Boman Irani Ditches Usual Prep for Haiwaan as Priyadarshan Pushes Him to Unlearn Rehearsing Ahead of September

Ahead of Haiwaan’s September 11 cinema release, veteran actor Boman Irani reveals a notable shift in his preparation process, crediting director Priyadarshan for pushing him to unlearn his longstanding habit of over-rehearsing. In a candid discussion reported by Bollywood Hungama, Irani explains that on-set guidance from Priyadarshan has encouraged a more flexible approach to acting preparation.

Irani, celebrated for his work in films such as Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and 3 Idiots, has long been known for a meticulous prep routine. He states that Priyadarshan’s method helped him reset his process. “As an actor, I often over-rehearse, I do the lines while wearing my socks, shaving, etc. When you get onto the floor, you have Mr. Priyadarshan telling you, ‘Just say this one time, look into the camera, and just walk off the camera.’ Then all my preparation has come to zero,” Irani remarks.

The actor expands on the philosophy: preparation should not become rigid. “If you are stuck to it and you are married to a method, then you are not a good actor. You have to prepare enough for the director to tell you, ‘Turn it down or up a little bit,’” he says, underscoring a collaborative on-set dynamic that prioritizes responsiveness over rote rehearsal.

On set, Irani says he has observed Priyadarshan’s craft up close, noting that the director can “scale with simple camera movements, simple compositions” to tell the story. He adds that Priyadarshan’s style is distinct and that he admires his human side: “There is a director at work that can actually scale with simple camera movements… I’ll never be able to replicate his style. I like to observe him as a human being.”

Haiwaan is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn under KVN Productions and Thespian Films, directed by Priyadarshan. The film also stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan and is presented as the Hindi remake of the Malayalam film Oppam (2016), which featured Mohanlal in the lead. The project signals an intriguing shift in the performer’s preparation approach as the film heads toward its release window.

The release outlook is notable for fans anticipating Priyadarshan’s collaboration with a high-profile cast. Producers and the creative team have framed Haiwaan as a blend of procedural crime thriller elements with Priyadarshan’s signature storytelling sensibilities, anchored by Irani’s evolving acting approach.

Readers can expect continued DPIFF coverage as Haiwaan moves through post-production and publicity cycles in the lead-up to its September 11 release. For ongoing DPIFF updates, check our coverage in the DPIFF newsroom and the DPIFF release calendar as the date approaches.

Note: This piece consolidates the remarks and production details as presented in the source material, with quotes attributed to Boman Irani and film credits as stated. For more developments on Haiwaan and similar entertainment updates, stay connected with DPIFF.