Overview
Kabir and his family's fun weekend retreat takes a nightmarish turn when they let a friendly but mysterious stranger into their house. As the clock ticks, the family will be forced to confront their worst fears in this gripping, edge-of-the-seat supernatural-thriller that deals with the sinister elements of Indian Black Magic.
Synopsis
“Shaitaan” (2024), directed by Vikas Bahl, is a supernatural thriller that delves deep into the sinister realms of black magic and human vulnerability. The film follows the story of a family whose peaceful existence is disrupted when a stranger enters their farmhouse and inexplicably takes control of their teenage daughter, leading them into a desperate struggle for survival and truth.
Story
Kabir (Ajay Devgn), his wife Jyoti (Jyotika), their teenage daughter Jahnavi (Janki Bodiwala), and their son Dhruv (Anngad Raaj) are looking forward to a serene retreat at their remote farmhouse. Their tranquility is short-lived when Vanraj Kashyap (R Madhavan), a stranger, infiltrates their lives under the pretense of needing help. Vanraj mysteriously gains complete control over Jahnavi, compelling her to obey his every command, no matter how bizarre or dangerous. As Jahnavi’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and harmful, the family is thrust into a nightmare, struggling to uncover Vanraj’s dark secret and save their daughter from his malevolent grip. The story unravels the horrifying truth behind Vanraj’s powers and his ultimate sinister motives.
Review
“Shaitaan” is a compelling remake of the 2023 Gujarati horror film “Vash,” staying true to its original while enhancing the narrative with higher production values and a more polished execution. The film excels in creating an eerie atmosphere without relying heavily on CGI, opting instead for practical effects and psychological horror to build suspense and unease.
Performances
R Madhavan delivers an outstanding performance as Vanraj, the malevolent antagonist whose presence alone sends chills down the spine. His portrayal of a sinister tantrik who manipulates and controls with ease is both chilling and compelling, capturing the essence of a truly evil character. Ajay Devgn, reprising a role reminiscent of his character in the “Drishyam” franchise, embodies the helpless yet determined father with remarkable authenticity. His chemistry with Jyotika, who plays the caring yet fierce mother, adds depth and believability to the family’s plight.
Jyotika, making a notable return to Hindi cinema, brings a powerful performance as Jyoti, the protective mother who fights fiercely to save her daughter. Her expressive eyes and body language convey a wide range of emotions, from desperation to determination. Janki Bodiwala, reprising her role from the original “Vash,” impresses as Jahnavi, the teenage daughter ensnared by Vanraj’s dark powers. Her performance, characterized by a seamless transition between fear, vulnerability, and moments of eerie compliance, is one of the film’s highlights. Anngad Raaj, as the younger sibling Dhruv, also delivers a commendable performance, contributing to the familial dynamic that is central to the story.
Cinematography and Music
Cinematographer Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti’s use of light and shadow, combined with strategic camera angles, enhances the film’s tension and atmosphere. His ability to create an environment of dread and unease without relying on heavy visual effects is commendable. Amit Trivedi’s music further complements the visual narrative, though it does not stand out as a significant element on its own. The score effectively underscores the film’s suspenseful moments, adding to the overall sense of foreboding.
Pacing and Structure
“Shaitaan” maintains a gripping pace for most of its runtime, especially in the first half where the mystery and tension are meticulously built. The narrative draws viewers in with its unsettling premise and keeps them engaged with its suspenseful progression. However, the film’s second half suffers from some predictability and a few unconvincing plot points. The climax, while intense, is somewhat foreseeable due to an early revelation of a pivotal plot detail. Despite these issues, the film manages to hold the audience’s attention and deliver a satisfying, albeit predictable, conclusion.
Themes and Symbolism
“Shaitaan” explores themes of control, manipulation, and the battle between science and superstition. Vanraj’s character symbolizes the dark forces that prey on human vulnerabilities, while the family’s struggle represents the fight to reclaim autonomy and protect loved ones. The film also subtly critiques the blind acceptance of supernatural explanations, urging viewers to question and resist manipulative forces, whether human or otherworldly. This thematic depth adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative, making it more than just a standard horror flick.
Personal Opinion
“Shaitaan” stands out for its atmosphere and performances, especially those of R Madhavan and Janki Bodiwala. The film effectively creates a sense of dread and unease, drawing viewers into its dark, twisted world. While it stumbles in parts, particularly in its second half, the film’s ability to evoke genuine unease and its strong character portrayals make it a noteworthy entry in the genre. The narrative could have benefited from tighter editing and a more compelling backstory for the antagonist, but these shortcomings do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
As a fan of psychological thrillers and horror films, I found “Shaitaan” to be a gripping and unsettling watch. The performances are top-notch, and the atmosphere is masterfully crafted. Despite its flaws, the film manages to deliver a chilling and engaging cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
What’s Good
- Performances: R Madhavan’s chilling portrayal of Vanraj and Janki Bodiwala’s convincing performance as Jahnavi are standout elements.
- Atmosphere: The effective use of light and shadow to create a sense of dread and unease is commendable.
- Direction: Vikas Bahl’s skillful avoidance of typical horror tropes, focusing instead on psychological horror, sets the film apart.
- Themes: The exploration of control, manipulation, and the critique of blind superstition add depth to the narrative.
What’s Bad
- Predictability: The second half and climax are somewhat foreseeable, reducing the overall suspense.
- Plot Conviction: Some unconvincing plot points and a lack of a detailed backstory for Vanraj detract from the narrative.
- Pacing: The film loses steam in the second half, becoming slightly monotonous and less engaging.
Rating
Overall, “Shaitaan” is a compelling supernatural thriller with strong performances and an effectively creepy atmosphere. Despite its narrative flaws, it provides an unsettling and engaging cinematic experience that is worth watching for fans of the genre. The film’s ability to evoke genuine unease and its strong character portrayals make it a noteworthy entry in the horror and psychological thriller genres.