Mumbai: Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are to reunite after 17 years for the Bollywood remake of Priyadarshan’s 2016 hit Malayalam film Oppam. Reports suggest that the project’s title has been finalised as Haiwaan.

Although several titles were under consideration, the makers chose Haiwaan as the final title for the action thriller. Hindustan Times reported a source as saying that, “The team felt this describes their subject the best, and conveys exactly how Priyadarshan sees it- as an edge of the seat thriller. There were other titles in contention, but this one clicked unanimously, given the characters the lead actors play."

A fan of the Malayalam original

Akshay Kumar is reportedly a big fan of the original Malayalam film, directed by Priyadarshan. He immediately took up Priyadarshan’s offer to be part of the remake. The film is set to release next year. Shooting may begin in August.

Oppam featured Mohanlal in the lead role, as a visually impaired caretaker and lift operator in an apartment in Kochi, who defends the daughter of a SC Chief Justice residing in the building. Samuthirakani played the villain in the film.

Kumar and Priyadarshan have another upcoming release titled Bhooth Bangla, which completed shooting recently. The film will see the actor-director duo reunite on a project after 14 years.

Hera Pheri 3, which was in the news recently for Paresh Rawal’s exit and reentry into the project, also features Akshay Kumar alongside Rawal and Suniel Shetty, resuming production under Priyadarshan’s direction.

The filmmaker has remade several Malayalam films in Bollywood, such as Hera Pheri, Hulchul, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Billu, and Khatta Meetha.