Shaitaan Review: The Supernatural Thriller That Gripped Audiences and Earned ₹211 Crore in 2024

Last Updated on November 30, 2024 by Prabhukalyan Dhal

Shaitaan, the Hindi remake of the Gujarati hit Vash (2023), has emerged as a noteworthy addition to Bollywood’s supernatural horror genre. Directed by Vikas Bahl, this film stars Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Jyothika, Janki Bodiwala, and Anngad Raaj, blending spine-chilling horror with psychological suspense. Here’s everything you need to know about Shaitaan, including its cast, plot, release date, reviews, box office collection, and more.

Shaitaan Reviews

Shaitaan captivates fans of supernatural thrillers with its gripping narrative, haunting atmosphere, and standout performances. R. Madhavan and Janki Bodiwala deliver emotionally charged portrayals, elevating the film despite its minor predictability. Unlike many Bollywood horrors, the film creates an immersive experience without overusing CGI, making it a memorable addition to the genre. With its intense drama and suspenseful twists, this Ajay Devgn starrer is a must-watch for thrill-seekers and fans of good-versus-evil stories.

Critics had varied opinions about the horror thriller

  • NDTV rated the film 1.5/5, criticizing its script and calling the climax “mediocre.”
  • Times of India gave it a generous 3.5/5, highlighting the performances and atmospheric dread.
  • Bollywood Hungama awarded it 4/5, praising its gripping narrative and thrilling climax.

Audiences lauded the performances of Ajay Devgn and Madhavan, while Janki Bodiwala’s portrayal of a hypnotized teenager was universally appreciated.

Cast of Shaitaan: A Stellar Ensemble

The cast of Shaitaan showcases some of the finest talents in Indian cinema:

  • Ajay Devgn portrays Kabir Rishi, a resolute father fighting to safeguard his family.
  • R. Madhavan portrays Vanraj Kashyap, a menacing antagonist with dark and sinister abilities.
  • Jyothika plays Jyoti Rishi, marking her return to Bollywood after many years.
  • Janki Bodiwala portrays Jahnvi, a teenage girl ensnared in the grip of dark magic.
  • Anngad Raaj portrays Dhruv, Kabir’s courageous and youthful son.

Their performances elevate the narrative, with Madhavan and Bodiwala receiving special praise for their roles.

Also Read: Article 370 Movie Review: A Powerful Look at India’s Transformation

Shaitaan Movie: An Intense Thriller

Released on March 8, 2024, Shaitaan explores the supernatural horrors that unfold when a family encounters a manipulative stranger. Vanraj Kashyap uses black magic to control Jahnvi, plunging the family into a nightmarish ordeal. The story tackles themes of familial love, supernatural evil, and the limits of human resilience.

Shaitaan Plot

Shaitaan revolves around the gripping tale of a family’s nightmare when their peaceful vacation takes a sinister turn. Kabir Rishi (Ajay Devgn), his wife Jyoti (Jyothika), and their two children, Jahnvi (Janki Bodiwala) and Dhruv (Anngad Raaj), find themselves trapped in a battle against dark forces. A seemingly harmless stranger, Vanraj Kashyap (R. Madhavan), enters their lives, gradually revealing his menacing intentions.

Using black magic, Vanraj hypnotizes Jahnvi, turning her into a puppet for his twisted games. The family faces harrowing trials as Vanraj manipulates Jahnvi to perform bizarre and dangerous acts, testing their resilience and unity. As the sinister stranger’s ultimate motive unfolds, Kabir must confront his darkest fears to protect his family.

With psychological twists, supernatural horror, and moments of intense drama, Shaitaan keeps the audience on edge, blending familial love and spine-chilling suspense into an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Shaitaan Release Date

Shaitaan hit theatres on March 8, 2024, coinciding with the significant celebration of Maha Shivaratri. The timing of the release played a pivotal role in attracting a large audience, as the supernatural themes resonated well with the festive mood. This strategic release date helped the movie make a strong opening at the box office, contributing to its eventual success as one of the top-grossing films of the year.

Shaitaan 2024: A Box Office Success

Despite mixed reviews, this horror thriller turned into a box-office sensation, grossing an impressive ₹211.06 crore worldwide on a modest budget of ₹60–65 crore. This earned it the title of the fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024 and the second highest-grossing Indian horror film in history.

Shaitaan OTT: When and Where to Watch

For those who missed it in theaters, Shaitaan premiered on Netflix on May 1, 2024. The streaming release allowed the film to reach a broader audience, contributing to its cult status among horror enthusiasts.

Shaitaan 2024 Remake: A Modern Spin

As a Hindi remake of the Gujarati supernatural thriller Vash (2023), Shaitaan stays true to its roots while adopting the grandeur of Bollywood. Directed by Krishnadev Yagnik, the original Vash was praised for its taut storytelling and realistic horror. By bringing Janki Bodiwala to reprise her role as the teenage daughter, the film retains the emotional weight of the original while enhancing the scale with stellar performances by Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan.

The Hindi adaptation focuses on presenting a universal appeal without diluting the core essence of the Gujarati original. While Vash relied on subtle horror and psychological intrigue, Shaitaan amps up the stakes with its atmospheric dread, making it a gripping yet accessible experience for a broader audience. The success of Shaitaan at the box office demonstrates how a regional gem can resonate with a national audience when handled with care.

Shaitaan Movie IMDb and Trailer

With an IMDb rating of 6.5, Shaitaan continues to draw viewers intrigued by its chilling storyline and compelling performances. The trailer, released months before the film’s debut, set the tone for a nail-biting experience, amassing millions of views online.

Key Highlights of Shaitaan

  1. Direction and Cinematography: Vikas Bahl and cinematographer Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti create a dark, ominous atmosphere without overusing CGI.
  2. Music: Amit Trivedi’s eerie soundtrack heightens the suspense throughout the film.
  3. Performances: Madhavan’s sinister presence and Devgn’s emotional depth steal the show.

Watch Shaitaan Trailer Here

Personal Opinion and Verdict About the Movie

This horror thriller is an ambitious attempt to blend supernatural horror with psychological drama. While the film offers standout performances, particularly by R. Madhavan and Janki Bodiwala, its narrative struggles with predictability in parts. The haunting atmosphere, created with minimal CGI, is commendable, and the music amplifies the suspense effectively.

For those who enjoy intense thrillers with psychological twists, the film provides an engaging experience. However, it may not satisfy viewers looking for nuanced storytelling. Its success lies in its ability to evoke emotions, whether fear, intrigue, or awe. Overall, the film is a bold addition to Bollywood’s horror-thriller genre, worth watching for its chilling performances and gripping sequences.

Watch Shaitaan now on Netflix and experience the spine-chilling thriller everyone’s talking about!

Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Shaitaan?

If you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers with psychological twists, Shaitaan is a must-watch. While it’s not without flaws, the gripping performances and atmospheric tension make it a worthwhile experience. Whether you’re revisiting it on OTT or planning to watch it for the first time, the horror thriller is bound to leave an impact.

Image courtesy of Jio Studio, Devgn Films, and Panorama Studios.

1 thought on “Shaitaan Review: The Supernatural Thriller That Gripped Audiences and Earned ₹211 Crore in 2024”

Leave a Comment