Shaitaan - Refined albeit a bit extended

 

Movie: Shaitaan
Rating: 3.25/5
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, R Madhavan, Janki Bodiwala and others
Director: Vikas Bahl
Produced By: Ajay Devgn

Release Date: 8th March 2024

Story:

Kabir, a professional Chartered Accountant, leads a contented life with his wife Jyoti, daughter Janvi, and son Dhruv. While visiting their farmhouse, they encounter a stranger, Vanraaj, who quickly forms a strong connection with them. Unbeknownst to the family, this stranger harbors ulterior motives. They innocently invite him into their home, unaware that he will manipulate Janvi through hypnosis, compelling her to join him on a highly dramatic mission.

Performances:

Once again, Ajay Devgn is believable and fits well into a loving father's shoes. Jyotika and Janki Bodiwala were also impressive, while the kid Angad Raaj was also good. The film's best performer is undoubtedly R Madhavan, who dominates everyone with his charming and chilling screen presence and impeccable performance. 

What Worked For The Film:

The film's first half never lets the audience relax as it gets to the point. The situation of the lead role's family encountering a stranger who intrudes on their residence and takes them hostage by mesmerizing their daughter is highly captivating due to the skillful construction of tension, leaving no room for predictability regarding the next course of action. Moreover, the presence of the exceptional actor R Madhavan adds to the thrill, effectively frightening the audience and keeping them on the edge of their seats. Just before the interval, unexpected harm on the family's side makes one feel scared and leaves with an anticipation of an even more intense and gruesome turn of events.

What Did Not Work For The Film:

Post-interval, the film struggles to maintain the tempo as the scenes get repetitive, and the family's helplessness turns into frustration for the audience. It's not like the tension is gone, but the natural feel in the first half looks missing for a while in the latter half. However, the pre-climax and climax work well and end this supernatural thriller well. 

Shaitaan Review And Verdict:

Terrific performances from the lead cast, especially R Madhavan, chilling scenes, emotional impact in crucial scenes, and well-complemented technical excellence make Shaitaan a well-made supernatural thriller. Though the film has some issues in the second half, it ends well.