Mumbai, India – September 11, 2026 – The highly anticipated Bollywood crime thriller "Haiwaan," starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has landed in cinemas with a resounding thud, drawing a wave of overwhelmingly negative reactions from audiences and critics alike. Far from the expected box office success, the film, a Hindi remake of director Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam hit "Oppam," is being widely panned as a "boring snoozefest" and a "disaster of epic proportions." Early social media sentiment suggests a stark disconnect between the filmmakers’ vision and audience expectations, with many lamenting the "wafer-thin plot" and "unintentionally funny" execution.
The film, which features Saif Ali Khan as Shyam Rane, a visually challenged protagonist battling the menacing psychotic killer Parshuram Gokhale, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, has failed to generate significant pre-release buzz. This lack of anticipation, unfortunately, has been amplified by the post-release backlash, with audiences and industry observers labeling "Haiwaan" as one of the weakest offerings from both director Priyadarshan and lead actor Akshay Kumar. The lukewarm reception has cast a shadow over the film’s commercial prospects, with projections indicating a bleak performance at the box office.
A Flawed Foundation: The Remake’s Inherited Weaknesses
The critical consensus points to a fundamental flaw in the film’s conception: its very origin as a remake. "Oppam," while having had its own merits, was not universally acclaimed as a masterpiece. Many netizens have expressed their bewilderment at the decision to remake an already "average" film, suggesting that this inherent weakness was a precursor to the current critical failure.
"Oppam was average. Uska remake waise hi nahi karna chaiye tha," lamented one user on Twitter, echoing a sentiment shared by many. This sentiment highlights a growing concern within the industry about the reliance on remakes, particularly when the source material itself is not particularly strong. The decision to revisit "Oppam" appears to have been a miscalculation, leading to a film that struggles to find its footing.
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Furthermore, the execution of "Haiwaan" has been described as unintentionally comical, a stark contrast to the intended serious tone of a crime thriller. This tonal dissonance has further alienated viewers, transforming potentially tense moments into sources of unintended amusement. The film’s narrative, described as "wafer-thin," appears to have been stretched beyond its capacity, leading to pacing issues and a lack of substantive development.
Star Power Fails to Ignite: Performances Under Scrutiny
While the film’s plot and execution have drawn widespread criticism, the performances of its lead actors, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, have received a sliver of acknowledgment amidst the otherwise damning reviews. Several netizens have noted that it is primarily their efforts that manage to keep audiences somewhat engaged.
"Only Saif Ali Khan’s and Akshay Kumar’s performances manage to hold their attention in a wafer-thin plot," stated one Twitter user, highlighting a common observation. This suggests that the actors, despite being saddled with a weak script, have managed to deliver commendable performances that, in isolation, possess some merit. However, even their star power and acting prowess have proven insufficient to salvage the film from its overarching narrative and directorial shortcomings.
The praise for their performances, however, is often qualified. Some reviews suggest that while the actors deliver "sincere performances," the film "never quite reaches its full potential." This implies that their efforts, while appreciated, are ultimately hampered by the film’s fundamental weaknesses. The uneven pacing and the overall impact of the film are consistently cited as reasons why even strong performances can’t elevate the experience.
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The Mohanlal Conundrum: A "Wasted Cameo" Sparks Outrage
A particularly contentious aspect of "Haiwaan" has been the involvement of the celebrated Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. Reprising his role from the original "Oppam," Mohanlal makes a cameo appearance towards the end credits. However, this brief appearance has been met with significant disappointment and anger from his dedicated fan base, who are lambasting director Priyadarshan for "wasting" the actor.
"Priyadarshan not only wasted #AkshayKumar’s potential in the movie, but also Mohanlal’s cameo," declared one irate netizen. The sentiment is that Mohanlal’s presence, however fleeting, should have been utilized more effectively, or perhaps not at all, if it was to have such a minimal impact on the narrative. Fans feel that the cameo serves no purpose and is merely a token gesture, ultimately disrespecting the actor’s stature.
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The criticism extends to the director’s handling of the remake itself. "He also said Haiwaan is inspired by Oppam, but in reality it is a frame-by-frame copy," alleged one user, suggesting a lack of original creative input and a slavish adherence to the original. This, coupled with the perceived mishandling of Mohanlal’s cameo, has fueled a sense of betrayal among his fans. The phrase "Mohanlal is an epic waste in the film" encapsulates the widespread feeling of disappointment.
A Call for Boycott: Audiences Reject "Haiwaan"
The negative sentiment has culminated in calls for a boycott of "Haiwaan," with some fans taking a firm stance against supporting what they perceive as a flawed and disappointing production. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among loyal fans of Akshay Kumar, who are urging others to join a movement to "teach a lesson" to their favorite actor.
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"AS A DIE-HARD FAN OF HIM, I AM BOYCOTTING #HAIWAAN for the betterment of #AkshayKumar’s future," declared one user, demonstrating a level of commitment to their protest. The user further pledged to donate to charity instead of spending money on the film, highlighting a moral objection to supporting what they deem a subpar cinematic endeavor. This indicates that the film’s failure is not just a matter of critical opinion but is also translating into tangible financial repercussions for the filmmakers.
