Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s much-awaited film ‘Haiwaan’ has received a U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ahead of its theatrical release on September 11, 2026. Directed by Priyadarshan, the action-packed film also features Boman Irani, Sharib Hashmi, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar in pivotal roles.
‘Haiwaan’ receives U/A 16+ certificate from CBFC
According to IANS, ‘Haiwaan’ has cleared its certification process with a U/A 16+ certificate, paving the way for its worldwide theatrical release on September 11.The film marks another collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan, while also bringing Akshay and Saif Ali Khan back together on the big screen after 17 years.
Akshay Kumar shares behind-the-scenes glimpse from ‘Haiwaan’
When ‘Haiwaan’ went on floors in August, Akshay Kumar shared a lighthearted behind-the-scenes video from the sets. The clip featured the actor alongside Saif Ali Khan and Priyadarshan as they prepared for the film.Sharing the video on social media, Akshay wrote, “Hum sab hi hain thode se shaitaan… Koi upar se Saint, koi andar se Haiwaan :)) Starting the shoot for #Haiwaan today with my absolute favourite captain of the ship, @priyadarshan.official Sir. Great to be working with Saif after nearly 17 years. Let’s get the haiwaniyat rolling!! @kvn.productions @thespianfilms_ind.”
Priyadarshan reveals how Akshay Kumar joined ‘Haiwaan’
Interestingly, Akshay Kumar was not originally attached to ‘Haiwaan’. In a conversation with IANS, Priyadarshan revealed that the actor came on board almost spontaneously while the two were working on ‘Bhoot Bangla’.“While I was shooting Bhoot Bangla, I casually told Akshay that I was looking for a character like this and many people were not agreeing. He immediately said, ‘I will do it.’ I thought if he is ready to do it, that’s fine. I can see another Akshay Kumar in my film, which I have never seen before. That excited me the most,” the filmmaker recalled.Priyadarshan’s comments suggest that the opportunity to present Akshay in a different avatar was one of the key factors that excited him about the collaboration.
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunite after 17 years
‘Haiwaan’ marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after a gap of 17 years. The two actors have previously shared the screen in films including ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ (1994), ‘Yeh Dillagi’ (1994), ‘Aarzoo’ (1999) and ‘Tashan’ (2008).Their return as co-stars is among the major talking points surrounding Priyadarshan’s upcoming film.
‘Haiwaan’ release date and production details
Produced jointly by Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn under KVN Productions and Thespian Films, ‘Haiwaan’ is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026. With Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reuniting after nearly two decades, Priyadarshan at the helm and a U/A 16+ certification in place, the film is gearing up for its theatrical debut.
