Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has confirmed that Mohanlal will appear in a cameo role in his upcoming Hindi film Haiwaan, which stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead. Speaking to Onmanorama from the film’s set in Kochi, the director revealed that the character will be “a surprise for the audience.”
Haiwaan, produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, is inspired by Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, though with significant changes to both dialogues and screenplay, as told by the veteran filmmaker. The original film featured Mohanlal as a visually impaired man who becomes the unlikely protector of a judge’s daughter.
Haiwaan marks Priyadarshan’s 99th film and reunites him with Akshay, with whom he has delivered several hits in Bollywood. The cast also includes actors Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher. The Kochi schedule will continue for a few more days before the team shifts to Vagamon, Ooty and Mumbai. Interestingly, the director pointed out that one of Oppam’s key scenes had also been shot at the same Kochi location, Panampilly Nagar, nine years ago.
Explaining the shift in shooting locations, Priyadarshan said, “We had originally planned to film the current sequence in Mumbai, but couldn’t secure the necessary permissions. That led us to scout for alternatives, and Kochi turned out to be an ideal choice.”
On his long-standing association with Akshay, the filmmaker remarked, “It’s all about comfort. For me, he is Bollywood’s Mohanlal.” Priyadarshan recently wrapped up shooting for Bhooth Bangla, an upcoming horror comedy also headlined by Akshay. The film, slated for release on April 2, 2026, also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu and Paresh Rawal. He further confirmed his intention to take forward the long-anticipated Hera Pheri 3. “I don’t usually revisit my original films with sequels; it’s not my preferred style of working. But I will definitely make Hera Pheri 3, as the producers have been requesting it for a long time,” he said.
Looking ahead, Priyadarshan disclosed that his milestone 100th film will once again feature Mohanlal in the lead. While the screenplay is yet to be finalised, he hopes to begin shooting next year. “Once I complete these films, I hope to retire. I’m getting tired,” he added with a smile.