Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan have reunited on the big screen after 18 years with Haiwaan, but the Priyadarshan-directed thriller has had a relatively subdued start at the Indian box office.
The film, which is a Hindi adaptation of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller Oppam, arrived in theatres amid considerable interest because of the reunion between its two leading actors. However, its opening-day numbers suggest that the film will need a significant improvement over the weekend to build momentum.
Haiwaan Day 1 Box Office Collection
According to Sacnilk, Haiwaan earned an estimated ₹3 crore net in India on Day 1.
The film reportedly recorded an overall Hindi occupancy of 12.42% across 7,224 shows. Its occupancy was relatively low during the morning, at 5.92%, before rising to 12.15% in the afternoon.
Evening shows recorded around 12% occupancy, while the night shows performed comparatively better at 18.15%.
The reported figures put the film’s India gross at approximately ₹3.60 crore. Its overseas gross was estimated at ₹1 crore, taking its reported worldwide gross to around ₹4.60 crore after the first day.
These figures are trade estimates and may change as additional collection data is reported.
Haiwaan Becomes One of Akshay Kumar’s Lowest Post-Pandemic Openers
The reported ₹3 crore opening puts Haiwaan among Akshay Kumar’s lowest post-pandemic opening-day performers, based on the cited trade figures.
The films listed below it include:
- Sarfira — ₹2.40 crore on Day 1
- Selfiee — ₹2.55 crore
- BellBottom — ₹2.70 crore
- Mission Raniganj — ₹2.80 crore
- Haiwaan — ₹3 crore
On this comparison, Haiwaan ranks fifth among Akshay Kumar’s lowest post-pandemic openers when the figures are arranged from lowest to highest.
The opening, however, does not determine the film’s complete theatrical run. A substantial increase in footfalls on Saturday and Sunday could improve its prospects.
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan Reunite After 18 Years
One of the biggest attractions surrounding Haiwaan is the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.
The pair last appeared together in Tashan in 2008. Their earlier collaborations include Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, Tu Chor Main Sipahi, Keemat: They Are Back and Aarzoo.
Their return together has therefore generated nostalgia among audiences who remember the actors from their earlier films.
In Haiwaan, Saif plays Shyam, a visually impaired man who becomes caught up in a dangerous situation, while Akshay plays Parshuram. The cast also includes Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher.
What Is Haiwaan About?
Directed and co-written by Priyadarshan, Haiwaan is based on his 2016 Malayalam film Oppam, which featured Mohanlal and Samuthirakani.
The Hindi adaptation retains the thriller framework while introducing a new cast led by Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Mohanlal is also reported to make a special appearance in the Hindi version.
The film’s music is composed by Pritam, with the background score credited to Ronnie Raphael.
Haiwaan also marks the final screen appearance of veteran actor Asrani, who died in 2025.
Weekend Performance Will Be Crucial
After a ₹3 crore opening, the weekend has become particularly important for Haiwaan. The film needs stronger audience turnout on Saturday and Sunday if it is to compensate for its slow start.
The theatrical landscape is also competitive, with Hanuman Ansh and Mirzapur: The Movie continuing to attract audiences. Their sustained performance could make it more difficult for Haiwaan to secure additional screens and shows.
Ultimately, the film’s box-office trajectory will depend on whether word of mouth translates into higher occupancy over the weekend. A noticeable jump could give the Akshay Kumar-Saif Ali Khan starrer a chance to stabilise, while another subdued day could make its theatrical run more challenging.
