Priyadarshan reveals why Mohanlal said yes to cameo in Akshay-Saif's Haiwaan

Director Priyadarshan has opened up about bringing Mohanlal on board for Haiwaan, while also revealing that the duo is already planning their next project, a musical rooted in Carnatic music.

Mohanlal is set to make a brief appearance in Haiwaan, which stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead. While Priyadarshan has kept details about the Malayalam superstar’s role under wraps, he recalled the actor’s initial reaction when he approached him with the film.

“He couldn’t believe it when I asked him, ‘Will you do this?’ He said, ‘I was the hero of the original film. Now what are you making me do here?’ But then he heard it and simply said, ‘Okay, I’m doing it,’” Priyadarshan recalled.

The filmmaker also reflected on his decades-long association with Mohanlal, with whom he has delivered several memorable films.

“We have done so much work together. Almost 50 per cent of the films in my career have been with him. He was the hero of my first film, and now he is going to be the hero of my 100th film. It has been a great journey. I feel extremely lucky to have worked with such a great actor,” he said.

He added, “Even though he is my friend, I consider him more as an actor who surprises me in every film. He is a gem,” the director added.

Priyadarshan also revealed his plans for his next collaboration with Mohanlal, his 100th film.

“I know what I’m going to do. I’m going to do a musical with Mohanlal, based on Carnatic music,” he shared.

Meanwhile, the trailer of Haiwaan hints at a dark story built around a series of mysterious and violent crimes. Several of the victims appear to be policemen who are killed along with their families, leaving those investigating the cases struggling to understand who is behind the attacks. As the sense of fear grows, the trailer hints at a revenge-driven motive, with a key question being raised about how many innocent lives will be lost in someone's thirst for vengeance.

Alongside Akshay and Saif, the film features Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Pahal Chaudhary and Manoj Joshi.

The film is set to release worldwide in cinemas on September 11, 2026.