Movie Review: Shaitaan (2024)

Director: Vikas Bahl
Writer: Aamil Keeyan Khan
Story by: Krishnadev Yagnik
Genre: Supernatural Horror Thriller
Language: Hindi
Production Companies: Devgn Films, Jio Studios, Panorama Studios
Starring: Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Jyothika, Janki Bodiwala, Anngad Raaj
Runtime: 132 minutes
Release Date: 8 March 2024
Budget: ₹60–65 crore
Box Office Collection: ₹211 crore

Shaitaan, directed by Vikas Bahl, is a supernatural horror thriller that brings together an ensemble cast in a tale of black magic, psychological tension, and familial resilience. Adapted from the 2023 Gujarati film Vash, Shaitaan explores how a family’s peaceful life is disrupted when they encounter a demonic force that turns their world upside down.

Cast and Performances

• Ajay Devgn as Kabir Rishi
  Ajay Devgn delivers a powerful performance as a determined father caught in a psychological and supernatural struggle. His portrayal of a loving yet desperate father who will go to any length for his children adds emotional weight to the story. Devgn’s intensity is palpable, especially in scenes where he confronts Madhavan’s character, bringing both physical and emotional depth to his role.
• R. Madhavan as Vanraj Kashyap
  Madhavan’s portrayal of Vanraj, the antagonist skilled in black magic, is chilling and impactful. His calm yet menacing demeanor and eerie expressions elevate the horror aspect of the movie. Madhavan brings a refined edge to his character, adding layers to Vanraj’s evil persona that make him a memorable antagonist.
• Jyothika as Jyoti Rishi
  In her return to Bollywood after 25 years, Jyothika brings warmth and resilience to her role as Kabir’s wife and a protective mother. Her chemistry with Devgn is effective, and her portrayal resonates with audiences as she navigates the supernatural ordeal with strength and fear.
• Janki Bodiwala as Janhvi Rishi
  Reprising her role from Vash, Janki Bodiwala plays the tormented daughter, Janhvi. Her transformation under Vanraj’s spell is portrayed with conviction, conveying innocence turned into controlled menace.
• Anngad Raaj as Dhruv Rishi
  Young Anngad Raaj brings a touch of innocence and vulnerability to his role, adding to the film’s emotional stakes.

Actor	Character	Performance Review
Ajay Devgn	Kabir Rishi	Strong, intense performance; brings emotional depth to the fatherly role
R. Madhavan	Vanraj Kashyap	Chilling portrayal of the antagonist; effectively brings a sense of dread
Jyothika	Jyoti Rishi	Warm, relatable, and resilient; impressive return to Bollywood
Janki Bodiwala	Janhvi Rishi	Convincing transformation under black magic influence
Anngad Raaj	Dhruv Rishi	Innocent and vulnerable; good complement to the family’s dynamics

Direction and Screenplay

Vikas Bahl’s direction in Shaitaan effectively builds tension through a blend of psychological horror and suspense. The screenplay by Aamil Keeyan Khan paces the horror elements well, gradually intensifying as Vanraj’s influence over Janhvi deepens. Bahl makes effective use of quiet, eerie moments and well-timed scares to keep the audience on edge, capturing the creeping fear and helplessness of the family.

The choice of locations, particularly the secluded farmhouse, enhances the film’s atmospheric horror. Although the second half could have benefitted from tighter editing, the overall impact remains gripping, especially during the climax, which showcases an intense battle of wills and survival.

Choreography and Cinematography

The cinematography by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti captures the ominous beauty of the hill station and the farmhouse setting. The shots are well-composed, especially in scenes where Vanraj’s presence creates a lingering dread, enhancing the horror ambiance. Key sequences involving hypnosis and physical confrontations are visually impressive, lending the film a haunting quality. The choreographed movements during Janhvi’s hypnotic obedience are unnervingly precise, adding to the eerie tension.

