'Haiwaan' scores Rs 3 crore opening amid 'Hanuman Ansh' wave

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s film 'Haiwaan' has opened to a modest response at the box office. The film, which marks the reunion of the leading men in the Priyadarshan directorial, began its box office run wih an earning of an estimated Rs 3 crore net.Haiwaan Day 1 box office: Rs 3 crore netAs per a report on sacnilk, the film recorded an overall occupancy of around 11 per cent across 7,224 shows, according to early box-office estimates. With an estimated India gross of Rs 3.60 crore, and another Rs 1 crore gross from overseas markets, 'Haiwaan' currently stands at an estimated Rs 4.60 crore worldwide gross after Day 1.While final Day 1 figures could see some revisions later in the day, the opening currently ranks among the top 20 opening-day collections for a Hindi film in 2026.The opening is significantly below expectations for a film headlined by two major Bollywood stars, particularly given that it marks Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan’s on-screen reunion in 17 years.

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan record one of their lowest openings

The opening also places 'Haiwaan' among the lower Day 1 performers in the filmographies of both its leading men. For Akshay, the reported Rs 3.60 crore India gross is below the opening-day collection of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', which earned around Rs 3.88 crore on its first day in 2007, as per boxofficeindia.

For Saif Ali Khan, the film's opening is broadly in the range of 'Ta Ra Rum Pum', which recorded an opening of approximately Rs 3.66 crore in 2007.

‘Hanuman Ansh’ wave impacts Haiwaan

One of the challenges facing 'Haiwaan' is the strong momentum of 'Hanuman Ansh' at the box office. The film appears to have struggled to establish itself amid the ongoing buzz surrounding the release. Although the film has completed 36 days in theatres, it has seen phenomenal hold over the box office.

As per the latest reports, the film earned an impressive Rs 10.50 crore on its sixth Friday. This has pushed the box office total to an estimated Rs 173.63 crore.

Mirzapur The Movie adds to the competition

'Haiwaan' is also facing competition from 'Mirzapur The Movie', which has entered its second week with considerable momentum. The film reportedly collected an estimated Rs 9 crore on its second Friday, taking its overall India box-office total to approximately Rs 157.45 crore.

Haiwaan plot

Directed by Priyadarshan, 'Haiwaan' follows a blind caretaker Shyam who is framed for the murder of retired Judge Pradhan. As vengeful killer Parshuram hunts Pradhan's daughter Nandini, Shyam escapes the police and races to save her. But on the journey, he reveals a shocking secret about Nandini that changes everything.

Haiwaan budget and star salaries

As per reports, 'Haiwaan' is estimated to have been made on a budget of around Rs 130 crore, including approximately Rs 115 crore in production costs and Rs 15 crore in print and advertising expenses. A significant portion of the reported production expenditure is believed to have gone towards cast and crew remuneration.