You think your home is safe. Those walls, doors, and family make you untouchable. ‘Shaitaan’, directed by Vikash Bahl, proves otherwise.

The film lulls you into comfort from the very first frame. Sunlight spills across hills, greenery extends as far as the eye can see, and the Rishi family farmhouse stands like a picture of calm. There is a sense of peace so convincing that you almost forget that cinema often thrives in disruption.

Hence, the contrast between an idyllic world and the horrors that follow is what gives ‘Shaitaan’ its emotional grip.

A stranger, Vanraj Kashyap, played by R Madhavan, arrives, and soon, the home becomes a cage of tension, fear, and nightmares. The spaces that once felt safe become arenas of dread, pulling the family and the audience into a relentless game of control and survival.

The story is simple, but effective. Kashyap quickly takes control of their teenage daughter, Jahnvi Rishi played by Janki Bodiwala. Under his influence, Jahnvi performs dangerous, bizarre acts, leaving the family desperate to save her. The tension grows steadily. Despite being set mainly in a single farmhouse, the movie never feels stagnant.

Madhavan is quietly terrifying as Vanraj. There are no over-the-top theatrics; just calm menace that makes you uneasy.

Bodiwala matches him perfectly, portraying Jahnvi’s fear and confusion with authenticity. Her transformation from a cheerful, ordinary teenager into a manipulated, anxious child is gradual yet compelling. The fear in her eyes and subtle hesitations in her gestures speak louder than any dialogue. Thus, their dynamic is the real engine of the film, keeping the audience hooked as the horror games unfold.

Then there’s the family. ‘Shaitaan’ does something refreshing here: it refuses the tired stereotype of the omnipotent father saving everyone. Both parents, dad and mom, are active participants in protecting their child. The mother’s helplessness is palpable, but it doesn’t paralyse her. She struggles, screams, and even faces her own fears head-on. It’s a rare glimpse of maternal courage on par with paternal heroics, and it hits harder emotionally.

In fact, when I made my mother watch this movie, she couldn’t sit through it, saying, “I can’t watch the misery of what the family is going through.” That’s the power of the film: it’s tense, uncomfortable, and highly evocative.

The movie is strong visually. Early scenes of the hills, greenery, and cosy interiors make the farmhouse feel splendid and welcoming, but as Vanraj’s influence grows, the same spaces become oppressive. The cinematography mirrors the story: calm turns to tension, warmth to unease. Shadows, corners, and closed doors suddenly seem threatening, showing that horror often lives in everyday spaces.

‘Shaitaan’ also explores subtle themes. Vanraj’s intrusion can be seen as a metaphor for unseen dangers in ordinary life. The story highlights human vulnerability, the fragility of trust, and the courage it takes to fight forces beyond your control. And yes, it delivers a clear moral: think twice before letting strangers into your life or home.

However, the film has its shortcomings. Vanraj’s backstory is missing. How he gained such control over multiple girls, or why he does it, is unexplored. This omission slightly weakens the psychological depth, though it doesn’t take away from the tension the film creates. Still, the mystery around him adds to the suspense, making him an enigma that the audience both fears and obsesses over, which is arguably more effective than a fully explained villain.

The pacing is precise. The scares are not forced with cheap jump scares; they grow naturally from the characters’ choices and the tense atmosphere. You will feel like you are not merely watching. But you are experiencing the fear along with the family.

The movie also makes viewers think about control and free will. Watching Jahnvi obey Vanraj, you can’t help but feel uneasy: how much control do we really have over our own lives? The film uses horror to explore these ideas without being preachy, which makes it stand out from standard thrillers.

‘Shaitaan’ succeeds because it is scary, smart, and emotionally engaging. The performances, especially Madhavan and Bodiwala, are strong. The story is tight, the suspense is consistent, and the setting is used cleverly. Even with some unanswered questions, the film leaves a lasting impression, reminding viewers that danger can lurk in the most familiar places.

Moreover, Ajay Devgn is an actor who never feels irrelevant. Though often understated in discussions, he has mastered every genre for decades. In this movie, his performance as one of the parents is also very immersive.

Ultimately, ‘Shaitaan’ is a gripping thriller that balances suspense, emotion, and subtle lessons about trust, control, and human resilience. It’s uncomfortable, yes, but in the best way. And maybe, this movie will make you think twice before inviting a stranger into your house the next time.

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Shaitaan

Director: Vikas Bahl

Cast: R Madhavan, Ajay Devgn, Janki Bodiwala

Duration: 2 hours 12 minutes

Year: 2024

Language: Hindi

Available on Netflix