‘Shaitaan’ Review: Vikas Bahl Delivers a Terrifying Triumph

Shaitaan is a gripping horror film that combines familial drama with supernaturalism.

The movie is an official Hindi adaptation of Krishnadev Yagnik’s Gujarati movie Vash (2023).

Directed by Vikas Bahl, Shaitaan presents a tale of unwavering courage as a family battle against a man obsessed with power.

The film was released on March 8, 2024, and captivates the attention of viewers through powerful and heartbreaking scenes.

Brilliant performances and a crisp screenplay adorn the film.

However, is this enough for viewers to invest two hours of their time at home?

DESIblitz is here to help you decide if you should watch Shaitaan or not.

A Twisting Story

For a horror film to work, engaging twists and turns are essential in the plot.

Shaitaan ticks all the boxes for an incredible chain of terrifying events.

Kabir Rishi (Ajay Devgn) lives happily with his wife and two children.

All hell breaks loose when a mysterious Vanraj Kashyap (R Madhavan) enters their lives.

Vanraj’s pawn is Kabir’s teenage daughter Janhvi Rishi (Janki Bodiwala).

He casts a spell on her so she follows his every instruction to the letter.

This leads to grotesque events and it is up to Kabir and his wife Jyoti Rishi (Jyothika) to save Janhvi from the clutches of Vanraj.

The story, woven in an expertly crafted screenplay, practically commands the attention of the audience.

Even though they frequently want to, the viewers cannot risk looking away – every single frame is crucial in the film.

Scenes in which Janhvi is literally Vanraj’s “puppet” are so gut-wrenching that even when you see her committing these dastardly deeds, you feel nothing other than sorrow for her.

There are some instances where certain behaviours may seem easily stoppable. One could argue that a simple act of hiding a knife may prevent disaster from occurring.

However, it is the ache and pain that simmer beneath that makes the plight of the Rishi family so disturbing.

The film also appears slightly sluggish when characters move slowly over the background score.

Nevertheless, Shaitaan works wonders as the script is so clever that it never allows the pace to slacken too much. There is always something to see.

Haunting Performances

If the performances in Shaitaan lacked even the smallest ounce of conviction, the film could have fallen apart.

The film, however, presents a masterclass in acting within the horror genre.

Ajay Devgn, known for his onscreen intensity, nails the character of the conflicted father Kabir.

There is a scene when he tries to save his daughter but a desperate reaction from her evokes such defeat and numbness in his expression that our eyes moisten along with his.

Ajay finds a strong anchor in Jyothika, who embodies the indescribable pain of a mother when she sees her children suffer.

A scene in the film shows the anguished mother Jyoti begging Vanraj to allow Jahnvi to have a sip of water.

The real highlight is when she also becomes violent and captures the physical strength that normally only Bollywood heroes enjoy onscreen.

Shaitaan rides high on parental power and boldly underlines that there are few protections that are as valuable as that of parents towards their children.

Janki Bodiwala also stars as the victim Aarya in Vash. Here, she reprises her character under the new name of Jahnvi.

Janki’s face is a multitude of fear and rage.

The distress in her eyes at being a victim juxtapositions with the anger orchestrated by Vanraj enables Janki to deliver a performance that stays with you long after the ending credits have rolled.

Shaitaan also finds somewhat of an unsung hero in a young Anngad Raaj, who is excellent as the traumatised son Dhruv Rishi.

He also provides humour in this otherwise despondent tale but portrays the angst of a child sunk in fear with the right doses of emotion and confusion.

However, the biggest slice of cake goes to a menacing R Madhavan who is petrifying as the merciless Vanraj Kashyap.

His disarming way of speaking and the unforgiving nature of his mannerisms make viewers love to hate him.

Madhavan is an excellent performer, capable of a diverse array of characters.

It is hard to believe that this is the same actor who brings to life Farhan Qureshi in the cult comedy-drama 3 Idiots (2009).

The performances in Shaitaan are unique and the actors become their characters. They are the gears that drive this vehicle.

The Music

A winner of a soundtrack by Amit Trivedi decorates the film.

The charming number ‘Khushiyaan Bator Lo‘ showcases the happy Rishi family watching TV, driving, and playing pranks on each other.

Therefore, this perfect family image adds to the sorrow when they are tested in unimaginable ways.

However, it also creates the memorable idea that with love and support brimming in every pore of their beings, the family will make it.

‘Papa Tu Hai Na‘ underscores this notion of familial support.

Despite the mental trauma Vanraj has inflicted upon her, Jahnvi yearns for her father’s help which is always available to her.

The anthem of Shaitaan is its theme song. It is the axis of power and greed by which Vanraj’s monstrosities run.

Lyrics in the track include: “I am the soul, the supreme being. Even death kneels before me. I am the one and only.”

Siddharth Basrur’s raspy rendition induces such tremor yet such power that the audience could be forgiven for wanting to cheer.

Each song in the film drives the compelling narrative forward.

Amit Trivedi creates some of his best tunes for Shaitaan. His skill, which intertwines tempo and melody, deserves applause.

Direction & Execution

After helming feel-good and inspiring cinema such as Queen (2013), Super 30 (2019) and Goodbye (2022), it is refreshing to see ace director Vikas Bahl try the horror and supernatural genres.

Vikas creates an atmosphere of discomfort and trepidation, blending fear with family.

The cinematography and camerawork are praiseworthy, and this is never more apparent than in the jaw-dropping climax.

However, the manner in which Vanraj enters the personal space of the Rishi family is rushed and convenient.

The script allows room for this to slide as the strong premise and excellent cinematic experience hold the audience.

Speaking about what motivated him to direct Shaitaan, Vikas explains:

“I don’t really watch supernatural thrillers or horror movies, so my knowledge of that genre as a viewer is very little.

“But when I heard the story of Shaitaan, I totally loved it, and I felt that this story really had to be told.

“At the same time, it was so challenging for me to tell a story in a genre that I am a novice in.

“So, I thought, ‘let me take up this challenge and see where it goes’.

“And I must say, it’s been a great experience working on Shaitaan and creating it.

“The whole team would sit in a room, and we would actually try to study.

“It was almost like going back to school, trying to understand how these films are made, how the camera works, how the action works, how scenes work, and how emotions work.

“So, I told my team, ‘Let’s all sit, learn, and be sure that we know how to pull this off’.

“Going back to school and feeling nervous before we hit the floor was a really good experience.

“I wish I could do it again and again, in new genres, in new films, and always be challenged to see how I can pull them off.”

With this film, Vikas yet again proves that he is a filmmaker for the ages.

Shaitaan is intense, scary, and riveting.

A horror film is not easy to get right. However, this film not only succeeds but also thrives.

A clutch of terrific songs, amazing performances and a resplendent screenplay help it to become the masterpiece it is.

At a runtime of two hours, Vikas Bahl offers something that is gruesomely engaging.

With Shaitaan having premiered on Netflix on May 4, 2024, prepare to be awed by this supernatural horror story.