After having directed the dystopian action film, Ganapath: A Hero is Born, Vikas Bahl has directed a remake of the 2023 Gujarati film Vash – Shaitaan (Devil). A supernatural horror film, it stars Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Jyothika, Anngad Raaj and Janki Bodiwala; and has been produced by Devgn Films, Jio Studios and Panorama Studios.
At a rating of Number 2 film on Netflix, this big-budget film was shot in Mussoorie, London and India. The film revolves around a family’s getaway when an intruder possesses a teen daughter’s body, putting her at the mercy of his increasingly sinister commands. The movie has been written by Aamil Keeyan Khan who is well known for having also written the 2023 action-thriller Bholaa.
The film follows the story of a Chartered Accountant – Kabir Rishi and his wife Jyoti who reside in Dehradun with their kids, Jahnvi and Dhruv. On a short vacation to their family farmhouse on a remote hill station, they meet a very enigmatic man, Vanraj Kashyap. Seeming to have mastered black magic, Vanraj offers Kabir’s daughter a laddoo after which she feels compelled to obey every command of Vanraj just like a puppet. (This was just at a stop they made to use the restroom and have some tea.)
Moreover, even after reaching the farmhouse, Vanraj somehow appears to have reached that location, saying his phone battery had died and needed to charge it. After this, a series of bloody events take over and Janhvi starts to do strange and cruel things, such as hitting herself, eating dry tea leaves, and attacking her brother.
A great psychological thriller, there are stellar performances by the actors and an excellent narrative. All performances are commendable, especially the roles of Ajay, Madhavan, Janki Bodiwala, Anngad Raaj and Jyothika.
