Simply A Masterpiece

Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Anurag Kashyap is one filmmaker who often makes films which are ahead of their times, expletive yet with substance Shaitan(2011) is one of the most intense films to come on screen. The basic plot may remind you of KHILADI(1992), KHEL KHEL MEIn(1975) but the way the story unfolds you realise there is much more to the film.The film does take some time to geer in but the twist in the tale is well handled and thereon the film keeps you on the edge. The change of events and the manner in which things go about is superb. One flaw perhaps is the forced marriage on the rocks of Rajeev Khandelwal which adds nothing to the film, Also certain elements are a bit exaggerated at times. There are several thrilling scenes in the film and one is not able to guess what is in store next, take for e.g. the murders and the sudden change of events.Direction by Bejoy Nambiar is awesome Music is good too, especially the remixed version of Khoya Khoya Chand which is picturised superbly though it would be better if the film was songless. Camera-work is uniqueAmongst the starcast Mostly consisting of newcomers, TV veejays and some talented actors most deliver a brilliant performance Kalki as always does a good job though now she is typecast in such roles yet she is phenomenal towards the climax especially. Gulshan Devaiya seen in Dumb MARO Dumb in a small role is excellent, Shiv Pandit is superb Neil Bhoopalam who was last seen in No One Killed Jessica is fabulous Kirti Kulhari looks great and acts well Vj Nikhil Chinnapa does a superb job, Rajeev Khandelwal again proves his talent after AAMIR and SOUNDTRACK. He is astounding Rajkumar Yadav is fantastic, Rajat Bharmecha last seen in UDAAN is sort of wasted in a cameo role but does well Imran Rasheed is adequate Pawan Malhotra, Rajit Kapur give brilliant performances as usual Ruksaar gives a decent performance in a small role

Debutant director Bijoy Nambiar bravely treads a path that other debutant Hindi film directors steer clear of. Shot with style, 'Shaitan' is dark and twisted. Even though the story elements such as reckless teens causing a fatal road accident and teens staging their own kidnapping may have been used many times before in Hindi films. But, 'Shaitan' combines these with other story elements and does it with more grit and is given a unique treatment.The visuals look raw. The solid screenplay, sound effects and editing, the score which freshly and comically tributes many classic Hindi songs, the excellently choreographed action scenes and chase sequences create a tense atmosphere but one that is full of energy and adrenaline. Once the film gets going, especially after the accident sequence, there's always something happening on screen.Of the five actors who play the wild young friends, Kalki Koechlin stands out as the traumatized, disturbed and insensitive Amy. Rajeev Khandelwal is terrific as the no-nonsense copper determined to find Amy. Rajit Kapur and Pavan Malhotra provide great support. Rajat Barmecha makes a funny appearance.To say the least, 'Shaitan' is refreshing, dark, funny, gritty, gory and wicked. Anurag Kashyap has done it again and Bijoy Nambiar seems to be among the promising new directors of today.

The film is about a bunch of kids(as they are supposed to be attending schools) who are rich and carry a devil-may-care attitude. A 'rebel without a clue', 'KC' ,who has a rich god-fearing dad, doesn't mind stealing his mom's jewellery when he and his friends are in trouble and need money. Amy an NRI joins the 'gang' later ,has a destructive mentality because she lost her mother at an early age and holds everyone in her family responsible for that. Tanya,a forced model who does a saree ad because her sister wants her to. Dash is the guy we know least about and 'Zubin' played by Neil bhoopalam an ex channel 'v' video jockey a gadget geek who sheepishly smiles when he gets caught by his mom giving himself a hand-job and finally Rajeev Khandelwal as Inspector Mathur who impresses again as 'tough as nail' cop who would rather kick an auto-driver than arguing when he refuses to go to a certain place .First time director Bejoy seems to have done his homework well and impresses with innovative camera techniques. proves his talent with a strong grip over the performances, camera angles and presentation of the movie. He shows a remarkable sense of shooting tense sequencs and action packed chases with interesting musical tracks being played in the background. There's a shot through a beer bottle during a song and the introduction of Insepector Mathur which is done in POV camera style. The story has nothing new to offer but when a filmmaker like Anurag Kashyap is involved even if only as a producer, he makes sure we get nothing but the best. Producer Anurag kashyap is a prolific director himself and some of the scenes in the film seem like they've been lifted straight from his previous films. He has his own unique style of storytelling which keeps you hooked till the very end. The movie is a cinematic achievement and is a must watch for every cinema lover.'Shaitan' scores some extra points when it shows some real gory and bloody scenes and creates a feeling of horror in the viewer who by so far was enjoying good music and trying to relive his own college days by watching the gang's juvenile antics. This film does, what 'Dil chahta hai' and 'Rang de basanti' did for the decade just went by,which is, showing another facade of the youth which can be all fun-loving at times but has the potential for being the most turbulent when its expected to be at its best.The other worth mentioning merit of the movie apart from its impressive treatment and striking Cinematography, is its interesting Soundtrack including the background score. Although the film should have been a song less thriller, but still the intelligent use of the songs in the backdrop add a different perspective in its narration which really works.The movie however isn't free of some faults. The storyline has nothing we haven't seen or the length of the mvovie could be less by at least 15 minutes. But nevertheless the fast paced action, the haunting music, Rajeev Khandelwal's grit and Kalki's neurotic expressions when she is high, makes you want to forgive all the negative aspects of the movie and makes you an instant fan. Remarkable scenes :- the accident scene(of course), the crashing of the beer bottle and a TV set, by KC and Dash respectively, on the heads of two guys who were 'teasing' and 'more than teasing' their girls, Khoya Khoya Chand(thats already a rage), the shot where Inspector Arvind Mathur flashes from behind a bed and kills a junkie(though you can't possibly save yourself from machine gun fires with a mattress) and Amy's hallucinations of her mom when she is high in the 'Church' (thats Anurag Kashyap).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(Udaan) appears in an interesting cameo.The supporting cast also delivers fine performances. Pavan Malhotra is first-rate. Rajit Kapur leaves an impression. Nikhil Chinnappa is good. Rukhsar makes her presence felt. Rajkumar Yadav gets it right yet again.Watch the movie for the brilliant camera work, indeed. Cinematography. The music, especially Bali and Fareeda. The acting – all of the actors have done a very very good job, but special credits to Rajeev Khandelwal and Kalki.

This thriller is shot stylishly and débutante director Bejoy Nambiar has crafted some stunning visuals that break the norms of conventional cinema and sets a narrative that is very much a new age bold cinema, a far cry from run of the mill. Camera-work and action sequences need special mention. It is offbeat, unconventional and has a pace … yes but the overall result looks like a half baked product. The reason- the film has no clear motive, thus narrative suffers after a point. The statement of filmmaker is not very clear therefore the characterization is incoherent. The film has its interesting moments & there are some fine performances also but the film culminates to a climax which is obscure. Overall, Average.