In a move that underscores his dedication to the craft of moviemaking, Bollywood megastar Ajay Devgn took a bold step by foregoing his cherished family vacation in exchange for the eerie sets of his upcoming supernatural thriller, “Shaitaan”. Known for his versatility across various genres, Devgn delves into horror—a territory less trodden by him—with this latest project, where he not only takes the lead role but also dons the producer’s hat.
The scheduling conflicts were significant, with July traditionally reserved for his annual London retreat with his family, yet the narrative of “Shaitaan” was too compelling to ignore. When the opportunity arose, it was the storyline that captivated him, an emotion that spilled over to his immediate decision to partake in both acting and producing. The film is an adaptation of the successful Gujarati movie “Vash” (2023) and follows the chilling tale of a family under siege when a sorcerer, played by the talented R Madhavan, curses Devgn’s on-screen daughter with an eerie spell.
This marked commitment to his art was highlighted after wrapping up his scenes for “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha”. Insiders reveal that when producer duo Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak pitched “Shaitaan” to Devgn in April, he was immediately sold on the premise. The passion drove him to rope in Vikas Bahl to direct the film, a decision that was met with some resistance due to Bahl’s initial skepticism regarding his fit for the horror genre. Nonetheless, Devgn’s conviction in Vikas Bahl’s capability eventually won the director over.
With the central players in place, the challenge of aligning schedules came to the forefront. Each year, Devgn earmarks July for quality time in London with his spouse, acclaimed actress Kajol, and their children, Nysa and Yug. Furthermore, upon his return, he was committed to commence shooting for Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again”. The hunt for a convenient slot to bring “Shaitaan” to life was becoming increasingly demanding. Understanding the importance of budgeting and schedules in film production, Devgn made the significant personal trade-off, truncating his vacation to pursue a rigorous filming schedule from July to August within the UK’s picturesque locales of Bedford and Windsor. Although his son, Yug, accompanied him for the entirety of the UK sojourn, Kajol and Nysa joined towards the end of August.
“Shaitaan”, which is scheduled to premiere tomorrow, represents the vanguard of Devgn’s quintet of releases set for 2024. Acknowledging his sacrifice and commitment, producer Mangat expressed his gratitude, noting that it was an incredibly generous gesture for Devgn to offer his time so promptly, which in turn permitted the film’s completion within a significantly truncated timeline.
This upcoming release ventures into a genre that is typically outside Devgn’s habitual roles, signaling a refreshing change for his fans and the industry alike. The film promises to not only enthrall audiences with its spine-tingling storyline but also to exhibit a different facet of Ajay Devgn’s dynamic acting prowess. It stands as a testament to his professional devotion, wherein the lure of untapped potential and compelling storytelling triumph over leisure, even at the cost of personal sacrifices. As “Shaitaan” readies itself to haunt theaters nationwide, it is the reflection of an actor’s commitment to his craft that truly captivates and promises to deliver yet another blockbuster experience to viewers.
