Acclaimed director Priyadarshan has officially confirmed that Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will appear in a special cameo role in his upcoming Hindi film ‘Haiwaan’, which stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in lead roles.
During an exclusive conversation with Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan addressed speculation about a potential collaboration between Mohanlal and Akshay Kumar. While clarifying that he doesn’t create films solely to unite specific actors, the director confirmed Mohanlal’s participation in the project.
“Mohanlal is there in that film,” Priyadarshan revealed, though he remained tight-lipped about the character details. “What character he plays, I don’t want to say right now. Every time I make a movie, it is the story that excites me. I never think about actors first.”
The veteran filmmaker emphasized his script-first approach to moviemaking, explaining that compelling narratives drive his casting decisions rather than star power. “First is always the script, then the actors follow. I can’t say, ‘I’ll make a film with Mohanlal and Akshay Kumar together.’ You will never get a script then,” he explained.
Priyadarshan stressed the importance of matching the right cast to established stories rather than building projects around star combinations. “Whenever you get a script, then go behind the right cast, that’s the right way of making films. I have never chased a star to make a film.”
‘Haiwaan’ reportedly draws inspiration from Mohanlal’s 2016 Malayalam thriller ‘Oppam’, promising audiences a gripping cinematic experience. The Hindi-language film is a collaborative production between Thespian Films and KVN Productions, with a planned theatrical release in 2026.
The ensemble cast extends beyond the three headliners to include Samuthirakani, Sayami Kher, Shreya Pilgaonkar, veteran actor Asrani, and Einar Haraldsson in significant supporting roles.
The confirmation of this powerhouse combination has generated considerable buzz among cinema enthusiasts. The prospect of witnessing Priyadarshan’s directorial vision come to life with this stellar cast, including Mohanlal’s surprise appearance, has positioned ‘Haiwaan’ as one of the most anticipated releases in the Indian film calendar.
