Filmmaker Priyadarshan recently opened up about working with Saif Ali Khan for the first time on Haiwaan, describing the actor as a committed performer who asks plenty of questions but quickly follows direction once his doubts are addressed, writes Hindustan Times.
Speaking to Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan called Saif a “mature child” and said the actor initially had several questions about the film.
However, after the first few days, Saif became more confident in the filmmaker’s vision.
“He has a lot of questions every time, and of course every actor has the right,” Priyadarshan said.
He added that once Saif received an answer, “he just obeys you”. After two days, the filmmaker asked him if he had any more questions, to which Saif replied that he now understood what Priyadarshan wanted to shoot.
Priyadarshan also praised Saif’s commitment and his habit of reading books between shots instead of spending time on his phone.
He described the actor as a voracious reader with extensive knowledge of the world around him.
The filmmaker further recalled spending time discussing various subjects with Saif, partly because of his admiration for the Pataudi family.
Priyadarshan revealed that Saif even gifted him a book carrying an autograph from Pataudi.
“I found him a very obedient actor, a little greedy but a very obedient actor,” he said, adding that Saif developed a certain confidence in him, which helped the film progress smoothly.
The upcoming film marks Priyadarshan’s first collaboration with Saif.
The teaser shows Saif playing a visually impaired man, while Akshay Kumar appears to be portraying a menacing character.
The film also stars Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar. It reunites Akshay and Saif 18 years after Tashan (2008).
Haiwaan is reportedly a remake of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam film Oppam, with changes made to its dialogues and screenplay.
The filmmaker has also hinted at a cameo by Mohanlal.
Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn, Haiwaan is scheduled to release in theatres on 11 September 2026.
