Unlike #Hollywood, Horror genre is less explored in Hindi films. But there have been quite a few films which were scary yet entertaining. #Stree, #Ghost, #Bhoot, #Pari etc were made with a supernatural theme. Now #AjayDevgn starrer #Shaitaan too follows that path. Shaitaan is adapted from a #Gujaratifilm #Vash and director #VikasBahl has presented it in a neat fashion. He has managed to combine eerie things along with human emotions and vulnerability. Ajay Devgn once again is seen in a father-saving-daughter role after #Drishyam and #Bholaa.
Kabir (Ajay Devgn) and his wife (Jyothika, making a comeback to Hindi movies after 26 years) have two children, Janhvi (Janaki Bodiwala) and Dhruv (Angad Raaj), who go to a farmhouse for a family vacation. On the way the family happens to meet Vanraaj (R Madhavan), at a Dhaba, who initially looks like an amiable gentleman. Surprisingly he lands at their farmhouse too giving flimsy reason. Unsuspecting family allows him to enter the house for charging the cellphone. But in actuality he is an occultist who had done black magic on their daughter Janhvi. She becomes his puppet and Kabir and family are helpless. They even offer him all their belongings including the farmhouse but he doesn’t let go Janhvi from his black magic web. Kabir, though helpless, tries hard to free his daughter from Vanraaj’s supernatural clutches of ‘Vashikaran’. What form around it forms the crux of the story.
The story still is relatable in 2024 as some elements are still beyond scientific explanations. The screenplay is woven tightly and there are quite a few moments where viewers will be on the edge of the seat. But there aren’t any back stories to justify the happenings on screen. Vikas Bahl has handled the situations swiftly and keeps viewers engaged in the proceedings. Music and background score are relatable and the production values are high. Cinematography is excellent and the shot divisions and angles add to the drama on screen. Ajay Devgn infuses emotional depth in his portrayal of a doting and later a vulnerable father. His action scenes are good but had a scope to make them more realistic. A knife inserted in the palm for many hours and he still fights is ‘filmy’. Jyothika delivers a decent performance. Janaki Bodiwala is good too as she had reprised the same role in the original movie. R Madhavan is simply outstanding. He makes you hate him and that’s a big compliment to his acting. He has made supernatural things look natural with his multifarious performance. Others lend good support.
Shaitaan is a battle against ‘Vashikaran’ and black magic and definitely a one time watch.
Rating : ***1/2
