Exclusive| Akshay Kumar on his first look from Haiwaan: My character has no grey shades, he is out and out evil

In Haiwaan, actor Akshay Kumar teams up with director Priyadarshan to explore a darker character, contrasting their previous comedy hits.

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan together is a combo that can never go wrong. Their track record so far has been impeccable, with multiple comedy hits to their credit. But with their next, Haiwaan, both are venturing into a different territory. This time, Akshay gears up to deliver a no-holds-barred antagonist in the thriller, whose teaser drops today.

Akshay Kumar's exclusive look from Haiwaan.

His character’s raw look has been designed keeping the same in mind. Talking to us, Akshay says, “As the title goes, I am playing Haiwaan and my character has no grey shades, he’s out and out evil. I always wanted to play a psycho on-screen. With my last four-five films, I have tried to switch between completely different genres: comedy, horror, action, drama. This is my first time playing evil in the truest sense. I like to constantly challenge myself and Haiwaan is that challenge for me.”

Akshay Kumar sports a raw new avatar — a beanie, a hairy chest — bucking Bollywood’s clean-chested aesthetic

Director Priyadarshan adds, “I saw Akshay casually wearing the beanie one day at the shoot of Bhooth Bangla, and I immediately liked the look. Him wearing it in Haiwaan was my idea. I remember I was narrating the story of Haiwaan to him one day, knowing he will not do it, and asked who does he think would do the role. I was shocked when he asked me ‘Can I do it?’ I also then thought I would have a different Akshay Kumar in my film, it will be a chance to see an actor’s potential.”