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Priyadarshan and Saif Ali Khan to Collaborate for Mohanlal’s Oppam Remake
Updated on: 22 April, 2025 04:24 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Mohanlal, Saif Ali Khan, and Priyadarshan
The buzz in Bollywood is palpable as veteran director Priyadarshan lines up exciting new projects. While his reunion with Akshay Kumar for the horror-comedy Bhoot Bangla is already making headlines, another major collaboration is now stealing the spotlight: a potential thriller starring Saif Ali Khan.
Saif Ali Khan himself confirmed his involvement and shed light on his character. “Yes, I am doing a film with Priyadarshan next. I play a blind guy. Very exciting," he revealed, confirming the challenging nature of the role. Priyadarshan has also expressed his long-standing admiration for Saif`s screen presence, mentioning he was keen to find the right script to work with him.
Also Read: Priyadarshan Opens Up On Challenges Of Making Hera Pheri 3, Shares Big Update
Oppam tells the story of a visually impaired man, fiercely loyal to a retired judge. When the judge is murdered, this man steps in to protect the judge`s daughter from a dangerous convict, becoming entangled in the investigation himself.
Given Priyadarshan`s history of successfully remaking films (including his own), adapting Oppam for a Hindi audience with Saif seems highly plausible. The original film itself drew partial inspiration from the 2011 Korean thriller Blind and Martin Scorsese’s 1991 classic Cape Fear.
Also Read: Court Issues Bailable Warrant Against Malaika Arora in Saif Ali Khan’s 2012 Case
However, this casting news remains unconfirmed. In the original Oppam, Tamil actor Samuthirakani played the villain. Interestingly, Ajay Devgn was previously rumoured for the lead role, now confirmed for Saif.
Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan is also preparing for the release of Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. This heist thriller, directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal and produced by Siddharth Anand, is set to premiere on Netflix on April 25, 2025. The prospect of seeing Saif tackle both a suave con man in Jewel Thief and a complex visually impaired character in the Priyadarshan project has fans eagerly awaiting his upcoming performances.
Also Read: OG Comedy Team Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani to Reunite
A Fresh Pairing and an Intriguing Role
Priyadarshan, known for his versatile filmmaking, is set to direct Saif Ali Khan for the very first time. This collaboration marks a significant event, bringing together a master storyteller and a powerhouse performer. The project is shaping up to be a thriller, adding another layer of anticipation.Saif Ali Khan himself confirmed his involvement and shed light on his character. “Yes, I am doing a film with Priyadarshan next. I play a blind guy. Very exciting," he revealed, confirming the challenging nature of the role. Priyadarshan has also expressed his long-standing admiration for Saif`s screen presence, mentioning he was keen to find the right script to work with him.
Also Read: Priyadarshan Opens Up On Challenges Of Making Hera Pheri 3, Shares Big Update
Is It the Oppam Remake?
The revelation that Saif will portray a visually impaired character has fuelled intense speculation, especially among Priyadarshan`s fans in Kerala. Many believe this new thriller could be the Hindi remake of Priyadarshan`s own 2016 Malayalam hit, Oppam. The original film, starring Mohanlal, was a critical and commercial success.Oppam tells the story of a visually impaired man, fiercely loyal to a retired judge. When the judge is murdered, this man steps in to protect the judge`s daughter from a dangerous convict, becoming entangled in the investigation himself.
Given Priyadarshan`s history of successfully remaking films (including his own), adapting Oppam for a Hindi audience with Saif seems highly plausible. The original film itself drew partial inspiration from the 2011 Korean thriller Blind and Martin Scorsese’s 1991 classic Cape Fear.
Also Read: Court Issues Bailable Warrant Against Malaika Arora in Saif Ali Khan’s 2012 Case
Casting Buzz and What`s Next
While Saif is expected to step into Mohanlal`s shoes, rumours suggest Bobby Deol might be roped in to play the antagonist. Insiders claim Bobby was impressed by the script`s complex character development, which complements Saif`s role.However, this casting news remains unconfirmed. In the original Oppam, Tamil actor Samuthirakani played the villain. Interestingly, Ajay Devgn was previously rumoured for the lead role, now confirmed for Saif.
Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan is also preparing for the release of Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. This heist thriller, directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal and produced by Siddharth Anand, is set to premiere on Netflix on April 25, 2025. The prospect of seeing Saif tackle both a suave con man in Jewel Thief and a complex visually impaired character in the Priyadarshan project has fans eagerly awaiting his upcoming performances.
Also Read: OG Comedy Team Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani to Reunite
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