For Akshay Kumar, this year has been one long winning streak. Coming off back-to-back successes with ‘Bhooth Bangla’ and ‘Welcome To the Jungle’, the actor is showing no signs of slowing down, instead venturing into new territory with Priyadarshan’s upcoming film, ‘Haiwaan’. Recently, Akshay opened up about his physical transformation for the role, teaming up again with Saif Ali Khan, and why he believes taking risks is simply non-negotiable for him.

Akshay Kumar on playing villain

In an interview with Hindustan Times about the psychological shift involved in playing a character that is purely, unapologetically evil, Akshay said, “To be honest it was a huge relief, I find playing villains so fascinating, I always have. I feel they get to play way more interesting characters than Heroes do. Heroes most of the time have to be perfect, they can only be good, do good & come across as influential role models. Me, I like to be challenged, easy is nice but it’s also boring (sometimes,) shooting with Priyadarshan for the last 2 years has given me so much new found love for my work, he is like medicine for the working side of my soul.”

Akshay Kumar on reuniting with Saif Ali Khan

Talking about sharing screen space with Saif after almost two decades, he said, “Saif and I have shared the screen quite a few times over the years, and I think we’ve been fortunate that audiences have enjoyed us together whether it was Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, Keemat etc. There has always been a certain familiarity between us, we were often on the same side, playing off each other’s energy, humour and camaraderie. But Haiwaan is definitely a role reversal for us. This time, we’re on opposite sides, and that changes the dynamic completely. Saif is the hero, I’m the villain, so instead of trying to help each other get out of trouble, we’re trying to create as much trouble for each other as possible! We know each other well enough to push each other in a scene, and Priyan sir has used that familiarity in a very different way this time. I think audiences who have enjoyed our earlier films will have fun seeing us together in this completely new equation.”

Akshay Kumar’s ‘Haiwaan’ set for September release

Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn, ‘Haiwaan’ brings together Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan as the leads, supported by Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Sharib Hashmi in significant roles. The film is set to release in cinemas across the globe on September 11, 2026.