After a successful stint dominating digital screens, actress Shriya Pilgaonkar is making a powerful return to the silver screen. The actor has confirmed her involvement in the much-anticipated action crime thriller 'Haiwaan', directed by the acclaimed Priyadarshan and slated for a 2026 theatrical release. This marks Pilgaonkar's first film in cinemas in five years, her last being the 2021 release 'Haathi Mere Saathi'.
Shriya Pilgaonkar's Focus Shifts Firmly Back to Films
In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times, Shriya Pilgaonkar revealed that her professional focus has now decisively shifted back to feature films. She expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities streaming platforms provided but emphasized her cinematic ambitions. "I have two more films coming up for which we will talk about next year. But I am fully focused on films now," she stated clearly.
Reflecting on her journey, Pilgaonkar acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the industry. "I always had clarity that I wanted to do films," she said. "Sometimes timing and the destiny of that project or that moment also plays a big role." She feels fortunate to have begun her Hindi film career with Shah Rukh Khan's 'Fan' and now, nearly a decade later, to be collaborating with other icons she admired growing up.
A Dream Collaboration with Icons in 'Haiwaan'
The upcoming project 'Haiwaan' is a career highlight for Pilgaonkar, bringing her together with a stellar ensemble cast and a legendary director. The film boasts a powerhouse lineup including Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Mohanlal, alongside a strong supporting cast featuring names like Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, and the late Asrani.
Speaking about the experience, Pilgaonkar described it as personally rewarding. "I’m really enjoying myself and it’s nice to be able to work with a filmmaker and actors who you have grown up watching," she shared. The chance to work with Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar, and Saif Ali Khan represents a significant milestone in her evolving career trajectory.
Balancing OTT Success with Cinematic Aspirations
While she has built a formidable profile on various OTT platforms with acclaimed projects, Shriya Pilgaonkar is conscious of not being pigeonholed. "I feel grateful that on OTT, I’ve got to be part of such fantastic scripts," she acknowledged. However, she is determined to avoid being "stereotyped as an actor who only is doing OTT."
When probed about the speculation surrounding a potential 'Mirzapur' film, the actress cleverly deflected, championing the element of surprise for audiences. "As an audience why have we stopped enjoying surprises is what I want to ask," she remarked. "Some things should be left as surprises."
With 'Haiwaan' set to begin a new chapter, Shriya Pilgaonkar's deliberate pivot back to cinema signals an exciting phase for the actor and her fans, promising a blend of her refined craft with grand theatrical storytelling.
