Starring: Rishi, Shelly, Ravi Kale, Deviyani, Jaffer Sadiq, Lenaa, Nithin Prasanna, Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Manikandan, Ravi Kumar, Aneesha Dama, Sanjay Krishna
Director: Mahi V Raghav
Producers: Mahi V Raghav, Chinna Vasudeva Reddy
Music Directors: Sriram Maddury
“Shaitan,” a crime web series directed by Mahi V Raghav, known for the film “Yatra,” is now available for streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar. Starring Rishi, Shelly, Ravi Kale, Deviyani, and Jaffer Sadiq in crucial roles, the show takes place in Madanapalle and delves into themes of gross injustice, Naxalites, and their clash with the Police department. Let’s explore how this series fares.
Story:
The series revolves around the life of Savitri (Shelly), a single mother of three children: Baali (Rishi), Jayaprada (Deviyani), and Gumthi (Jaffer Sadiq). Savitri faces societal judgment as she chooses to engage in a corrupt relationship with a policeman to provide for her children. Circumstances lead Baali to become involved in criminal activities, ultimately joining the Naxalites. Meanwhile, Baali’s family is determined to do whatever it takes to survive. The story primarily focuses on how Baali’s transformation into a Naxalite affects his family.
Positive Aspects:
While the storyline may not be entirely novel, the series succeeds in creating a watchable experience through its gritty backdrop. Initially, it effectively portrays the atrocities faced by the family, allowing viewers to empathize with the characters. “Shaitan” aptly encapsulates its tagline, “You call it a crime, they call it survival.” The evolution of Baali’s character into a criminal is presented in a well-executed manner.
Rishi delivers a stellar performance as Baali, capturing the essence of the character flawlessly. The young Kannada actor impresses with his intensity in action sequences and skillfully portrays the diverse range of emotions inherent to Baali. Ravi Kale also shines in a significant role, displaying his acting prowess.
Supporting cast members such as Shelly, Deviyani, Jaffer Sadiq, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla do justice to their respective roles. The series becomes more intriguing in its final episodes, effectively highlighting elements such as fake encounters, societal injustice, and the objectification of women. Some hard-hitting dialogues further add depth to the narrative.
Negative Aspects:
While the series revolves around the Naxalite backdrop, it focuses primarily on the conflict between the Police and the Naxals. Unfortunately, there is minimal exploration of the Naxals’ ideology and their underlying principles. “Shaitan” falls into the same category, lacking significant scenes that shed light on their agenda. Given the central theme, more emphasis on their purpose and goals would have been beneficial.
Baali’s journey as a Naxalite is rushed, with little development shown. He quickly attempts to eliminate a high-profile figure and ends up in jail, leaving his growth as a character largely unexplored. Predictability becomes an issue as the series progresses, with many scenes becoming easily foreseeable.
The creators have stated that the series includes a significant amount of violence and profanity. Consequently, “Shaitan” can be seen as a mini-version of “Mirzapur,” appealing to a narrower section of the audience. At times, it feels as though the inclusion of explicit language is deliberate, aiming to provide a bold touch to the show.
Verdict:
Overall, “Shaitan” is a crime series that has its strengths and weaknesses. It succeeds in certain aspects, such as its realistic backdrop, commendable performances, and gripping final episodes. However, the show tends to be highly predictable throughout and lacks depth in some crucial elements. Its similarity to “Mirzapur” might deter a specific audience segment. Ultimately, “Shaitan” can be considered an average watch for crime saga enthusiasts, offering both enjoyable and lackluster moments.