Saif Ali Khan plays visually challenged character in Haiwaan, Priyadarshan reveals advice

Haiwaan’s trailer has given us a closer look at Saif Ali Khan’s character and hint at the fact that he is a man with poor eyesight who is being hounded by Akshay Kumar’s character.

In one of the first roles of his career it is a first for Saif to portray a visually challenged character on screen. Priyadarshan has now revealed how he worked with the actor to take up the challenging role.

The filmmaker assured Saif that he should not do such exaggerated eye movements to suggest blindness; his best advice to Saif was openness of the eyes.

Priyadarshan explained that he had asked Saif to keep his eyes completely open and not blink his eyes, and he was first asked to imagine that he can’t see. Saif seemed to like the suggestion, and he’s said it was one of the best acting tips he ever got.

The director explained that he was inspired by the behaviours of those who are visually impaired. He said he had visited a blind students school with such confidence amongst the blind students and had undergone a great impression.

Priyadarshan also said that many visually impaired persons “gypsy” their surroundings through other senses like hearing and smell. He communicated these things to Saif, so that the actor would have enough information to properly visualize the character.

Saif was not upset by any research carried out prior to his role and portrayed his character naturally as per request by the filmmaker, he said. Priyadarshan also assured that there wasn’t going to be any “over acting” in Saif’s performance.

Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar make up the pair of Haiwaan stars, with Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Sharib Hashmi playing key roles. Prieyadarshan is directing the film, which will be released in theaters on September 11.