Shaitaan Review: A Narrative Slog!

Shaitaan offers a familiar take on the concept of black magic, a recurring motif in Bollywood over the years. Serving as a remake of the Gujarati film Vash, this supernatural thriller features Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Janki Bodiwala, and Jyotika in the primary roles. The 132-minute movie begins with the intrusion of a stranger who mars a seemingly ordinary family vacation as the narrative unfolds.

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Shaitaan delivers essential horror film elements with unparalleled tension and thrill, credited to its exceptional technical team. Subash Sahoo and Vinit Gala’s sound design and editing prowess expertly sets and elevates the eerie ambiance and leverages the theater infrastructure to its fullest. Furthermore, Amit Trivedi’s haunting background score further enhances the overall experience.

The standout performances in Shaitaan notably come from R. Madhavan and Janki Bodiwala. Madhavan adeptly embodies his sinister role, infusing it with a sense of playfulness and menace. Bodiwala impressively portrays her character’s journey from disciplined assistant to a spectrum of emotions, including rage and eeriness. While Devgn and Jyotika deliver solid performances as concerned and bewildered parents, their familiarity in expression and body language didn’t surprise me, having watched a lot of their previous work.

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While Shaitaan impresses with technical prowess and stellar performances, its narrative leaves much to be desired. Despite sustaining tension, the pacing feels sluggish, and the story lacks depth and substance. The underwhelming climax, driven by simplistic reasoning, undermines the entire 110-minute buildup. Nevertheless, the film still provides a decent theatrical experience, albeit with flaws, offering some entertainment value amidst its narrative shortcomings.

‘Shaitaan’ Rating – 2.75/5

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