VAGAMON, KERALA: Vagamon is getting fresh attention from the Indian film industry following the release of the trailer of director Priyadarshan’s upcoming Hindi thriller Haiwaan, which features Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles.

The much-awaited trailer was released on August 25, giving audiences their first extended glimpse of the dark thriller ahead of its worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026. The film marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 18 years and is directed by Priyadarshan, one of India's best-known filmmakers.

For Vagamon, the film has an additional significance. The Kerala hill station was one of the locations included in the movie's outdoor shooting schedule. Reports from the production period confirmed that the film was shot across Kochi, Vagamon and Ooty, bringing the scenic landscapes of Vagamon into a major Bollywood production.

Vagamon’s growing connection with cinema

The inclusion of Vagamon in a high-profile Hindi film highlights the destination's appeal as a location for filmmakers looking for distinctive landscapes. The hill station is known for its rolling grasslands, pine forests, winding roads, mist-covered hills and panoramic mountain scenery, providing a visually striking setting for cinema and photography.

The renewed attention comes at a time when film tourism is increasingly becoming an additional way for destinations to reach new audiences. When locations featured in popular films are recognised by viewers, they can generate curiosity among travellers who want to experience those landscapes themselves.

Haiwaan is a Hindi adaptation of Priyadarshan's 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal. In the new film, Saif Ali Khan plays a visually impaired character, while Akshay Kumar takes on a darker role as the central antagonist. The cast also includes Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi and Rajesh Sharma.

A new opportunity for Vagamon tourism

With the film now entering its promotional phase, Vagamon could receive additional visibility among movie audiences, particularly those interested in visiting locations associated with Indian cinema.

The destination has previously attracted filmmakers because of its combination of mountains, forests, meadows and relatively distinctive landscapes. The Haiwaan connection adds another contemporary link between Vagamon and India's film industry.

As the September 11 release approaches, attention on the film is expected to increase, potentially putting the Kerala shooting locations—including Vagamon—before a much wider national audience.