Filmmaker Priyadarshan has spoken about his future projects with Akshay Kumar after the poor box office performance of Haiwaan. He said he now prefers to work with the actor only in comedy films.
Priyadarshan Wants To Focus On Comedy
Priyadarshan told Deccan Chronicle, "The failure of Haiwaan, which I accept gracefully, proves again that audiences don't like us to do serious subjects together. This is not the first time I've failed in a non-comedy genre with Akshay... I don't think the audience wants to see us in the non-comedic space."
He also recalled that their earlier non-comedy attempt, 'Khatta Meetha', which starred Trisha Krishnan alongside Akshay, had underperformed as well.
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Haiwaan's Box Office Performance
Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, released on September 11. The crime thriller, based on the 2016 Malayalam film Oppam, opened with Rs 3 crore net in India. It earned Rs 7.35 crore during its opening weekend and ended its theatrical run with Rs 9.92 crore net in India, according to Times of India.
The film was reportedly made on a budget of Rs 130 crore, while its worldwide gross collection stood at Rs 15.08 crore.
According to Sacnilk, Haiwaan is among Akshay Kumar's weaker box office performers in recent years. A similar low came with Family: Ties of Blood in 2006. For Saif Ali Khan, the film also recorded one of his weakest openings in a lead role.
Priyadarshan And Akshay's Comedy Success
Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar have worked on several successful comedies together, including Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and De Dana Dan. Their latest comedy film, Bhooth Bangla, released this year, continued their association with the comedy genre.
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