'Haiwaan' Cleared by Censor Board: Runtime, Rating and All You Need to Know
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's 'Haiwaan' clears CBFC with U/A 16+ rating. Check the film's runtime, plot details, and release date inside.
With just days left for its theatrical debut, "Haiwaan," starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has officially received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The certification came through on September 8, 2026, with the board assigning the film a U/A 16+ rating, confirming its suitability for audiences above 16 years, likely owing to its suspense-thriller elements and darker narrative tone.
Runtime Revealed
According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, who shared the update via Instagram, "Haiwaan" carries an official runtime of 164 minutes and 7 seconds, translating to approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes in theatres. This places the film on the longer side for a mainstream Hindi thriller, suggesting a fairly elaborate narrative structure, consistent with its suspense-driven plot.
A Hindi Remake Rooted in Acclaim
"Haiwaan" is directed by Priyadarshan and is a Hindi adaptation of the 2016 Malayalam thriller "Oppam," which starred veteran actor Mohanlal in the original. Remaking a well-regarded regional thriller for a pan-India audience brings its own set of expectations, particularly given the original film's reputation for tight plotting and character-driven suspense.
In this version, Saif Ali Khan takes on the role of a visually impaired man, a character requiring considerable nuance and physical restraint in performance. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar steps into the role of the film's antagonist, marking a notable shift for the actor, who has largely been associated with heroic or comedic leads throughout his career.
#Xclusiv... 'HAIWAAN' RUN TIME… #Haiwaan certified 'UA 16+' by #CBFC on 8 September 2026. Duration: 164.07 min:sec [2 hours, 44 min, 07 sec]. #India
⭐ Theatrical release date: 11 September 2026. pic.twitter.com/GE8gihuB61— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) September 8, 2026
Why It Matters: A Villainous Turn for Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar's decision to play a villain is significant in the context of his broader filmography, where he has predominantly headlined action and patriotic dramas as the central hero. Taking on an antagonist's role, especially opposite a restrained, disability-driven performance from Saif Ali Khan, suggests a deliberate creative choice aimed at showcasing range rather than relying on established star formulas. This kind of genre and role experimentation is increasingly common among veteran Bollywood actors seeking to diversify their on-screen legacy.
A Reunion 17 Years in the Making
Beyond its thriller credentials, "Haiwaan" carries considerable nostalgic weight as it reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan on screen after 17 years, their last joint appearance being the 2008 film "Tashan." Prior to that, the duo had collaborated on several films including "Main Khiladi Tu Anari," "Yeh Dillagi," "Tu Chor Main Sipahi," and "Keemat," making this reunion particularly significant for long-time fans who grew up watching their on-screen chemistry through the 1990s and 2000s.
What Lies Ahead
With CBFC certification now secured and a confirmed runtime in hand, "Haiwaan" is on track for its September 11 theatrical release. The combination of a proven thriller template, a beloved actor pairing after nearly two decades, and Akshay Kumar's unconventional villainous turn positions the film as one of the more closely watched Bollywood releases this season.
Industry Takeaway
As Hindi remakes of acclaimed regional films continue to find space in mainstream Bollywood, "Haiwaan" adds another entry to this growing trend. Its blend of star power, genre experimentation, and source material credibility could serve as a strong test case for how well such adaptations resonate with today's pan-India audience, especially when paired with the added draw of a long-awaited actor reunion.
