'Spell' Bound. Review on Shaitaan

Horror / Paranormal / Supernatural has always been a tricky genre for filmmakers in India. Reasons being challenges in implementing technology, special effects set designs effectively, persuading main- stream actors to be part of such films, and catering to wider audience. While Ram Gopal Varma, Vikram Bhatt and a few others somewhat succeeded in churning out great horror films, there have also been a few extraordinary stories(Tumbbaad for example) which unfortunately didn’t do well at the box office. Nevertheless, regional & Hindi cinema continue to get fascinated by the category. Shaitaan(2024) directed by Vikas Bahl and written by Krishnadev Yagnik is the Hindi remake of Vash which was Yagnik’s own directorial Gujarati film.

The story of Shaitaan begins in Dehradun where Kabir(Ajay Devgn) a chartered accountant by profession, his wife Jyoti(Jyotika) and kids Janhavi(Janki Bodiwala) and Dhruv(Anngad Raj) are spending their holidays. While the parents dote on their children, the generation gap does invite playful arguments & harmless banter within the family. One fine day, an outsider Vanraj(R Madhavan) bumps into the four at a restaurant and manages to cast a spell on young Janki. Hereon, all hell breaks loose and the family’s desperate attempts to fight Vanraj and restore normalcy is how the story unfolds.

The introduction of all the characters is pretty much simple and quick. The entry of Vanraj from his initial interaction to befriending them, and then slowly taking control of the entire situation evenly progresses through the first half. Post interval there is a slight dip, but the screenplay gets back on track soon and then moves smoothly. The pre-climax, the highest point of the film, is brilliantly picturized but leaves a few things unexplained. Further, the grand- finale(climax) brings down dopamine levels & comes across more like a post credit scene. Having said that, in totality the film does manage to entertain, shock and scare you at the right moments.

While writer Krishnadev Yagnik interestingly showcases the clash between modern technology and ancient techniques, a little more focus on the psyche of his characters, involving mental games, would have made it an edge of the seat thriller. Aamil Keeyan Khan does a fair job with the dialogue writing. The conversations bring out the key elements of fear, anger, humor, desperation, and spookiness quite effectively. The set designs and VFX are top notch. The beautiful locales of Uttarakhand, the non cliched use of incessant rain and lightning(Cinematographer – Sudhakar Reddy) are wonderfully etched in the narrative. Music & lyrics by Amit Trivedi / Amitabh Bhattacharya aligned with different moods as the story’s moves on, is seamless. Background score adds tremendous value. The stunts by Junaid Shaikh are quite realistic. Editing by Sandeep Francis and Mandar Khanvilkar is almost apt, except for some portions in the second half. Overall, director Vikas Bahl does well in adapting the original Gujarati version to suit Hindi audience.

Performance wise, Jyotika makes an impressive comeback to Hindi cinema after 13 long years. Her portrayal is graceful, restrained and matured. Ajay Devgn plays his part brilliantly with his character graph advancing step by step with each challenge thrown at him. Though one may draw parallels to the Drishyam franchise, Shaitaan is distinct in its own way. R Madhavan excels in a role never seen before. His ruthless body language, deep baritone, casual sarcasm, and fear inducing eyes are an ode to perfection. After Ayutha Ezuthu, Thambi, Irudhi Suttru(Saala Khadoos) and Breathe Season1, Shaitan manages to unleash Maddy’s raw intensity to the fullest, with elan. Anngad Raj the young boy is cute and shows great potential.

However, the star of the show is undoubtedly Janki Bodiwala(as Janhavi). The actress reprising her own role from the original does complete justice to the part and performs beyond expectations! Even her character transition from a carefree, fun loving Gen Z teenager to a controlled, sensitive, traumatized girl is just phenomenal. Other actors provide adequate support.

All in all, Shaitan is a good film worth a one-time watch for its different storyline, shock value and amazing performances.

Rating: 3.5