Movie Review: Shaitaan

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A Sinister Ride Powered by Stellar Performances and a Haunting Atmosphere. If darkness had a new name, it might just be "Shaitaan". Director Vikas Bahl delivers a chilling supernatural thriller that grips you not with ghosts leaping out of shadows, but with a deeply unsettling atmosphere and unnervingly real performances that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The story begins in the comfort of Kabir’s (Ajay Devgn) seemingly perfect family — wife Jyoti (Jyotika), daughter Jahnavi (Janki Bodiwala), and son Dhruv (Anngad Raaj). Their peaceful life takes a horrifying turn when a mysterious stranger, Vanraj Kashyap (R Madhavan), enters their farmhouse and, through dark forces, gains total control over the teenage Jahnavi. As she blindly follows his increasingly dangerous commands, the family is thrown into a terrifying spiral of fear, desperation, and survival.

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What makes Shaitaan stand out? It’s the way it creeps under your skin without relying on flashy CGI or overused horror clichés. Instead, it builds dread through psychological manipulation, twisted games, and a slow, steady unraveling of the mystery behind Vanraj’s power.

Madhavan’s portrayal of the antagonist is nothing short of chilling. Calm, commanding, and terrifying without ever raising his voice, he gives "evil" a new face. Ajay Devgn, as the helpless yet determined father, delivers one of his most intense performances in recent years. Jyotika holds her ground with strength and emotion, while Janki Bodiwala is the true revelation — her performance as the possessed daughter is both heartbreaking and mesmerizing.

The writing by Aamir Keeyan Khan and Krishnadev Yagnik touches upon the age-old debate of supernatural forces versus scientific logic, while subtly weaving in themes of control, faith, and human frailty. Though the second half slightly loses momentum and a key twist is unfortunately revealed too soon, the film’s tight pacing and sinister undertones never let you drift too far from the tension.

Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti’s cinematography is a visual treat for thriller fans, with shadow-heavy frames and haunting lighting that elevate the suspense. Amit Trivedi’s background score seamlessly blends into the narrative, enhancing every eerie silence and sudden movement.

Verdict:

Shaitaan may not be flawless, but it excels where it matters — atmosphere, acting, and psychological fear. It’s a gripping tale that doesn't just scare you with jump scares but haunts you with the possibility of real evil wearing a human face. If you enjoy thrillers that mess with your mind more than your heartbeat, this one's worth a watch.

 Watch it if: You're a fan of slow-burn thrillers, psychological horror, or powerhouse performances.

 Skip it if: You're expecting a traditional horror flick filled with jump scares and cheap thrills.

Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)