Shaitaan Story:-
When a family welcomes a stranger into their farmhouse, the man mysteriously gains control over their teenage daughter. She obediently carries out every bizarre and life-threatening command he issues. What dark secret does the stranger hold, and can this desperate family break free from his twisted manipulation?
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 8 March 2024 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Horror, Thriller |
| Duration | 2h 12min |
| Cast | Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Janki Bodiwala, Jyotika, Palak Lalwani, Anngad Raaj, Manoj Anand, Hiten Patel, Richa Prakash, Roshni Kaur, Kishore Bhatt |
| Director | Vikas Bahl |
| Writer | Aamil Keeyan Khan |
| Cinematography | Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti |
| Music | Devi Sri Prasad, Amit Trivedi |
| Producer | Vikas Bahl, Jyoti Deshpande, Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Pathak, Kumar Mangat Pathak |
| Production | Jio Studios, Ajay Devgn Ffilms, Panorama Studios |
| Certificate | U/A |
A successful supernatural thriller typically blends elements of horror and suspense to captivate the audience. Even if it eschews jump scares in favor of creating an unsettling atmosphere, it achieves its objective. In this regard, director Vikas Bahl accomplishes precisely that with Shaitaan. The film introduces us to Kabir (Ajay Devgn) and his seemingly happy family, comprising his wife Jyoti (Jyotika), teenage daughter Jahnavi (Janki Bodiwala), and nerdy son Dhruv (Anngad Raaj). Swiftly, the narrative builds a sense of foreboding with the arrival of a stranger, Vanraj Kashyap (R Madhavan). Vanraj mysteriously gains absolute control over Jahnavi, compelling her to obey his every command. As his orders grow increasingly heinous and perilous, both to Jahnavi and her family, unease transforms into dread. The unfolding story delves into the enigma surrounding Vanraj’s inexplicable power, his motives, and the family’s struggle to escape his malevolent influence.
Shaitaan captivates with its atmospheric presentation, notably achieved without relying on CGI. The core of its allure lies in the malevolent intentions and manipulative games of the antagonist, leaving viewers with a pervasive sense of unease. Penned by Aamir Keeyan Khan and Krishnadev Yagnik, the film deviates from typical horror tropes while delving into the timeless debate between the supernatural and science, as well as the inherent darkness within humanity.
The narrative maintains a brisk pace, keeping the audience engaged for the most part, although it loses some momentum in the second half. While the buildup isn’t excessively suspenseful, it effectively instills a sense of dread. However, certain elements of the story feel contrived, and a scene inadvertently reveals a crucial plot point, leading to a predictable climax. Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti’s cinematography skillfully creates an atmosphere of darkness and foreboding, complemented by Amit Trivedi’s haunting musical score.
Madhavan delivers a standout performance as the malevolent figure, executing every sinister act with precision. Ajay Devgn impresses as a determined yet vulnerable father, while Jyotika holds her own in her role. Janki Bodiwala deserves praise for her pitch-perfect portrayal of the young girl ensnared by a malicious spell, effortlessly transitioning between laughter, tears, dance, and aggression. Anngad Raaj delivers a solid performance as the son.
Despite occasional narrative missteps, Shaitaan rises above with its masterful atmosphere and stellar performances, delivering an unsettling cinematic experience worth witnessing.
