Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s Haiwaan entered its first weekend with considerable attention, but its theatrical performance has remained below the expectations attached to its star cast. The Priyadarshan-directed thriller opened on September 11 and has struggled to build strong momentum.
A Slow Start for the Thriller
Haiwaan reportedly earned around ₹3 crore net in India on its opening day. The second day brought another estimated ₹2.5–3 crore, taking the early domestic total to roughly ₹5.5–6 crore, depending on the trade tracker.
Weekend Was Expected to Change the Picture
With Sunday traditionally providing a boost to theatrical business, the weekend became particularly important for Haiwaan. However, early tracking suggested that the film was still finding it difficult to generate the kind of audience turnout expected from a major Akshay Kumar-Saif Ali Khan release.
Star Power Has Not Been Enough
The reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan was one of the film’s biggest attractions. Their previous collaborations created curiosity, while Priyadarshan’s involvement added further expectations.
Yet the initial box-office response shows that star power alone does not guarantee a strong opening in today’s theatrical market.
Competition Adds to the Challenge
Haiwaan is also competing for audience attention with other films currently performing strongly, including Mirzapur The Movie and Hanuman Ansh. This has made the theatrical environment more difficult for the new release.
The Real Test Begins After the Weekend
The first few days can provide an indication of audience interest, but the more important question will be whether Haiwaan can maintain collections during the weekdays.
A sustained run will depend on word of mouth, repeat audiences and how many screens and shows remain available to the film.
A Lesson for Big Bollywood Releases
Haiwaan highlights how India’s box-office landscape is changing. Well-known actors and established filmmakers can attract initial curiosity, but audience response ultimately determines whether that curiosity translates into sustained theatrical business.