Shriya Pilgaonkar is set to return to movie theaters in 2026 with ‘Haiwaan’, marking her first theatrical release in five years. The film brings together director Priyadarshan with stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. After building a strong profile on streaming platforms, the actor says her focus has shifted firmly back to films. Her last big screen appearance was in ‘Haathi Mere Saathi’ in 2021. She will be seen in the Priyadarshan directed ‘Haiwaan’ with Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.
Working with Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan on ‘Haiwaan’
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Pilgaonkar described the project as personally rewarding. She said it feels special to collaborate with artists she grew up watching. “I’m really enjoying myself and it’s nice to be able to work with a filmmaker and actors who you have grown up watching,” she said. Reflecting on her journey, she added, “I feel grateful that the beginning of my Hindi film career happened with ‘Fan’ and with Shah Rukh, and now, after about a decade, I get to also now work with Saif and Akshay sir.”Pilgaonkar confirmed that films are now her priority. “I have two more films coming up for which we will talk about next year. But I am fully focused on films now,” she told Hindustan Times.Pilgaonkar said her desire to do films was always clear, even when opportunities did not work out. “I always had clarity that I wanted to do films,” she said. “Sometimes timing and the destiny of that project or that moment also plays a big role.”
Shriya Pilgaonkar on OTT projects
She also addressed her successful run on streaming platforms and the risk of being boxed in. “I feel grateful that on OTT, I’ve got to be part of such fantastic scripts,” she said, adding that she does not want to be “stereotyped as an actor who only is doing OTT.”Asked about speculation around ‘Mirzapur: The Film’, Pilgaonkar kept her response brief. “As an audience why have we stopped enjoying surprises is what I want to ask,” she said. “Some things should be left as surprises.”
More about ‘Haiwaan’
Touted to be an action crime thriller, ‘Haiwaan’ brings together Ajay Devgn, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan under Priyadarshan’s direction. The film also stars the late Asrani, Sharib Hashmi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Boman Irani and Rajpal Yadav in pivotal roles.
About the Author
