressed-him-as-a-blind-man-calls-akshay-kumar-a-psycho/>

Tags: Akshay Kumar, Haiwaan, Oppam, Priyadarshan, Saif Ali Khan
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