The highly anticipated reunion of Bollywood’s beloved comedic duo—Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan—has finally hit the big screens! Haiwaan, directed by the maestro Priyadarshan, released in theaters today, September 11, 2026. The film generated early buzz for bringing together the Main Khiladi Tu Anari stars, but all eyes are now on its box office performance.
With Akshay Kumar stepping into a negative role after a massive gap of 13 years, expectations were naturally high. However, early advance booking numbers and morning show trends suggest a steep uphill battle for the thriller.
Here is a comprehensive look at the budget, advance booking collections, box office predictions, and the hit or flop verdict for Haiwaan.
Haiwaan Budget: How Much Did The Film Cost?
According to recent media reports, Haiwaan has been made on an estimated budget of ₹80 crore.
The film has been shot extensively across picturesque and gritty locations, including Kochi, Vagamon, Ooty, and Mumbai. Given Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s star power, alongside Priyadarshan’s directorial credibility, the ₹80 crore budget requires the film to perform exceptionally well during its opening weekend to secure a safe trajectory toward profitability.
Box Office Collection Day 1 & Advance Booking
Despite the star-studded cast and the massive nostalgia factor, Haiwaan is struggling to pull audiences to the ticket windows on its opening day.
As per the final Day 1 advance booking data, the film managed to sell around 44,000 tickets, bringing in a gross collection of roughly ₹1.03 crore. In key territories like Maharashtra and the Delhi-NCR region, the film’s pre-sales stood at an underwhelming ₹44 lakh and ₹47 lakh, respectively.
Morning show trends indicate low footfalls, with the film struggling to cross the ₹1 crore mark in early estimates for its opening morning shows.
The Competition: Battling Box Office Juggernauts
One of the biggest hurdles Haiwaan faces is severe competition from established box office giants currently dominating the theaters.
The film is clashing directly with:
- Mirzapur: The Movie: The gangster drama is on a rampage, having recently crossed the ₹212 crore mark worldwide and monopolizing the mass circuits.
- Hanuman Ansh: The spiritual blockbuster refuses to slow down even in its fifth week, recently clocking a staggering ₹10 crore on its 35th day.
Due to the unstoppable momentum of these two films, Haiwaan is already losing crucial screens and prime showtimes across multiplexes.
Akshay Kumar’s Return to a Negative Role!
One of the major highlights and selling points of Haiwaan is Khiladi Kumar’s much-awaited return to the dark side. It has been 13 years since Akshay Kumar portrayed a full-fledged negative character on screen. Fans have been extremely excited to see him break his usual hero mold and deliver a menacing performance opposite Saif Ali Khan, adding an intriguing dynamic to their legendary on-screen chemistry.
Hit or Flop Verdict: What Does the Future Hold?
With a budget of ₹80 crore, Haiwaan needs a massive turnaround in evening and night shows, along with extraordinary word-of-mouth over the weekend, to break even.
Currently, the slow start and the dominance of Mirzapur and Hanuman Ansh suggest that Haiwaan might struggle to earn the “Hit” tag unless a miraculous jump happens on Saturday and Sunday. The true “Hit or Flop” verdict will depend heavily on its crucial Monday hold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the budget of the movie Haiwaan?
Haiwaan is reportedly made on a budget of ₹80 crore, with filming locations spanning across Kochi, Vagamon, Ooty, and Mumbai.
Who is in the cast of Haiwaan?
The film features superstar Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles, reuniting the iconic duo after decades. The movie is directed by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan.
Is Akshay Kumar playing a villain in Haiwaan?
Yes, a major highlight of Haiwaan is Akshay Kumar playing a negative role, marking his return to an antagonist character after 13 years.
How much did Haiwaan earn in advance booking?
The film struggled with pre-sales, grossing just around ₹1.03 crore by selling approximately 44,000 tickets for its opening day.
Is Haiwaan a hit or a flop?
Given the slow start and its ₹80 crore budget, the film faces an uphill task. It is facing fierce competition from Mirzapur: The Movie and Hanuman Ansh. Its final “Hit or Flop” status will be determined by its weekend growth and first Monday collection.
