Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan headline Priyadarshan’s gripping crime thriller Haiwaan. Here’s what critics are saying about the film’s suspense, performances and twists.
MensXP
“Akshay Kumar played Parshuram really well. His fanatic, crazed killer on a revenge was fun to watch and it was refreshing to see him showing off his acting range. Saif Ali Khan, although not the best as a blind man, also had his acting range on full display throughout the film. His Shyam balanced off Akshay’s Parshuram really well, making them both shine against one another. Boman Irani, Asrani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Rajesh Sharma, Sharib Hashmi, and Rajpal Yadav were also good in their respective roles.”
Bollywood Hungama
“Akshay Kumar gets his act right, and the way he lets his silence do the talking is impressive. However, his dialogue delivery is a bit over-the-top. Saif Ali Khan has the maximum screen time and delivers an effective performance. His portrayal of a visually impaired man is convincing, and he also impresses in the action scenes where he takes on the baddies. Boman Irani is dependable as always. On the whole, HAIWAAN rests on Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar’s performances, a few engaging face-offs and strong technical values.”
Pinkvilla
“The central idea remains the film’s biggest attraction. Watching a blind protagonist navigate danger through sound, touch, memory and instinct gives Haiwaan a potentially engaging thriller framework. The second half of the film sees Akshay Kumar flourish as the antagonist although his role has limited screen presence.”
“Priyadarshan uses the Mumbai setting to give the thriller a familiar backdrop, while Shyam’s familiarity with the housing complex creates opportunities for suspense. There are moments when the film remembers that a thriller should be playful as well as dangerous. Late actor Asrani brings genuine laughter when the plot derails.”
