Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s much-awaited thriller Haiwaan has cleared an important hurdle ahead of its theatrical release. The Priyadarshan directorial has received a U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), just days before it is scheduled to arrive in cinemas.
The film has been certified on September 8, 2026, with its theatrical release scheduled for September 11. The certification has also confirmed the film’s final runtime, adding further details about the upcoming thriller.
Haiwaan Gets U/A 16+ Certification
According to the certification details reported by Mid-Day and other sources, Haiwaan has been cleared with a U/A 16+ rating.
The classification comes amid growing anticipation around the film’s dark thriller premise. The teaser and promotional material have presented Akshay Kumar in an intense and menacing role, while Saif Ali Khan plays a visually impaired character caught in a dangerous situation.
The U/A 16+ classification means the film has been cleared for theatrical viewing under the age-specific certification system, with the content considered more appropriate for audiences aged 16 and above.
Runtime Locked at Nearly 2 Hours 45 Minutes
The CBFC certification has also revealed the final runtime of Haiwaan.
The film's certified duration is 164 minutes and 7 seconds, which translates to approximately 2 hours, 44 minutes and 7 seconds. Mid-Day has rounded the runtime to around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The relatively long runtime gives Priyadarshan considerable room to develop the film's mystery, characters and action-driven narrative.
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan Reunite After 18 Years
One of the biggest attractions of Haiwaan is the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.
The two actors last appeared together in the 2008 film Tashan. Their return to the big screen together after nearly 18 years has generated considerable curiosity among Bollywood audiences.
However, Haiwaan presents the actors in a very different setting from their earlier collaborations. The film is positioned as a dark thriller, with Akshay reportedly playing a ruthless and dangerous character.
Saif, meanwhile, plays Shyam, a blind caretaker whose life takes a dramatic turn after he becomes entangled in a murder case.
What Is Haiwaan About?
The film revolves around Shyam, a visually impaired man who finds himself caught in a dangerous conspiracy.
According to the plot details reported by Mid-Day, Shyam becomes embroiled in the murder of retired Judge Pradhan. As the investigation intensifies, he is forced to flee while attempting to uncover the truth behind the case.
The situation becomes more complicated when Shyam takes responsibility for protecting Nandini, Pradhan’s secret daughter. At the same time, a violent killer named Parshuram is also searching for her.
This setup places Saif's character at the centre of a tense chase involving murder, deception and survival.
Akshay Kumar's Darkest Role Yet?
Akshay Kumar's appearance in the promotional material has attracted particular attention. Unlike many of his recent commercial roles, the actor appears to be playing a significantly darker character in Haiwaan.
The teaser presented him as an intimidating presence, raising questions about whether his character is the central antagonist or whether the story contains more layers than the initial promotional material suggests.
The film's U/A 16+ certification also fits the darker tone presented in its trailers and promotional material.
Priyadarshan Returns With a Thriller
Haiwaan marks another collaboration between Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan, who have previously worked together on films such as Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Bhooth Bangla.
This time, however, Priyadarshan is moving away from the comedy-driven films for which he has been widely recognised in Hindi cinema and returning to a more serious thriller format.
The director has described the project as an important new chapter in his filmmaking journey.
Strong Supporting Cast
Alongside Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, Haiwaan features a strong supporting cast.
The film includes Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles. Rajpal Yadav, Rajesh Sharma, Pahal Chaudhary and Manoj Joshi are also part of the ensemble, according to NDTV Profit.
The combination of established actors and the film's mystery-driven plot is expected to add depth to the thriller.
Haiwaan Releases on September 11
With the CBFC certification now complete, Haiwaan is ready for its worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
The certification comes just three days before the film reaches cinemas, bringing the promotional campaign into its final phase.
The reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, Priyadarshan's return to a dark thriller and the film's U/A 16+ certification have all contributed to the buzz surrounding the release.
The next major test will come at the box office, where Haiwaan will have to convert the curiosity around its unusual pairing and thriller premise into strong audience turnout.
For now, the Haiwaan U/A 16+ certificate confirms that the film is ready for audiences, with its nearly 2-hour-45-minute runtime setting the stage for an extended theatrical thriller experience.
Click here for the latest news from Bollywood, Hollywood, South Film Industry, Bhojpuri and TV world… Click here to join the Facebook Page, Twitter Page, YouTube page, and Instagram of Bollywood Mascot!
Leave a Comment