Review of the Bollywood Movie “Shaitaan” 

Newzdaddy Entertainment Updates

Newzdaddy Ratings: 3*/ 5

Genre:  Supernatural thriller, drama

Star Cast:  Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Jyothika Saravanan, Janki Bodiwala

Written By: KrishnaDev Yagnik

Directed By : Vikas Bahl

Produced By: Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak

Music & Background Score: Amit Trivedi

IMDb Digital Promoter:  Ashvin Borad (Crazy Studio)

Is The Shaitaan Movie Worth Watching ???

Let’s Find Out

The Plot 

Shaitaan is an official remake of the Gujarati Movie “Vash”, which has had huge success and applause from the film fraternity.  The film Vash was written and directed by a successful director, Krishna Dev Yagnik, KD.  

“Shaitaan,” an intense supernatural thriller, invites viewers into the realm of Indian black magic. Kabir, portrayed convincingly by Ajay Devgn, plans a weekend retreat with his family. However, the ideal getaway transforms into a nightmare when a seemingly friendly yet mysterious stranger is unwillingly welcomed into their home. The family grapples with their deepest fears, as the clock ticks, setting the stage for a gripping tale of suspense and horror.

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The Star Cast:

The ensemble cast, featuring Ajay Devgn as Kabir, R. Madhavan as Vanraj, Jyothika Saravanan as Jyoti, and Janki Bodiwala as Jahnvi, delivers stellar performances. In the original Gujarati film “Vash”, the character of Jahnvi is played by the same actress, Janki Bodiwala. 

Devgn’s portrayal of Kabir anchors the film, while Madhavan and Jyothika bring depth to their characters. Janki Bodiwala’s contribution adds a fresh and dynamic element to the star-studded lineup.  

The Storyline:

“Shaitaan” is a faithful adaptation of the Gujarati film “Vash,” with Krishnadev Yagnik serving as both the writer and director. The storyline seamlessly weaves together elements of horror and family drama, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.  The film delves into the sinister facets of Indian black magic, exploring the psychological toll it takes on the characters.

Let’s Talk About The Acting:

The cast’s performances are commendable, with Ajay Devgn’s portrayal standing out for its emotional depth and conviction. The character of R. Madhavan in the original Gujarati film “Vash” has been played by Hiten Kumar. He was excellent in “Vash”. The same kind of intensity, depth and fearfulness of the character R. Madhavan has been able to generate.  He looks awesome as Vanraj and is able to generate anger and anxiety in the minds of the audience.  

Jyothika contributed significantly to the film’s overall impact, bringing authenticity to their respective roles. Janki Bodiwala, reprising her role from the Gujarati original, proves her versatility and talent. She has done exceedingly well in both films and she must receive the award for her role. 

The Direction:

Vikas Bahl direction is laudable, capturing the essence of the original while infusing his own vision into the narrative. Most of the things he has kept as it was in the original film. The pacing is well-executed, maintaining suspense throughout. Vikas successfully navigates the challenging terrain of supernatural storytelling, ensuring a visually captivating and emotionally engaging experience.

Cinematography:

The cinematography of “Shaitaan” as I said most of the things have kept same as it was in the original film, However, the film’s supernatural atmosphere, skillfully capturing the tension and suspense is maintained quite skillfully. 

The use of lighting and framing enhances the supernatural elements, creating a visually arresting experience. 

Screenplay:

The screenplay also strikes a balance between horror and family dynamics. The dialogues are impactful, contributing to the overall narrative flow. The screenplay effectively builds tension and maintains a sense of unpredictability, keeping the audience guessing until the climactic moments.

Background Music:

The haunting background score heightens the film’s suspense, complementing the supernatural theme. The music, composed to evoke a sense of dread, enhances the overall impact of key scenes. It effectively underscores the emotional beats of the story, adding an extra layer to the viewing experience.

Positive Points:

1. “Shaitaan” excels in its atmospheric storytelling, gripping performances, and a well-crafted adaptation of the original Gujarati film. 
2. The infusion of Indian black magic elements adds a unique flavour to the horror genre.
3. The film’s positive aspects include strong character development, engaging visuals, and a compelling exploration of familial bonds under duress.
4. You will never know when the first half will be over and when the second half, the film is so intense and engaging.  

Negative Points:

1. The pacing of the film is a bit slow in certain parts. 
2. Additionally, the reliance on supernatural elements might not resonate with audiences seeking a more grounded horror experience. 
3. The film will give you a gripping fear of black magic and hypnotism, especially if you are the father of a girl.
4. If you have already seen the original movie “Vash” then you may not like it as much.  

Conclusion:

“Shaitaan” emerges as a riveting supernatural thriller, seamlessly blending elements of horror and family drama. With a powerhouse cast, skilful direction, and a compelling narrative. The writer Krishnadev Yagnik delivers a captivating film that explores the darker side of Indian black magic. The movie successfully keeps audiences at the edge of their seats, making it a worthy addition to the horror genre.

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