The latest Bollywood thriller, 'Haiwaan', directed by Priyadarshan, has been described as a missed opportunity for a gripping film. The movie, starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar, takes the basic premise of Priyadarshan's Malayalam film 'Oppam' and builds it around an intriguing reversal of the usual chase movie. Shyam, played by Khan, is a blind man whose hearing, smell, and spatial awareness make him difficult to deceive, while Parshuram, played by Kumar, is driven by a singular purpose of revenge.
The film's first half takes its time establishing the characters and the moral machinery behind it, creating an atmosphere of unease. However, the screenplay introduces multiple subplots, secondary characters, and comic interruptions, making the film feel overcrowded. The tonal irregularities are damaging, with abrupt transitions between dealing with trauma and destruction, and policemen behaving comically. This uneven tone detracts from the film's overall impact.
Saif Ali Khan delivers a superb performance as Shyam, making his character feel like a person first and a cinematic gimmick second. His movements and reactions have a natural intelligence, carrying the emotional weight of the film effortlessly. In contrast, Akshay Kumar's performance as Parshuram feels strained, with the actor appearing to work hard to look dangerous rather than disappearing into the character.
The difference between Khan and Kumar's performances is striking, given their history together in films like 'Yeh Dillagi', 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari', and 'Tashan'. Their contrasting styles highlight the missed opportunity for a deeper exploration of their characters. Boman Irani brings dignity to the guilt-ridden judge, while Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, and others have moments but are trapped in underdeveloped characters.
The film's cinematography, led by Divakar Mani, fails to create striking silhouettes and visual tension, which is crucial for a thriller of this kind. The framing of shots is not tight enough to immerse the viewer in the scene. Despite the talent involved, 'Haiwaan' feels like a missed opportunity for a beautifully primal game of cat and mouse.
The film's 164-minute runtime and editing could have been improved to create a stronger and more cohesive narrative. A better background score and camera work would have also enhanced the overall experience. While 'Haiwaan' is not devoid of talent, it falls short of its potential, leaving the audience feeling like they have been everywhere but are not entirely sure why.
The reviewer, Keshav Dass, notes that 'Haiwaan' had potential but was let down by its screenplay, which failed to capitalize on the intriguing premise. Despite this, Khan's performance and the film's occasional moments of brilliance make it worth watching. However, the film ultimately feels like a series of disconnected events rather than a cohesive thriller.
Key points
- The film's uneven tone and poor editing detract from its overall impact.
- Saif Ali Khan delivers a standout performance as the blind protagonist.
- The film's cinematography and background score could have been improved to enhance the viewing experience.
