"Shaitaan(2024)" disappoints with its lackluster execution and clichéd scares. Despite promising beginnings, the film quickly descends into a predictable series of horror tropes, relying heavily on jump scares and graphic violence to elicit cheap thrills. Director Aryan Gupta fails to deliver on the atmospheric tension teased in the opening scenes, instead opting for a formulaic approach that feels tired and uninspired.
The performances, while competent, struggle to elevate the material beyond its derivative script. Rajat Kapoor’s portrayal of a tormented protagonist lacks depth, with the character feeling more like a caricature of horror clichés than a fleshed-out individual. Similarly, the supporting cast fails to leave a lasting impression, their characters serving as little more than disposable victims for the film’s myriad of supernatural threats.
Visually, "Shaitaan" fails to capitalize on its potential, with lackluster cinematography that fails to evoke the eerie atmosphere promised by its premise. The film’s reliance on excessive gore and gratuitous violence further detracts from any semblance of genuine terror, instead feeling gratuitous and exploitative.
Overall, "Shaitaan(2024)" falls short of its ambitions, delivering a forgettable horror experience that fails to leave a lasting impression. With its tired tropes and lackluster execution, this film is best avoided by those seeking genuine scares and innovative storytelling.