Shaitaan Review - A Raw and Engaging Thriller

Shaitaan is a Hindi thriller film that has garnered attention due to its status as an official remake of the successful Gujarati movie 'Vash.' Released just over a year after the original, this remake promises a fresh take on the story with the inclusion of popular actors like Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, and Jyotika. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the film aims to captivate the audience with its raw and engaging narrative.

Plot Summary

The story of 'Shaitaan' revolves around five primary characters and their interactions within the confines of a single house. The main protagonist, Janvi, portrayed by Janki Bodiwala, finds herself entangled in a thrilling and haunting situation. R. Madhavan plays the role of Vanraj, the antagonist, while Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and Angaad Raaj provide supporting roles.

The Unique Remake

What sets 'Shaitaan' apart is its choice of remaking the Gujarati movie 'Vash.' Known for being one of the best films of the previous year, 'Vash' provided a solid foundation for the Hindi remake. The quick turnaround from the original's release to the remake showcases the confidence and excitement surrounding the project.

Engaging Storytelling

Director Vikas Bahl successfully keeps the audience hooked and intrigued throughout 'Shaitaan.' With limited settings and a small cast, it can be challenging to maintain viewer engagement, but Bahl accomplishes this effortlessly. The eye-flinching scenes, dramatic moments, haunting music, and Amit Trivedi's immersive background score all contribute to the engrossing narrative.

Stellar Performances

One of the highlights of 'Shaitaan' is Janki Bodiwala's triumphant debut as Janvi. She delivers a captivating performance that matches the original Gujarati film. R. Madhavan, known for his versatility, shines in the role of Vanraj, a deranged and brutally negative character. Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and Angaad Raaj also deliver commendable performances, providing apt support to the main cast.

Thrilling Elements

'Shaitaan' excels in creating tension and thrills throughout the film. From the suspense of whether Janvi will ignite the gas with a matchstick to the intervention of the police with the song 'Aaj Ki Raat Hona Hai Kya,' the movie keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The opening credits and the captivating 'Shaitaan' title track add to the overall thrilling experience.

Final Verdict

'Shaitaan' had the potential to be an exceptional film, but it falls short of expectations. While it offers fun thrills, chills, and outstanding performances, it makes the age-old mistake of trying to be bigger than the original source material. Despite this, the movie deserves recognition for its engaging moments and stellar acting performances.

Audience Reactions

Audience reactions to 'Shaitaan' have been mixed. Some viewers appreciate the thrilling elements and the performances, while others express disappointment with the loopholes and underwhelming climax. Ratings vary, with some giving the movie positive reviews and others highlighting its shortcomings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Shaitaan' shines with its raw and engaging storytelling, captivating performances, and thrilling elements. However, the film is marred by inconsistent character motivations, explanations that take away from the tension, and an underwhelming climax. Despite its flaws, 'Shaitaan' deserves attention for its memorable moments and the remarkable acting on display. Watch this Hindi thriller for a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue.