Review of ‘Haiwaan’: A Blind Hero with a Flawed Narrative

In the latest offering from director Priyadarshan, ‘Haiwaan’ attempts to blend action and drama through its protagonist, Shyam, portrayed by Saif Ali Khan. Shyam is a remarkably adept blind man, gifted with an extraordinary array of skills including wrestling, music, and even dance. His talents paint him as a character who defies typical portrayals of blindness in cinema, although the film falls short in various aspects of storytelling.

Set against the bustling backdrop of Mumbai, Shyam lives in a luxurious apartment complex while his family struggles financially in the Konkan region. Although he is depicted as a maintenance manager who contributes positively to his community, the film does not coherently address the contradiction of his affluent lifestyle against his family’s financial woes. This disparity raises questions about the depth of the character and the narrative’s credibility.

The plot thickens when Shyam learns that his neighbor, a retired Supreme Court chief justice named Pradhan (played by Boman Irani), is being stalked by a vengeful criminal named Parshuram, portrayed by Akshay Kumar. Parshuram is on a killing spree targeting individuals who played a role in his incarceration, which adds an element of suspense to the storyline. However, the film’s execution falters as the narrative devolves into cliches and fails to maintain the tension it initially sets up.

Inspector Varsha (Saiyami Kher) represents the only police officer aware of the unfolding chaos, yet when Pradhan is murdered, her absence as the leading investigator undermines the plot’s integrity. Instead, the case falls to Shinde (Sharib Hashmi), who is portrayed as ineffectual and somewhat comical, further detracting from the film’s serious undertones. The lack of competent police work in the face of such grave circumstances adds a layer of absurdity that detracts from the viewer’s engagement.

While ‘Haiwaan’ aims to deliver a gripping narrative steeped in suspense, it often misfires, leading to moments that feel contrived and formulaic. The film is a Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit ‘Oppam’ (2016), which had garnered appreciation for its storytelling. Unfortunately, ‘Haiwaan’ appears to miss the mark, offering a blend of over-the-top dramatics rather than the thoughtful exploration of its themes that audiences might expect. In summary, while Saif Ali Khan’s performance as the blind hero is commendable, the overall execution of ‘Haiwaan’ leaves much to be desired.

Source: scroll.in