“Shaitaan” (transl. Devil) is a Hindi-language supernatural horror thriller released in 2024. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the film is produced by Devgn Films, Jio Studios, and Panorama Studios. It serves as a remake of the 2023 Gujarati film “Vash.” The star-studded cast includes Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Jyothika, Janki Bodiwala, and Anngad Raaj. The music is composed by Amit Trivedi, with cinematography by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti and editing by Sandeep Francis.
The project was officially announced in May 2023, with the title confirmed in January 2024. Principal photography took place from June to September 2023, spanning locations in India and London.
“Shaitaan” made its theatrical debut on March 8, 2024, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri. It garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised its acting, storyline, and technical aspects.
Shaitaan Cast:
The main cast of characters in “Shaitaan” includes:
- Ajay Devgn portraying the role of Kabir Rishi
- R. Madhavan starring as Vanraj Kashyap
- Jyothika playing the character of Jyoti Rishi (formerly Anwer), Kabir’s wife
- Janki Bodiwala appearing as Janvhi, the daughter of Kabir and Jyoti
- Anngad Raaj taking on the role of Dhruv, the son of Kabir and Jyoti
Shaitaan Production:
The decision to remake the Gujarati horror flick “Vash” (2023) into “Shaitaan” was made public in May 2023, while the title “Shaitaan” was unveiled in January 2024 through a teaser. Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan were selected for the lead roles, alongside Jyothika, Anngad Raaj, and Janki Bodiwala, who reprised her role from the original film. Notably, this project marked the reunion of Madhavan and Jyothika since their 2003 collaboration in “Priyamaana Thozhi.”
Filming for the movie took place in London, Mumbai, and Mussoorie, spanning from June 2023 to September 2023.
Shaitaan Review:
According to Rotten Tomatoes, 56% of 9 critics’ reviews are positive, resulting in an average rating of 5/10.
In terms of critical response, Bollywood Hungama awarded “Shaitaan” with 4 out of 5 stars, stating, “Shaitaan is a nail-biting thriller filled with outstanding performances and a gripping climax that holds your attention throughout.”
Shaitaan Story:
Kabir, a chartered accountant, along with his wife Jyoti and their children Janhvi and Dhruv, plan a peaceful weekend getaway to their farmhouse in a remote hill town. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a mysterious man named Vanraj at a roadside eatery. Vanraj’s seemingly innocent gestures soon reveal sinister intentions as he manipulates Janhvi using black magic, causing her to obey his every command. Despite attempts to intervene, Vanraj’s control over Janhvi escalates into a nightmarish ordeal, endangering the entire family’s safety.
Desperate to free Janhvi from Vanraj’s grip, Kabir and Jyoti resort to extreme measures, including outsmarting the police and confronting Vanraj directly. Their harrowing ordeal culminates in a dramatic showdown at Vanraj’s secret base, where Kabir’s bravery ultimately leads to the liberation of Janhvi and several other girls under Vanraj’s influence. As the family reunites at the hospital, Kabir seeks his own form of justice, ensuring Vanraj faces the consequences of his malevolent actions, while reaffirming the lengths a father will go to protect his loved ones.