Within the bustling landscape of Bollywood cinema emerges a film that fits neither the mold of the mundane nor the echelons of iconic: “Shaitaan”. With Vikas Bahl at the helm, this movie features a stellar cast including the versatile Ajay Devgn, the transformative R Madhavan, and the emerging talent Janki Bodiwala. Though the movie garners a modest score of 2.5 out of 5 stars, it is a cinematic experience that calls for more than just a passing glance.
At first glance, “Shaitaan” presents itself wrapped in the colorful packaging of a gleefully content family, full of laughter and playful banter, a family seemingly lifted from the idealistic sketches of an artist’s canvas. The joviality is abruptly swept away, spiraling into a 360-degree turn towards darkness when black magic enters their lives like a malevolent intruder. An eerie figure targets the innocent Janhvi, daughter of Kabir (played by Ajay Devgn), revving up the narrative to a suspenseful drama that escalates with every tick of the clock.
Breaking away from the familiar stride of Bollywood storylines, “Shaitaan” takes a chance with a worn theme of a world-domination hungry antagonist and injects it with a fresh dose of sinister intensity. R Madhavan, known famously as the “chocolate boy” from “Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein”, sheds his lover-boy image to embrace the darkness of his character. His descent into the depths of a sinister and psychologically disturbed mind is chillingly convincing. As he navigates through the stages of his role, Madhavan’s distinguished acting prowess is undeniable—a man with a dysfunctional brain within an alluring physique—only complimented by a striking salt-and-pepper beard.
Though R Madhavan revels in the twisted psyche of his character, it is a disparate occasion for Ajay Devgn, whose portrayal of Kabir seems to lack the dynamic vigor expected of a leading Bollywood hero. Devgn’s performance feels restrained, somewhat reactive rather than proactive. Moreover, a noticeable paucity of compelling dialogue for the main actors, especially at crucial junctions in the film, casts a shadow on potentially powerful scenes.
Despite the shortcomings, “Shaitaan” transcends the run-of-the-mill category of commercial cinema. It is a cinematic curiosity, one that stirs a blend of discomfort and thrill—an unholy concoction too potent to be dismissed as just another failed film attempt. It is clear that the filmmakers aimed to jar the audience, to subvert expectations, and to leave viewers pondering long after the credits roll.
The film’s sound design and soundtrack underpin the tense atmosphere without overwhelming the narrative. The narrative is punctuated with surprising twists that compel the audience to stay engaged through the progression of the story. Crafted with ample drama and twists, audiences are taken on a ride through hidden surprises that emerge post-intermission, ensuring the engagement never wanes.
Final Thoughts:
“Shaitaan” is a film that strides confidently past the cliché of ‘so-bad-it’s-good’; it commands a certain respect for trying to carve out its own niche. In its totality, “Shaitaan” is an enjoyably unusual film, though admittedly, its peculiarities might not resonate with everyone. It stands as a reminder that sometimes the realms of entertainment extend beyond what is deemed conventional or broadly acceptable. This film serves as a statement that broadening cinematic horizons can sometimes be an oddly rewarding journey, making “Shaitaan” a movie worth giving a chance, whether you’re a die-hard Bollywood fan or a newcomer to the vibrant world of Indian cinema.