Music and Soundtrack

Amit Trivedi’s score provides the perfect backdrop to the film’s horror elements, with tracks that range from haunting to melancholic. Notable songs include:

Song Title	Release Date	Theme
Khushiyaan Bator Lo	15 February 2024	Family and happiness
Aisa Main Shaitaan	29 February 2024	Dark, sinister
Shaitaan Theme	8 March 2024	Horror, supernatural
Papa Tu Hai Naa	2 April 2024	Fatherly love, bond

Each track complements the film’s mood, with Trivedi’s compositions heightening the emotional stakes and horror elements.

Box Office Performance

Shaitaan has been a box-office success, earning ₹211 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹60–65 crore. The film’s success can be attributed to a strong fan base for Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan, combined with its effective horror narrative.

Box Office Metrics	Amount
Budget	₹60–65 crore
Opening Weekend	₹60 crore
Domestic Total	₹160 crore
International Total	₹51 crore
Worldwide Gross	₹211 crore

Special Aspects of the Film

Shaitaan stands out in several ways:

• Unique Horror Approach: The focus on psychological manipulation through black magic creates a fresh horror narrative, diverging from the typical jump-scare approach.
• Powerful Performances: The intense performances of Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan bring an additional layer of depth and authenticity to the film.
• Atmospheric Cinematography: The secluded setting and eerie cinematography significantly amplify the horror factor, giving the audience an immersive experience.

Conclusion

Shaitaan delivers a captivating horror experience that blends psychological tension with supernatural elements. Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan shine in their roles, supported by a compelling story, eerie cinematography, and a haunting soundtrack. While the film could have benefitted from a tighter second half, it remains an impressive horror thriller that succeeds in keeping viewers engaged.

Overall, Shaitaan is a welcome addition to the horror genre in Bollywood, offering suspense, fear, and family-driven emotion in one package.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

FAQs

1. What is the storyline of Shaitaan?

• Shaitaan follows the story of Kabir Rishi, a chartered accountant, and his family who become entangled in a supernatural nightmare during a vacation. They encounter Vanraj Kashyap, a man skilled in black magic, who manipulates and terrorizes them. The film focuses on Kabir’s struggle to save his family from Vanraj’s psychological and supernatural control. The story builds up to a climactic showdown where Kabir fights to rescue his daughter and confronts the darkness head-on.

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2. Who are the main cast members of Shaitaan?

• The lead role of Kabir Rishi is played by Ajay Devgn, with Jyothika portraying his wife, Jyoti. R. Madhavan takes on the pivotal role of Vanraj Kashyap, the antagonist skilled in black magic. Other main cast members include Janki Bodiwala and Anngad Raaj, who play Kabir and Jyoti’s children, Janhvi and Dhruv. Each actor contributes significantly to the film’s intense and suspenseful atmosphere.

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3. What genre does Shaitaan belong to?

• Shaitaan is a supernatural horror thriller, combining elements of black magic, psychological manipulation, and suspense. It explores the theme of family resilience against dark, supernatural forces. The film also incorporates action and drama, creating a tense and immersive horror experience.

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4. Who directed Shaitaan?

• The film is directed by Vikas Bahl, known for his ability to blend intense storytelling with emotional depth. Bahl brings his unique vision to Shaitaan, creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense. His direction keeps the viewer engaged with well-paced storytelling and visually captivating scenes.

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5. What role does black magic play in the film?

• Black magic is central to Shaitaan, serving as the primary method by which Vanraj manipulates and terrorizes the Rishi family. The antagonist uses black magic to control and hypnotize Kabir’s daughter, creating a sense of helplessness and horror within the family. This dark element adds a supernatural edge to the psychological thriller, heightening the film’s tension.

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6. What makes Shaitaan different from other horror films?

• Shaitaan stands out due to its focus on psychological manipulation combined with supernatural horror, rather than relying solely on jump scares. The film explores complex themes of family bonds and resilience against evil forces. The intense performances and the unique setting of a secluded farmhouse add to its originality.

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7. Where is Shaitaan primarily set?