The collective rejection of "Haiwaan" suggests a broader trend where audiences are becoming increasingly vocal and discerning, unwilling to tolerate films that they perceive as subpar, regardless of star power. The film’s inability to connect with its intended audience is a stark reminder of the power of social media and the interconnectedness of the film industry with public opinion.
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Chronology of Disappointment: From Anticipation to Backlash
The journey of "Haiwaan" from anticipation to outright rejection can be traced through several key phases:
- Pre-Release Phase: The film entered this stage with minimal buzz. The announcement of the remake and the casting of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan generated some initial interest, but this was not sustained by any significant marketing campaigns or compelling promotional material. The fact that it was a remake of a not-so-universally-loved film likely contributed to the subdued anticipation.
- Release Day: Upon its theatrical release, initial reactions began to surface on social media platforms like Twitter. These early reviews were predominantly negative, highlighting concerns about the plot, execution, and pacing.
- Post-Release Weekend: As more audiences watched the film over the opening weekend, the negative sentiment solidified and amplified. The term "disaster" began to appear frequently in reviews, and comparisons to the original "Oppam" often highlighted the remake’s perceived inferiority.
- Mohanlal Cameo Controversy: The inclusion of Mohanlal’s cameo, and the subsequent criticism from his fans, added another layer of controversy to the film’s already troubled reception. This vocal segment of the audience voiced their displeasure directly with the director and the film’s promotional channels.
- Ongoing Criticism: In the days following its release, "Haiwaan" has continued to be the subject of widespread criticism. The film’s box office performance is expected to be significantly impacted by this overwhelmingly negative word-of-mouth.
Supporting Data: Social Media Sentiment and Expert Opinions
The overwhelming sentiment on social media platforms like Twitter serves as the primary supporting data for the critical assessment of "Haiwaan." Hashtags like #Haiwaan and #AkshayKumar have been flooded with negative comments, ranging from polite critiques to outright condemnation.
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- Twitter Reactions: Numerous tweets explicitly label the film as a "disaster," "boring," "snoozefest," and a "waste of time." Specific criticisms often focus on the "wafer-thin plot," "unintentionally funny" execution, and the "wasted cameo" of Mohanlal.
- User Reviews: Online movie review aggregators and forums are also reflecting this negative trend, with user ratings for "Haiwaan" consistently falling below average.
- Industry Observers: Film trade analysts and critics have also weighed in, with many echoing the public sentiment and predicting a poor box office performance for the film. Phrases like "weak remake" and "disappointing outing" are commonly used in their assessments.
While official box office figures are yet to be released, the prevailing social media sentiment and anecdotal reports from theaters suggest a very weak opening. The film’s ability to recover or even break even on its production and marketing costs appears highly unlikely at this juncture.
Official Responses: Silence Amidst the Storm
As of this report, there have been no official statements or responses from the filmmakers, producers, or the lead actors regarding the overwhelmingly negative reception of "Haiwaan." This silence in the face of widespread criticism is not uncommon in the industry, particularly when a film is facing such a significant backlash.
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However, the lack of any public statement allows the negative narrative to continue to dominate. In situations like this, a measured response acknowledging the audience’s feedback, or even a statement reaffirming faith in the film’s artistic merit, can sometimes help to mitigate the damage. The current silence, however, suggests either a strategy of letting the film’s performance speak for itself or a lack of preparedness for such a strong negative reaction.
Implications for the Industry and Future Projects
The critical and commercial failure of "Haiwaan" carries several significant implications for the Bollywood industry:
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- Re-evaluation of Remake Strategies: The film’s poor performance serves as a cautionary tale for filmmakers considering remakes. It underscores the importance of choosing source material that has strong potential and of adding significant creative value in the adaptation process, rather than simply replicating the original.
- Audience Power and Social Media Influence: The swift and widespread condemnation of "Haiwaan" highlights the increasing power of audiences and the significant influence of social media in shaping film reception. Filmmakers must be more attuned to public sentiment and the rapid dissemination of opinions online.
- Director and Actor’s Future Projects: For director Priyadarshan, known for his successful comedies and thrillers, "Haiwaan" represents a significant misstep. It may lead to a more cautious approach in selecting future projects. Similarly, for Akshay Kumar, who has been a consistent box office draw, this failure, following a string of less successful films, could prompt a re-evaluation of his film choices. Saif Ali Khan, while a respected actor, has also been part of films that have not met commercial expectations.
- The Importance of Original Content: The lukewarm response to a remake might further encourage a greater focus on original storytelling in Bollywood. The success of unique and fresh narratives often stems from their ability to connect with audiences on a deeper, more relatable level.
- The Fate of "Oppam’s" Legacy: The negative reception of "Haiwaan" might inadvertently overshadow the original Malayalam film "Oppam," as it becomes primarily associated with this flawed remake.
In conclusion, "Haiwaan" stands as a stark example of a film that has failed to resonate with its audience. Despite the presence of established stars and a renowned director, the film’s perceived weaknesses in plot, execution, and its controversial remake status have led to its downfall. The coming weeks will reveal the full extent of its box office performance, but the current trajectory suggests a significant commercial and critical disappointment for all involved.
