Movie Review: Shaitaan

Shaitaan, directed by Vikas Bahl, stars Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and R. Madhavan in lead roles. The movie revolves around a family facing a crisis when an uninvited guest, played by R. Madhavan, intrudes their remote farmhouse. The plot takes a supernatural turn as the guest is revealed to be a “vashikaran” specialist with sinister motives, involving hypnotizing and abducting teenage girls for a dark ritual.

Review:
The review criticizes Ajay Devgn’s recurring role as a savior/father figure and highlights the film’s reliance on familiar hostage drama and psychological thriller tropes. The introduction of supernatural elements is described as making the film feel hollow. The antagonist’s control over Ajay Devgn’s daughter is portrayed as a product of outdated and uncomfortable cinematic choices, including brutality, torture, and the sexual vulnerability of young women.

The performances of the cast receive mixed feedback. R. Madhavan’s portrayal of the unhinged intruder is acknowledged for tapping into his ability to portray mischief-monger characters, but the film’s overall approach to brutality and violence is criticized. The review mentions elements like the gaze on young women and transphobia, deeming them off-putting and dated.

The climax is deemed predictable, and the final sacrifice sequence, along with Madhavan’s tantrik makeup, is criticized for stretching and lacking impact. The film’s attempt to tie the opening and closing sequences is seen as weakening the intended impact. The review also questions the need for disclaimers against promoting black magic.

The performances of Jyotika and Ajay Devgn are acknowledged, with Devgn’s portrayal compared to his character in Drishyam. R. Madhavan’s performance is praised for extracting humor and cold comfort in a grim plot.

In conclusion, the film is recommended for those seeking a raucous and mildly unsettling hostage drama with an entertaining performance by R. Madhavan. The shock value is identified as the film’s potential selling point.

Please note that movie reviews are subjective, and individual opinions may vary. This summary provides an overview of the critic’s perspective and should not be considered as an endorsement or rejection of the movie.