The theatrical business has regained prominence in India after the disastrous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have had some money-spinning blockbusters recently.
Shaitaan is the latest big film to hit the silver screen.
Inspired by a Gujarati movie, Vash, Shaitaan is two hours and twelve minutes long.
Does it have the legs to sail through in the long run?
Shaitaan Movie Synopsis
On a holiday trip, Kabir finds his family in the middle of a supernatural spell as his daughter gets wrecked by an evil force.
Helmed by Vikas Bahl, the film stars Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Jyothika Saravanan, and Janki Bodiwala in lead roles.
What Works for Shaitaan?
Since the movie is inspired by another film, I won’t give Shaitaan the benefit of producing a startling concept.
Instead, it is the makers of Vash who deserve appreciation for the idea.
A mysterious man takes control over Kabir’s daughter’s mind while they are on a family holiday trip. She blindly starts following whatever the man says. Helpless parents cannot do anything to bring the situation back to normal. Will they eventually give up on their child for her sake?
The majority of the scenes are set inside a house. It provides a close-door arena for a battle between good and evil.
While the storyline is largely inspired by superstition, it does have the elements of suspense and mystery to capture your attention.
The film’s thrilling plot has eerie undercurrents that steer it towards a foreboding atmosphere.
It may not have been the same without a sinuous background score. The music is loud but does the trick more or less.
Plus, the fact that the tale transpires during nighttime also helps in setting the right ambiance for a mysterious supernatural narration.
Shaitaan’s first half is top-notch and you feel an exhilarating punch in your heart seeing the tale unfold.
With time, you are aroused to a large extent and the makers throw you into a zone where you start thinking of a comeback of the protagonists.
Shaitaan is one of those films that make you beg for the ‘good character’ inside your head.
I also loved the haunting title track, especially together with the narrative.
The film’s final half an hour has trepidations followed by a chilling and satisfactory end scene.
The Indian masses will enjoy their time inside the theater, as far as my assessment goes.
It’s been a long time since a mainstream Hindi supernatural thriller came out, which makes Shaitaan a welcome change on the big screen.
How are the Performances?
Ajay Devgn effectively restricts his aura to play a helpless father in Kabir.
Honestly, it was irritating to see him underplay and I even soap2day alternative wondered why not cast Rajkummar Rao or Abhay Deol, who have the natural ability to ace such characters.
But I think it is a victory for Devgn who grounds himself to such an extent that you are pushed to a limit.
That’s the kind of response the makers would have wanted from people.
It is good that he doesn’t cry or emote much in the film, which is how fathers mostly are. Yes, you’ll be reminded of Drishyam (I was trying to avoid saying it).
R Madhavan is ferocious in Shaitaan. His portrayal of Vanraj will be remembered for a long time.
The actor adds weight to the film and never lets the plot’s downsides take centerstage.
His well-modulated dialogue delivery gives a nerve-wracking flavor to Shaitaan although technical enhancements have been done to make his intonations more daunting.
To keep someone like Ajay Devgn quiet on the screen, it needed a performance of the year and Madhavan doesn’t disappoint.
Janki Bodiwala plays Jahnvi in the movie. She sincerely shapes her act according to the plot. The actress delivers a multi-shaded, nuanced exhibition of skills.
Interestingly, she played the same character in the original Gujarati film, Vash.
What Doesn’t Work for Shaitaan?
The movie loses its grip in the middle phase, or the part after the interval. Things start getting repetitive and your attention gets scattered.
Sometimes, when movies tend to get loud, it shows their desperation to somehow hold the viewer for a particular timeframe.
They want a certain phase to pass so that the comeback feels satiating. Shaitaan also does this in the second half.
Moreover, the film falls short of winning the emotional battle. With a family in play and in danger, there was a huge scope to tap into the sentimental pulse of the audience.
However, Shaitaan misses out on the opportunity.
Watch or Not?
As I said, Shaitaan is a welcome change and you’ll like it. The film is worth spending your money and time on.
But it is not scary, in case you were wondering.
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