Priyadarshan’s upcoming film ‘Haiwaan’ came together differently from what the filmmaker had initially envisioned. While Saif Ali Khan was confirmed for the project from the outset, Akshay Kumar was not originally considered for the film. The director has now revealed that Kumar’s entry happened almost by chance, following a casual conversation between the two actors during the making of ‘Bhoot Bangla’.
Finding the right antagonist proved difficult
According to Priyadarshan, casting a film involves more than simply choosing actors who fit the characters. The filmmaker also takes into account the commercial positioning of a project while putting together its cast.“Basically, you first decide whom you want in the script and then think about who fits the character. At the same time, you also consider the market value of a film like this. All these factors matter while casting,” Priyadarshan said. While Saif was already on board, the search for the antagonist became a prolonged process. Several actors were approached for the part, but none agreed to take it up. “In this film, Saif is the only actor I had confirmed. I tried to get the antagonist with many people, and I failed,” he revealed.
A casual conversation changed everything
The casting puzzle eventually found its solution when Priyadarshan was working with Akshay on ‘Bhoot Bangla’. The filmmaker happened to mention the character he was struggling to cast, without expecting an immediate commitment from Kumar.“While I was shooting Bhoot Bangla, I casually told Akshay that I was looking for a character like this, and many people were not agreeing. He immediately said, ‘I will do it.’” Kumar’s willingness to take on the role immediately caught Priyadarshan’s attention. For the director, the opportunity also meant presenting the actor in a side of his acting that audiences had not seen from him before.He added, “I thought if he is ready to do it, that’s fine. I can see another Akshay Kumar in my film, which I have never seen before. That excited me the most.”
Akshay Kumar wanted to play a psycho character
Priyadarshan also revealed that the role appealed to Kumar because he had been interested in portraying a psychologically intense character. “He said that he always wanted to play a psycho character, and that’s how it happened.” The filmmaker believes this unexpected casting decision ultimately gave ‘Haiwaan’ a combination that was never part of the original blueprint.
An unplanned reunion for Priyadarshan and Akshay
Looking back at how the project came together, Priyadarshan summed up the casting in simple terms. “If you ask me, this film with Saif and Akshay was not planned, but it happened.”‘Haiwaan’ also marks the reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after an 18-year gap. The filmmaker and actor have previously collaborated on several successful projects, making their return together one of the key talking points around the upcoming film.‘Haiwaan’ is scheduled to arrive in theatres on September 11.