In the vast panorama of Indian cinema, where the delineation between the quintessential good and evil often gets a glossy, masala-packed rendition, Shaitaan emerges as a bold outlier, attempting to tread the murky waters of supernatural thrillers with an indigenously sinister twist.
Directed by Vikas Bahl and penned by Aamil Keeyan Khan alongside Krishnadev Yagnik, the film assembles a notable cast including Ajay Devgn, Madhavan, and Janki Bodiwala to narrate a tale that is as old as time—the perennial clash between righteousness and malevolence.
Shaitaan Movie Review & Rating (⭐⭐⭐) 3/5
The plot unfolds around Kabir and his family’s weekend retreat, which spirals into a nightmare with the arrival of a mysterious stranger. This setup promises an exploration into the depths of fear and darkness, facilitated by the thematic underpinnings of Indian black magic. The premise, ripe with potential, aims to lock viewers in a gripping narrative that promises edge-of-the-seat moments.
Director, Writers, and Cast & Release Date
Director: Vikas Bahl
Writers: Aamil Keeyan Khan, Krishnadev Yagnik
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Madhavan, Janki Bodiwala
Release date: 8 March 2024 (India)
Genres: Horror, Thriller
However, the film’s execution seems to diverge significantly from its promising setup. Despite its desire to explore the sinister and supernatural, Shaitaan arguably wastes its narrative potential by overemphasizing the control the antagonist exerts, which results in a repetitive and occasionally uninteresting storyline. The movie, as critiqued, overly indulges in showcasing mind control, stretching this element thin without adequately advancing the plot or deepening the thematic exploration.
This fixation not only hampers the pacing but also detracts from developing a meaningful connection with the characters, particularly the family, whose portrayal as a unit of goodness against evil fails to resonate deeply with the audience. The film’s lack of focus on why the events are happening, coupled with a scant exploration of the characters’ attempts to counteract these malevolent forces, renders the viewing experience somewhat hollow, devoid of suspense or anticipation.
In Stark Contrast to These Critiques,
However, Shaitaan has also been lauded for its cinematic craftsmanship, with some viewers praising its direction, suspense, and the fresh perspective it brings to Indian cinema. It’s heralded as a departure from the conventional masala and action-packed narratives, offering a new flavor that could potentially redefine the contours of genre filmmaking in India.
The polarized reception underscores a film that is as divisive as it is ambitious. For some, it represents a missed opportunity to fully explore its intriguing premise and deliver a coherent, engaging narrative. For others, it’s a commendable effort that pushes the boundaries of conventional Indian cinema, offering a unique experience that defies the typical expectations of the genre.
As a critic, I find Shaitaan movie to be a problem wrapped in a paradox. Despite its flaws, it’s a film that cannot be dismissed outright. Although it suffers from execution flaws, its attempt to weave a narrative around the darker aspects of folklore and mysticism is commendable. The performances, especially, deserve mention, with the cast delivering commendable portrayals against the backdrop of a narrative that struggles to match their talents.
Shaitaan is a film that oscillates between brilliance and banality, offering glimpses of what could have been a landmark movie. Whether it heralds a new dawn for Indian cinema or remains a singular experiment in storytelling remains to be seen. It might still be entertaining to watch if you enjoy dark stories and supernatural thrillers but go in with low expectations. As for the rest, Shaitaan might serve as a reminder of the challenging balance between innovation and coherence that filmmakers must navigate to redefine genres.