The Gujarati supernatural horror thriller Vash, helmed by Krishnadev Yagnik and serving as the source material for the recent Hindi film Shaitaan, is set to make its debut on OTT platforms. Initially released in theaters in February 2023, the film’s streaming release was delayed due to negotiations between the Shaitaan team and Shemaroo, the rights holder, to ensure it followed the Hindi version’s theatrical run.
Shaitaan OTT
With Shaitaan’s theatrical run nearing its end, particularly in select cities, the original Vash is finally poised for its OTT premiere. ShemarooMe announced the arrival of the Gujarati thriller, stating, “The story that inspired a Bollywood blockbuster is coming to haunt you.” Audiences can experience the original narrative when Vash premieres on April 26.
Reports from May last year indicated that the makers of Shaitaan successfully negotiated a deal with the Vash team and Shemaroo to postpone any streaming plans. This agreement went so far as to restrict the original film from being available on platforms like YouTube to prevent viewers from accessing it. Interestingly, similar strategies have been employed in the past, such as the removal of copies of the Kannada original Ugramm by the makers of last year’s Telugu film Salaar.
Vash Cast
Vash boasts a talented cast including Hitu Kanodia, Niilam Paanchal, Hiten Kumar, Janki Bodiwala, and Aaryan Sanghvi. The story follows Atharva (played by Hitu), his wife Beena (Niilam), and their children Aarya and Ansh (portrayed by Janki and Aaryan), who encounter chilling supernatural phenomena after encountering a stranger named Pratap (Hiten). Initially offering assistance, Pratap’s true intentions turn out to be malevolent.
In the Hindi adaptation, Ajay Devgn steps into Hitu’s shoes, with Jyotika making her return to Hindi cinema as his wife. Janki Bodiwala reprises her role from the original. Unlike its source material, the Hindi version of the film received a mixed response from critics, though it still found success at the box office. Shaitaan will be available for streaming on Netflix upon its release.