One of the highly awaited cinematic offerings of the year, 'Shaitaan', featuring the stellar ensemble cast of Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyothika, made a commendable debut at the box office. Entering the theaters with much fanfare on March 8, the film managed to amass an impressive sum of Rs 14.50 crore on its opening day.
While the official box office figures are yet to be disclosed, industry pundits anticipate a steady rise in the film's earnings over the forthcoming weekend. Notably, 'Shaitaan' recorded an overall occupancy rate of 25.70% across Hindi-speaking regions.
A retelling of the acclaimed Gujarati film 'Vash', 'Shaitaan' underwent scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ahead of its release. Consequently, the film was awarded a U/A rating, accompanied by specific directives for alterations. Notably, the film's trailer hinted at its thematic focus on black magic, prompting the CBFC to insist on the inclusion of a voiceover disclaimer, disavowing any endorsement of such practices. Director Vikas Bahl was also tasked with substituting a profane term with a sound effect.
Furthermore, a particular sequence in 'Shaitaan' warranted a 25% reduction in graphic imagery portraying blood dripping from the mouth, as per the CBFC's recommendation. Additionally, the film has been mandated to incorporate a message regarding responsible alcohol consumption, resulting in a final runtime of 132 minutes.
Jointly presented by Jio Studios, Devgn Films, and Panorama Studios, 'Shaitaan' bears the imprimatur of producers Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak. The film, helmed by Vikas Bahl, made its theatrical debut on March 8, 2024.
