'Shaitan' is one of the most stimulating and intense films to come out of the Hindi film industry and Bejoy Nambiar is unquestionably one of the most alluring discoveries of the year. He is far superior to a lot of established film-makers in the business.
'Shaitan', is something the Indian audiences will experience for the first time. It emulates an actuality and the makers have tried to keep it as bona fide as possible, and it is this realism, edginess and awkwardness that stay with the spectator after the curtains fall. The fact that one feels distressed and distraught by the turn of incidents in the film only goes to prove that the writers [Megha Ramaswamy and Bejoy Nambiar] and director [Bejoy Nambiar] have done their jobs proficiently.
'Shaitan' narrates the story of five youngsters who are out to have an irresponsibly reckless escapade, but get involved in a botched crime. Also, there's talk that 'Shaitan' incorporates the infamous Adnan Patrawala kidnap-and-murder case in its plot, which isn't true at all. Sure, there's abduction and also a spate of murders, but it doesn't borrow from that episode in any way. The film drives home a reality that the youngsters are aggressive, sexual, brutal, edgy and well aware of everything happening around. They like to investigate the darker side and push the envelope till they can be brought in check by power and command.
Anurag Kashyap's films have often been labelled 'dark' and though we oppose this jargon, we do harmonize with the fact that his films have a certain constituent of wickedness and iniquity that 'Shaitan' also encompasses. What really makes 'Shaitan' stand out from films of its ilk is that it captures the pragmatism or matter-of-factness characteristic most compellingly. The circumstances in life when the inner demons come to the fore and people are forced to react in farthest method [violent, in most cases] have been depicted intelligibly and most eloquently. Also, what makes it all the more interesting is the fact that the film is very well shot -- the novel angles and high speed shots make it an exhilarating cinematic experience.
Watching 'Shaitan' is like experiencing a tasteful David Fincher movie that's set in our neighborhood and helmed by an Indian film-maker. First-time director Bejoy Nambiar marries form and content magnificently; it's wielded with technical fastidiousness, while the various pulse-pounding episodes lead to a striking culmination. It's without doubt an intelligent offering with a poignant insight into the lives of five youngsters. The beauty lies in the fact that Bejoy not only takes into custody the erratic behavior of the youngsters, but also attempts to delve into their psyche. Also, the film explores how the addictive world of drugs and alcohol is corrupting and devastating the youth, although it restricts itself from getting into the sermonizing mode. In fact, it's a manifestation of what's happening around us in the current scenario.
We'd like to make a special mention of the spectacular cinematography [Madhie], novel, hard-hitting and forceful dialogues [Abhijeet Deshpande] and marvellous background score [Ranjit Barot]. The chase sequence [Jaaved Ejaaz] towards the second hour specifically is simply remarkable. Ditto for the sound design [Kunal Sharma], which is top notch.
On the flip side, the first hour isn't as persuasive. Perhaps, the motive was to reserve the best for the second hour. Also, the Rajeev Khandelwal track -- his marriage is on the rocks -- looks like a forced and unnatural add-on in the scheme of things. Without beating around the bush, the narrative could've done without the scenes of marital discord. Also, with such hard-hitting, uncompromising and dynamic content, 'Shaitan' could've easily been a songless film, though the soundtrack is wonderful.
The beauty of the film is that there are no heroes in the conventional terms. The protagonists are all victims who face the consequences of their decisions and assessments. Also, 'Shaitan' has an ensemble cast and offers ample scope for each character to perform. Rajeev Khandelwal, playing a cop who's fighting his inner demons, nails the role, giving a tight, focused performance. Kalki is excellent. She's sure to wow and shock the audiences with her act. Neil Bhoopalam is first-rate. Especially towards the latter moments of the film. Shiv Pandit gives a good account of himself. Kirti Kulhari is super efficient. Gulshan Deviah is top notch. The peculiar behavior comes across very well in several sequences. Rajat Barmecha appears in an interesting cameo.
The supporting cast also delivers fine performances. Pavan Malhotra is first-rate. Rajit Kapur leaves an impression. Nikhil Chinappa is good. Rukhsar makes her presence felt. Rajkumar Yadav gets it right yet again.
On the whole, 'Shaitan' is bound to raise eyebrows thanks to its contemporary, thrilling, hard-hitting and forceful content. One of the most ingenious and entertaining thrillers we've seen in a long time. Also, it's one of the most stimulating and intense films to come out of the Hindi film industry.
