Shaitaan (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – A timeless tale of battle between good and evil with a family embodying the forces of righteousness while a man symbolizes malevolence.

My Take – Marred by clichés and melodrama, gone are the days when horror used to rule the box office of the Hindi speaking belts. Forget the scares, these so-called supernatural dramas even missed the mark when it came to providing the expected unsettling experiences.

Probably a reason why this latest Vikas Bahl (Queen, Super 30) directorial seemed to hit the chord right from its first look. Which saw the usually macho Ajay Devgn desperate and helpless opposite a menacing R. Madhavan, known mainly for his lighter roles.

A remake of the 2023 Gujarati horror film Vash, the film surprisingly manages to not only live up to expectations, but backed by a poignant premise, also manages to be a decent watch, delivering a gripping supernatural drama that Hindi cinema has been lacking for a while.

Adapted by screenwriter Aamil Keeyan Khan (Drishyam 2), the film rides on an intricate plot, peppered with unexpected twists and turns that keeps us guessing at every step, ensuring that we remain engaged and enthralled throughout.

Yes, the narrative stumbles at times, particularly in the middle portions, yet the masterful use of atmosphere and top-notch acting elevate it into an unsettling experience worth having at least once.

The story follows Kabir (Ajay Devgn) who lives a happy family life with his wife Jyoti (Jyotika), teenage daughter Janvhi (Janki Bodiwala), and young son Dhruv (Anngad Raaj). On the way to their farmhouse on a weekend getaway, during their stop over at a dhaba, the family is introduced to a seemingly friendly but enigmatic stranger named Vanraj (R Madhavan), who they bond with over tea and snacks before departing.

However, a sense of unease settles in when Vanraj turns over at the farmhouse, requesting for temporary shelter to get in touch with his daughter, and then continues to prolong his departure against their wishes. And when Kabir attempts to forcefully expel him, Janvhi unexpectedly sides with the visitor, revealing she’s under his hypnotic influence.

The situation escalates as the daughter exhibits alarming behavior, including self-harm and aggression towards her own family especially her brother and father. As time passes, the family finds themselves confronting their deepest fears delving into the dark realms of Black Magic.

The premise is undeniably intriguing and doesn’t take much time to cut to the chase. The parents watch helplessly as their once-bright daughter becomes a puppet to a stranger’s will. From dancing to his tunes to assaulting her father and even attempting to harm her younger brother, the visitor exerts complete control.

Here, director Vikas Bahl manages to generate some genuine moments in eerie situations. Particularly the scenes when Janvhi is ordered to laugh and cry like a child. The film’s appeal lies in the atmosphere it creates, especially without the use of VFX. It mostly hinges on the antagonist’s sinister intentions and games, which leave you with an unsettling feeling.

Written by Aamir Keeyan Khan from a story by Krishnadev Yagnik, the film sidesteps usual horror tropes. But it does touch upon the age old supernatural versus science debate and human crudity that makes the species as basic as malevolent forces. Special mention should be credited to the background music that is throughout haunting and enhances the whole experience.

At the heart of the film are the performances delivered by the ensemble cast. Their portrayals add layers of depth to the narrative. Ajay Devgn is as always fantastic as the desperate father. It’s when he’s his most vulnerable, that he really shines. His role is similar to the character of Vijay Salgaokar he portrayed in the Drishyam films.

Jyothika essays her role of a helpless mother with utmost grace and honesty. Her combat scene inside the fateful farmhouse is to watch out for. Janki Bodiwala reprises the young girl’s part from the original Gujarati film is terrific throughout and manages to scare as well as evoke sympathy. Aangad Raaj is delightful.

However, without a doubt, the success of the film belongs to R. Madhavan, who is downright creepy as the mysterious stranger. His casual attitude and unhinged actions make him come across as more vicious than that was actually portrayed, elevating the viewing experience. On the whole, ‘Shaitaan’ is a solid supernatural-thriller bolstered by a sinister premise and stellar performances.