The official remake of the Gujarati movie “Vash,” now titled “Shaitaan,” has generated buzz for its unique blend of simplicity and intensity, managing to hold the audience’s attention until its final act.
Directed by Vikas Bahl, the film unfolds as a captivating narrative, revolving around a hostage drama featuring Ajay Devgn as Kabir Rishi, a father faced with the daunting task of saving his daughter from a malevolent intruder portrayed by R Madhavan. With a primary cast of only five characters, the movie excels in keeping viewers hooked and intrigued.
However, the film takes a risky turn as it transitions from a simple and raw narrative to an attempt at achieving epic proportions in its climax. Unfortunately, this shift doesn’t resonate well with the audience, leading to a predictable ending and an excessively drawn-out sacrificial sequence. R Madhavan’s portrayal of the sinister intruder, coupled with clichéd horror tropes, adds to the film’s struggle to maintain its impact.
“Shaitaan” has raised eyebrows for its reliance on brutality, torture, and the vulnerability of young women, echoing themes seen in many of Ajay Devgn’s previous films. The antagonist’s menacing plot involves hypnotizing and abducting teenage girls for a sacrificial ritual, injecting a dose of supernatural horror into the narrative.
Despite its flaws, the film has received praise for the performances of Jyotika as Janhvi’s mother and Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of the determined father. R Madhavan, despite occasional hamming, manages to bring humor and cold comfort to the grim plot.
In conclusion, “Shaitaan” shines when it embraces simplicity and raw scares, but its attempt to be epic in the finale proves to be its downfall. The reliance on outdated themes and the struggle to maintain a consistent tone detract from the film’s potential impact, leaving audiences with mixed feelings about this horror-thriller.
