Priyadarshan revealed why Mohanlal agreed to make a cameo appearance in Haiwaan. The director also confirmed that his 100th film will reunite him with Mohanlal for a musical based on Carnatic music.

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has revealed how Malayalam superstar Mohanlal agreed to make a brief appearance in Haiwaan, the upcoming crime thriller starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. The director said Mohanlal was initially surprised by the offer because he had played the protagonist in the original Malayalam film on which the new project is based.

Priyadarshan explained that Mohanlal questioned what kind of role he would be given after leading the original movie. However, the actor changed his mind after listening to the cameo and immediately agreed to join the project. The filmmaker has chosen not to reveal details about Mohanlal’s character, preserving the surprise for audiences ahead of the theatrical release.

Recalling his conversation with Mohanlal, Priyadarshan said the actor could not initially believe that he was being approached for the film. Mohanlal reportedly reminded the director that he had been the hero of the original movie and wanted to know what the Hindi version would ask him to do.

Once Priyadarshan narrated the part, Mohanlal accepted it without hesitation. Although it is expected to be a short appearance, the cameo carries considerable significance because of the actor’s connection to the original story and his long creative association with the director.

Haiwaan is reportedly inspired by Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, in which Mohanlal played the lead role. The Hindi adaptation is not expected to be an exact remake, with the filmmaker introducing changes to the characters and narrative.

Priyadarshan also reflected on his decades-long partnership with Mohanlal, describing the actor as an artist who continues to surprise him in every film. He said nearly half of his career has involved collaborations with the Malayalam star.

Mohanlal played the lead in Priyadarshan’s first film and will now headline the director’s landmark 100th project. Priyadarshan confirmed that the upcoming collaboration will be a musical rooted in Carnatic music. However, its title, supporting cast, production schedule and release plans have not yet been announced.

The director said he considers himself fortunate to have worked extensively with Mohanlal. Despite their close friendship, Priyadarshan said he primarily views Mohanlal as an exceptional actor capable of bringing something unexpected to every character.

Haiwaan presents Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in a dark confrontation centred on mysterious and violent crimes. The trailer indicates that several police officers and their families become targets, leaving investigators searching for the person responsible for the attacks.

The narrative appears to explore revenge and its devastating consequences, particularly the danger faced by innocent people caught in the conflict. Saif reportedly plays a visually impaired man whose heightened awareness becomes important to the investigation, while Akshay appears in a menacing role.

The supporting cast includes Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Pahal Chaudhary and Manoj Joshi. Mohanlal’s cameo adds another notable attraction to the Priyadarshan-directed thriller.

Haiwaan marks the on-screen reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after nearly two decades. Their contrasting characters and Mohanlal’s surprise appearance have strengthened anticipation around the film.

The movie is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on Friday, September 11, 2026. Attention will now turn to Mohanlal’s undisclosed cameo and how Priyadarshan has adapted the central idea of Oppam for a new audience.