Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is currently generating massive buzz for his upcoming project titled Haivan. The actor is all set to appear in a dark and gritty crime thriller where he will portray the role of a psychopathic villain. Ahead of the film's release, Akshay has opened up about the intensive preparation that went into shaping this complex negative character during his appearance on the television reality quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 20.
Revealing Details on Kaun Banega Crorepati 20
Visiting the set of the show alongside his co-star Saif Ali Khan, Akshay engaged in an engaging conversation with host Amitabh Bachchan about his cinematic villainous turn. He explained to Bachchan that while he is essaying the antagonist, Saif Ali Khan stars as the hero of the feature. Akshay elaborated that the narrative delves deep into the psychology of a psychopath, exploring the exact reasons behind why such a person is shaped that way and the various struggles and hardships they endure throughout their life.
Taking Cues From Real-Life Law Enforcement Friends
When Amitabh Bachchan specifically asked about his method of preparation for this demanding role, Akshay shared a fascinating insight. He mentioned that trusted friends working within law enforcement provided him with invaluable practical advice. His police acquaintances pointed out that mainstream cinema almost always depicts psychopaths with exaggerated facial expressions or bizarre behavioral tics, which deviates heavily from reality. Real-life psychopaths actually maintain an extremely normal exterior appearance and blend in seamlessly among everyday citizens without arousing the slightest suspicion.
Translating Realism Into the Performance
Armed with this expert observation from his police friends, Akshay discussed the concept directly with the film director Priyadarshan. Priyadarshan resonated strongly with the idea, leading to a collaborative creative decision. It was finalized that Akshay would completely avoid any form of melodrama, overacting, or unnatural face distortions on screen. Instead, he would maintain a completely calm and composed demeanor throughout the runtime, a stylistic choice designed to make his menacing villain persona feel considerably more chilling and dangerous.
The Malayalam Connection and Supporting Cast
Helmed by director Priyadarshan, Haivan is officially a Hindi language remake of the acclaimed 2016 Malayalam blockbuster thriller Oppam, which originally starred Mohanlal in the lead. Alongside the powerhouse pairing of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, the upcoming film features a talented ensemble supporting cast including Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Saiyami Kher in prominent roles.
