Kochi: Actors Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan have officially reunited on screen after nearly two decades, beginning the shoot of their new film ‘Haiwaan’ with acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan in Kochi.

The director, one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated names, shared a picture of the duo sipping tea at a small roadside shop in Panampilly Nagar to mark the start of the project. The film is produced by KVN Productions and Thespian Films and is being billed as a high-octane thriller.

Akshay also took to social media with a behind-the-scenes video from the set, writing: “Hum sab hi hain thode se shaitaan… Koi upar se Saint, koi andar se Haiwaan... Starting the shoot for #Haiwaan today with my absolute favourite captain of the ship, @priyadarshandir Sir. Great to be working with Saif after nearly 18 years. Let's get the haiwaniyat rolling.”

The project brings the two stars together after 17 years, their last collaboration being the 2008 action drama Tashan, which also featured Kareena Kapoor Khan and Anil Kapoor. Earlier, they had acted together in films such as ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’, ‘Yeh Dillagi’, ‘Aarzoo’, ‘Tu Chor Main Sipahi’ and ‘Keemat’.

While plot details remain under wraps, the technical crew includes production design by Sabu Cyril, cinematography by Divakar Mani and editing by MS Ayyappan Nair. Following its Kochi schedule, filming is set to continue in Vagamon, Ooty and Mumbai.

‘Haiwaan’ also marks Priyadarshan’s comeback to Bollywood after years of focusing on Malayalam projects. His recent works include ‘Appatha’, and ‘Bhoot Bangla’—a horror comedy with Akshay Kumar, currently in post-production. The director is also working on the third instalment of the cult comedy franchise ‘Hera Pheri’.

Priyadarshan had teased the collaboration earlier this year when he posted a photo of Akshay and Saif watching an India-England Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Saif, last seen in Netflix’s ‘Jewel Thief’ and in big-budget ventures like ‘Devara: Part 1’ and ‘Adipurush’, now returns to Bollywood alongside Akshay under Priyadarshan’s direction.

(With inputs from PTI)