‘Shaitaan’ Box Office Day 1: Ajay Devgn’s Film Starts Off with Rs. 14 Crore

In the realm of Indian cinema, the buzz around new releases is always palpable, especially when it involves iconic actors like Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyothika. The latest film to hit the screens, ‘Shaitaan’, has indeed sparked significant interest among audiences and critics alike. The film was released on March 8, 2024, ‘Shaitaan’ has opened to a decent collection of Rs 14.50 crore on its first day at the box office.

 The Story of ‘Shaitaan

‘Shaitaan’ is a remake of the popular Gujarati film ‘Vash’, It is known for its gripping narrative and intense portrayal of black magic. The film takes the audience on a thrilling journey into the world of mysticism and dark forces. Directed by Vikas Bahl, ‘Shaitaan’ promises to be a gripping tale that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Screenwriter Aamil Keeyan Khan, who garnered acclaim for his tight script in ‘Drishyam 2’, fails to impress with his latest effort, ‘Shaitaan’. The film’s lackluster script suggests either a misjudgment of the audience’s intelligence or a lack of effort in fleshing out details.

The first half of ‘Shaitaan’ succeeds in building tension as the mysterious invader, who refers to himself as the ‘bhagwan’, poses a threat. However, the portrayal of ‘shaitaan’ by R Madhavan in the second half comes across as gimmicky, attempting to simply scare the audience. His appearance, reminiscent of characters from old Naagin films, and the exaggerated ritual scene only serve to exacerbate the film’s shortcomings.

In terms of performances, R Madhavan shines in ‘Shaitaan’. Despite being remembered for his role as Maddy in ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’, he delivers a natural performance as the devilish character. His casual demeanor and unpredictable actions make his character more menacing. However, the decision to have him sporadically switch to English mid-dialogue feels unnecessary.

Ajay Devgn, on the other hand, has moments where you expect him to take charge but is often relegated to the role of a helpless father. It’s only towards the climax that he truly shines. Devgn deserves credit for choosing unconventional films and roles befitting his age. However, the last scene feels forced, serving as a platform for an emotional monologue from Ajay.

The female leads, particularly Jyotika, stand out in ‘Shaitaan’. Jyotika delivers a powerful performance, effectively portraying the anguish of a mother watching her daughter slip away. Janki Bodiwala, reprising her role from the original Gujarati film ‘Vash’, also manages to evoke sympathy in her portrayal of the young girl.

There are moments in ‘Shaitaan’ that effectively create an eerie atmosphere, such as when Janki’s character is forced to mimic a child’s laughter and tears by Madhavan’s character. Additionally, the scene where Vanraj offers Jhanvi the curse-laced sweet is reminiscent of childhood warnings about accepting food from strangers. The film also earns praise for addressing body shaming, with Kabir’s (Devgn) young son reprimanding his father for such behavior.

Watch the trailer here:

 CBFC Rating and Changes

Before its release, ‘Shaitaan’ underwent scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and was granted a U/A rating, indicating that the film is suitable for audiences above the age of 12. However, the CBFC did request several changes, including the addition of a voiceover disclaimer stating that the film does not endorse black magic. Additionally, certain scenes depicting graphic content were toned down to adhere to the board’s guidelines.

 Box Office Performance and Expectations

Despite the challenges posed by the CBFC’s recommendations, ‘Shaitaan’ has managed to make a strong impact at the box office. With an opening collection of Rs 14.50 crore, the film has shown promise and is expected to perform well over the weekend. The film’s overall occupancy rate of 25.70% in the Hindi belt indicates a favorable response from the audience.

 Future Prospects and Audience Reception

As ‘Shaitaan’ continues its theatrical run, it is poised to attract a wide audience, thanks to its star-studded cast and intriguing storyline. With Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyothika in pivotal roles, the film has already generated significant buzz in the industry. The positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim are expected to further boost its box office performance in the coming days.

‘Shaitaan’ has made a strong start at the box office, thanks to its engaging storyline and stellar performances. As the film continues to captivate audiences, it is likely to emerge as a significant success in the Indian film industry. With its unique premise and talented cast, ‘Shaitaan’ is a must-watch for all cinema lovers.

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