• The film is primarily set in Dehradun and a remote farmhouse in the hills, providing an isolated and eerie backdrop. This secluded setting amplifies the suspense and horror elements, as the family is cut off from outside help. The location enhances the atmosphere, making the supernatural occurrences more terrifying.

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8. Who wrote the screenplay for Shaitaan?

• The screenplay for Shaitaan is crafted by Aamil Keeyan Khan, with the story conceptualized by Krishnadev Yagnik. The screenplay combines psychological tension with horror, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Khan’s writing skillfully builds suspense and captures the emotions of the characters, making the horror more personal and intense.

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9. What is the runtime of Shaitaan?

• Shaitaan has a runtime of 132 minutes, which allows for a well-paced development of suspense and character arcs. This length provides enough time to explore the storyline and deliver a climactic ending. The pacing is steady, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the film.

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10. How did Shaitaan perform at the box office?

• Shaitaan performed exceptionally well at the box office, earning approximately ₹211 crore. This significant box office success reflects the film’s popularity and the appeal of its unique storyline. The impressive earnings also demonstrate the strong performances and direction that resonated with audiences.

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11. What are the major themes explored in Shaitaan?

• Major themes in Shaitaan include family resilience, psychological horror, and the battle between good and evil. The film also delves into the frightening power of black magic and its impact on family dynamics. These themes are interwoven to create a compelling narrative with emotional depth.

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12. Is there a particular scene in Shaitaan that stands out?

• One of the most memorable scenes is when Vanraj hypnotizes Janhvi, showcasing the terror of mind control. This sequence is chilling and visually captivating, emphasizing Vanraj’s sinister power. The scene sets the tone for the psychological horror that unfolds and impacts the entire family.

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13. Who produced Shaitaan?

• Shaitaan was produced by Devgn Films, Jio Studios, and Panorama Studios, marking a high-quality production with a solid team behind it. The production companies ensured a polished look and feel for the film. Their involvement also contributed to the film’s success in terms of both storytelling and visual effects.

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14. What was the budget for Shaitaan?

• The budget for Shaitaan was between ₹60–65 crore, allowing for high-quality production and effects. This budget helped bring the story’s supernatural elements to life through impressive visuals and sound. The film’s budget was well-utilized to create an engaging and polished horror experience.

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15. What type of horror can viewers expect in Shaitaan?

• Shaitaan delivers a mix of supernatural horror and psychological thrills, with a focus on mind control and black magic. Rather than relying on traditional jump scares, it builds a tense, slow-burn horror experience. Viewers can expect a haunting atmosphere and scenes that provoke fear through suspense and manipulation.

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16. What are the notable performances in Shaitaan?

• Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan both deliver powerful performances, with Devgn portraying a determined father and Madhavan an unsettling antagonist. Jyothika also adds emotional depth as a protective mother, while Janki Bodiwala effectively portrays the terror and vulnerability of Janhvi. The cast’s strong performances enhance the film’s suspense and emotional impact.

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17. How does the film address the theme of family?

• The theme of family is central to Shaitaan, with Kabir fighting against dark forces to protect his loved ones. The film emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the lengths one would go to defend them. This theme adds emotional weight to the story, making the horror more personal and impactful.

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18. What role does music play in Shaitaan?

• The music in Shaitaan enhances the horror experience, using eerie compositions to build tension. Background scores intensify key moments, particularly during scenes of suspense and confrontation. The music contributes to the overall atmosphere, making the supernatural elements more haunting.

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19. Is Shaitaan suitable for all audiences?

• Due to its supernatural horror themes and intense psychological manipulation scenes, Shaitaan may not be suitable for younger or sensitive viewers. The film is crafted for mature audiences who appreciate complex horror and suspense. It contains elements that may be disturbing, particularly scenes involving hypnosis and dark magic.

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20. What message does Shaitaan leave viewers with?

• Shaitaan conveys a message about the power of resilience and the strength of family bonds in the face of evil. It highlights how love and determination can overcome even the darkest forces. The film’s ending emphasizes hope and the ability to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds to protect loved ones.