Ajay Devgn’s latest movie, Shaitaan, hit the theatres on March 8, 2024. Since its release, the supernatural thriller has been getting rave reviews. It is an official remake of the Gujarati film, Vash, released in 2023. The cast includes Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Jyothika, Janki Bodiwala & Angaad Raaj. Janki Bodiwala was also part of the original movie.
Shaitaan is directed by Vikas Bahl and produced by Panorama Studios & Jio Studios. The film’s acting, storytelling, and stunning visuals have gotten significant attention. The audience and the critics have praised the film, especially for the ending.
Shaitaan traces the story of a family engulfed in black magic. Kabir and Jyoti, along with their children, Dhruv and Janvi, arrive at their farmhouse for a vacation when they meet Vanraj, a charming yet cunning man. Vanraj soon infiltrates into their house and starts controlling Janvi. The film explores how Janvi is freed from the clutches of Vanraj.
While Shaitaan maintains its theatrical run, here are five famous supernatural thrillers Bollywood has produced in recent years.
1. Stree
In 2018, the horror-comedy Stree captivated audiences with its blend of laughter and spine-chilling thrills. Set in the quaint town of Chanderi, the film spins around the local legend of a vengeful spirit, Stree, who preys on lone men wandering the streets at night. The film stars Rajkumar Rao, Aparshakti Khurrana, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi in the lead.
At the center is a tailor, portrayed by Rajkummar Rao, whose sole desire is to tie the knot. Amid a bustling town fair, he crosses paths with a mysterious young woman who emerges only under the moon’s gaze. Intrigued by her enigmatic allure, he embarks on a bizarre journey as per her orders, fetching peculiar items like lizard tails and feline fur.
2. Bulbbul
Set in the 1880s, the period horror film Bulbbul emerges as a striking interpretation of the genre in Bollywood. Just like Shaitaan, it delves into the rich tapestry of Indian folklore. At its core lies the haunting legend of the chudail or daayan, a spectral entity born from the ashes of women subjected to violent ends. It echoes the grim realities women face in India through such myths. Alongside Tripti Dimri, Bulbbul features Parambrata Chatterjee, Paoli Dam, Rahul Bose, and Avinash Tiwary.
Tripti Dimri leads the cast as the young bride of a feudal lord. In the intricate webs of patriarchy, she unravels the whispers of a malevolent force lurking in the shadows, preying on the men of her community.
3. Pari
Featuring Anushka Sharma, one of Bollywood’s leading actresses, Pari garnered widespread acclaim for its fresh approach to Indian horror. Sharma takes center stage as a woman shrouded in mystery, rescued from harrowing circumstances by Arnab, portrayed by Parambrata Chatterjee. Their romance takes a chilling turn as Sharma’s character harbors a supernatural secret, drawing the couple into the crosshairs of a clandestine cult.
Drawing inspiration from Bangladeshi cultural myths rarely explored in cinema, Pari ventures into uncharted territory within the Indian horror landscape. With echoes of supernatural thrillers in Hollywood, the film weaves a riveting narrative filled with secret societies and a relentless pursuit akin to hunting an anti-Christ figure.
4. Bhool Bhulaiyya
Bhool Bhulaiyaa is a horror-comedy classic, starring Akshay Kumar. Like Shaitaan, it delivers a captivating and distinct take on the genre. The film expertly weaves elements of suspense and humor against a rich backdrop that juxtaposes traditional superstitions with modern solutions. The cast also features Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal, Shiny Ahuja, and Ameesha Patel.
The story unfolds as a young heir returns to his ancestral home from abroad, with his newly wedded wife. It stirs familial tensions as they choose to reside in the long-abandoned family mansion, rumored to be haunted. As renovations commence, eerie incidents plague the household. This prompts the summoning of Kumar’s character, an eccentric psychologist and paranormal investigator, to untangle the mysteries surrounding the estate.
5. Ek Thi Daayan
Much like Shaitaan, Ek Thi Daayan offers a richly immersive viewing experience. It depicts buildings as hosts of supernatural entities, including the chilling concept of elevators to hell. At its core is the charming Bobo, played by Emraan Hashmi, who is tormented by haunting visions of his deceased sister from childhood. During a therapy session, a disturbing memory resurfaces, unveiling a realm where daayans and demons lurk in the shadows.
Ek Thi Daayan also stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Huma Qureshi and Kalki Koechlin. With its intricate plot, the film welcomes viewers to a world where reality and nightmares collide, delivering a thrilling cinematic experience.
