In the theatrical realm, the cinematic creation “Shaitaan,” featuring the triumvirate of Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyotika, graced the silver screen on March 8, with aspirations to carve its name as a cinematic colossus. Anticipated initially to amass a commendable Rs 10.8 crore on its inaugural day, the film not only eclipsed these prognostications but transcended expectations with a stellar debut in the Indian market.
As per the meticulous observations of industry scrutineer Sacnilk, “Shaitaan” raked in an impressive Rs 14.5 crore on its premiere day in India. Guided under the directorial prowess of Vikas Bahl, this cinematic endeavor boasted a 25.70 percent occupancy rate in Hindi on the auspicious Friday premiere, with the enigmatic inclusion of Janki Bodiwala in a role of substantial consequence.
Astoundingly, the film has already distributed nearly 195,000 tickets, amassing a substantial Rs 4.90 crore on its sophomore day of release. In the current cinematic landscape, where competition is scant, “Shaitaan” shares its cinematic birthday with “Tera Kya Hoga Lovely,” headlined by Randeep Hooda and Ileana D’Cruz.
Noteworthy is the comparison with Ajay Devgn’s preceding cinematic venture, “Bholaa,” in collaboration with Tabu, which garnered Rs 11 crore on its inaugural day and proceeded to amass a grand total of Rs 90 crore. The inaugural-day pecuniary success of “Shaitaan” stands in league with the premiere of “Drishyam 2,” which accumulated Rs 15.38 crore. Despite a robust commencement, “Drishyam 2” ultimately reached the pinnacle of success, accumulating a staggering Rs 239 crore in the Indian market—a rare feat in the challenging landscape of Bollywood.
For R Madhavan, “Shaitaan” assumes a pivotal position, following a trajectory of variegated outcomes with recent ventures such as “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect” and “Dhokha Round D Corner.” While “Rocketry” embarked on a gradual ascent, commencing with a modest Rs 1.78 crore on its first day and culminating in a respectable Rs 34 crore over four weeks, “Dhokha Round D Corner” grappled with a tepid box office response, accumulating a modest total of Rs 3.25 crore. Madhavan also garnered attention for his contribution to the successful Netflix series “The Railway Men.”
Under the directorial baton of Vikas Bahl, “Shaitaan” weaves the narrative tapestry around Ajay Devgn’s character, whose familial tranquility faces upheaval at the hands of an enigmatic interloper during a vacation. “Shaitaan” garnered a spectrum of critical responses, as it delves into the dichotomy of hero versus villain dynamics, a facet many opine overshadows its supernatural elements, drawing inspiration from the Gujarati cinematic opus, “Vash.”