The first look posters of upcoming Saif Ali Khan-Akshay Kumar starrer Haiwaan were released recently, and receive a lot of praise. The film also remains a unique project for showcasing Akshay Kumar in a promisingly negative shaded avatar after a long time. However, in a recent interview, director Priyadarshan revealed that Akshay Kumar was not the first choice for the role.
Speaking with Mid Day, Priyadarshan stated that he had first considered and approached Bobby Deol for the role. Infact, the director also revealed that Saif wanted to play the antagonist first. Priyadarshan said, “When I narrated the film to Saif first, he asked me who would play the antagonist. I approached Bobby Deol, who wasn't happy about his role, but I cannot blame him for that. I thought of Akshaye Khanna and told him that I wanted to narrate a story to him. He invited me over to meet him. I thought that if he refused, I would go to Suniel Shetty.”
However, before the Hera Pheri filmmaker could approach Akshaye Khanna, Akshay Kumar happened to hear the story during the shoot of Bhooth Bangla, and showed interest in playing the role. Priyadarshan recalled never having considered Akshay Kumar for the role, adding, "Akshay loved the character. While we were shooting, Saif told me, ‘By doing this role against me, Akshay has given me the best gift'."
While Bobby Deol had never worked with Priyadarshan, Akshaye Khanna and the Bhooth Bangla filmmaker have collaborated on several popular comedies like Hungama (2003), Hulchul (2004), and Mere Baap Pehle Aap (2008) among others.
Haiwaan also reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif after 18 years — they had previous worked together in Tashan (2008). The film is set to release in theatres on September 11.
