Actor Saif Ali Khan has opened up about the physically demanding experience of performing action sequences as a visually impaired character in his upcoming film, Haiwaan. Set to release on September 11th, the movie marks Khan's first collaboration with director Priyadarshan and an anticipated reunion with co-star Akshay Kumar after 18 years.
Portraying a Visually Impaired Martial Artist
Khan’s character in Haiwaan is a visually impaired individual who possesses martial arts skills, leading to an intense and pivotal action scene. The actor described a sequence where his character is initially subjected to torture, being kicked and slapped. "It's a scene with a great build-up because the characters torture and bash up my character," Khan explained, adding that the audience is left anticipating his character's eventual retaliation, which he ultimately delivers.
Raw Action, No Duplicates
The action sequences in Haiwaan were meticulously choreographed by stunt master Silva, whom Khan praised extensively. The actor highlighted the authenticity of the scenes, stating there were "no special effects added to it; there were no duplicates." He emphasized that "there's very little fakery in these scenes," describing the environment as "raw and kind of violent" with broken glass scattered across the set from smashed photo frames and cupboards. Khan noted the absence of CGI or harness-backed action, underscoring the fight's raw nature.
The Physical Toll of Intense Scenes
Performing these demanding sequences took a significant toll on Khan, who described the experience as "utterly exhausting." He revealed that after filming, he "had to lie down for two days" due to the intensity. Despite initially feeling "alright," the profound exhaustion became apparent. While "luckily, not too many injuries" occurred, Khan admitted there were "always some cuts and bruises." Despite the physical strain, Khan found the process "really lots of fun to perform." He also mentioned that no special training or workshops were conducted for the film; instead, he rehearsed the scenes directly with the stunt director.
A Priyadarshan Adaptation
Haiwaan is an adaptation of Priyadarshan's own 2016 Malayalam film, Oppam. Beyond the lead duo of Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar, the film features a strong supporting cast including Boman Irani, Sayami Kher, and Shriya Pilgaonkar in significant roles. The film's release is highly anticipated, not only for its unique premise but also for the reunion of two prominent stars after nearly two decades.
