Priyadarshan, the iconic director behind Bollywood classics like Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiya and Hungama, has made a startling confession. He revealed in a recent interview that he does not enjoy making comedy films at all. The veteran filmmaker is now returning with a psychological thriller titled Haiwan starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.
Hera Pheri Made My Life Difficult, Says Priyadarshan
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Priyadarshan said Hera Pheri completely changed his career direction. He stated that he started with serious films like Gardish and Virasat. But after Hera Pheri became a massive hit, he was typecast into making only comedies. He admitted outright that he does not like directing comedy films at all. He said he prefers situational humor over forced gags and actors making weird faces.
20 Hindi Films and 16 Comedies in Two Decades
Between 2001 and 2021, Priyadarshan directed 20 Hindi films in total. Out of these, 16 were comedies. His comeback film earlier this year, Bhoot Bangla, was also a horror-comedy. With Haiwan, he returns to a serious genre after a very long gap. He said he felt an urgent need for creative change after making similar kinds of films repeatedly.
Haiwan is a Remake of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam Film Oppam
Haiwan is the Hindi remake of his 2016 Malayalam psychological thriller Oppam. Saif Ali Khan plays a visually impaired man in the film. Akshay Kumar takes on the role of the killer. The supporting cast includes Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Siyami Kher in key roles. Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Manoj Joshi and Jisshu Sengupta are also part of the film.
Mohanlal Cameo and September 11 Release Date
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal makes a special cameo appearance in Haiwan. The late veteran actor Asrani will be seen in his final on-screen role. Produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, Haiwan is set to release in theaters across India on September 11.
