Priyadarshan's Original Vision for Haiwaan: Amitabh Bachchan as Lead, Not Saif Ali Khan
The highly anticipated Hindi remake of the 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam, titled Haiwaan, has been making headlines with its star-studded cast featuring Saif Ali Khan in the lead role and Akshay Kumar as the antagonist. However, in a surprising revelation, acclaimed director Priyadarshan has disclosed that Saif Ali Khan was not his first choice for the protagonist. The filmmaker had initially envisioned the legendary Amitabh Bachchan for the role, a collaboration that has remained a long-cherished dream.
The Missed Opportunity with Amitabh Bachchan
In an old interview with Rediff, Priyadarshan spoke candidly about his unfulfilled desire to work with Amitabh Bachchan. "I have never been able to collaborate with writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and I have never been able to work with Mr Bachchan," he said. The director added that they had come close to working together multiple times, but projects never materialized due to various reasons.
When planning the Hindi remake of Oppam, Priyadarshan revealed that Amitabh Bachchan was the only actor he could imagine portraying the blind protagonist originally played by Mohanlal. "I wanted to remake my 2016 hit Oppam, my film with Mohanlal. I could only think of Mr Bachchan for the role," he stated. However, the idea did not progress because Bachchan had already portrayed a similar character in the past. Priyadarshan expressed his ongoing hope, saying, "I am still searching for that one script that will bring us together."
Inspiration from Bachchan's Work Ethic
Priyadarshan also shared how Amitabh Bachchan continues to inspire him. Calling Bachchan a constant source of motivation, he said, "After more than 40 years of filmmaking, I sometimes feel it's time to hang up my boots. Then I see Mr Bachchan, who continues to work for 18 hours a day despite doctors' orders—and my batteries are instantly recharged." This admiration highlights the deep respect the director holds for the veteran actor.
How Akshay Kumar Came on Board for Haiwaan
Priyadarshan officially announced Haiwaan last year, confirming Akshay Kumar's addition to the cast. Speaking to Pinkvilla, he revealed the interesting backstory behind Kumar's involvement. Originally, Akshay was not part of the film. Priyadarshan was planning to do it with Saif Ali Khan, who was excited about the subject. However, finding an actor for the antagonist role proved challenging.
"We tried approaching other actors, but everyone kept saying no because it was a small role. They wanted changes," Priyadarshan explained. During the shooting of Bhoot Bangla, he expressed his doubts to Akshay Kumar about the film happening due to the difficulty in casting the antagonist. To his surprise, Kumar asked about the role and agreed to take it on. "I never imagined he would agree, but he asked if he could do it. I asked him, 'Are you serious?' and he said, 'Yes, I like the thought and I trust you,'" the director recounted.
Current Status and Cast Details
Haiwaan is currently in production, with Priyadarshan juggling multiple projects. The film stars Saif Ali Khan in the lead role, with Akshay Kumar stepping in as the antagonist. Additionally, Mohanlal, who played the protagonist in the original Oppam, is set to make a special appearance in the Hindi remake. This casting combination has generated significant buzz among Bollywood enthusiasts.
The revelation about Amitabh Bachchan being the initial choice adds an intriguing layer to the film's narrative, showcasing the director's creative vision and the complexities of casting in the Indian film industry. As Haiwaan progresses, fans eagerly await to see how this star-powered remake will translate the essence of the original Malayalam hit for Hindi audiences.
