The film sadly is never greater than the sum of its parts. The makers exploit more than a few age-old superstitions associated with witches, but have nothing particularly new or important to say. It nicely builds up intrigue, but leaves you wanting more in the end.
Critic Score: 2/5

This film is far ahead of any of the recent horror films that you have watched. Watch it especially for the performances.
Critic Score: 4/5

Woven beautifully between the world of magic, occult and suspense, Ek Thi Daayan, makes for compulsive viewing, providing some spine-chilling thrills at short gaps. The narrative in the first half is almost faultless. But just when you start to relax and flow with the emotions, along comes a scary twist that jolts you back to the edge of your seat. The climax is a bit stereotype of horror/supernatural thrillers but that's a minor hiccup in an otherwise cleverly done film of this genre. Note: You may not like the film if transcendental stuff doesn't move you.
Critic Score: 3.5/5

This is the sort of creep-fest which is better creating an uneasy buildup than at actually scaring the pants off you, and perhaps it should have stayed goosepimply instead of going for the jugular. Ek Thi Daayan isn't a truly scary film -- though it will provoke nightmares in the young, and I strongly recommend all parents keep their children away from this one. Ek Thi Daayan, therefore, isn't the scariest of horror films. It is, though, smartly crafted, highly original in its approach and a strikingly ambitious effort for the genre. The end is a let-down, but the film remains a fine directorial debut for Iyer.
Critic Score: 3/5

Beginning a fresh trend in horror films, it disappoints solely for its inability to deliver innovation as promised. It is indeed watchable, but only for its first part. However, do not go with heightened expectations presuming a classic, since the second half might dampen your spirits!
Critic Score: 3/5

Overall, the film hasn’t been able to live up to the hype that had been created all along. Technically, it may score, but in terms of content, ‘Ek Thi Daayan’ is way too somber. You may watch the film for the fine show put up by the actors.
Critic Score: 3/5

Despite some stellar performances and an imaginative story, the lack of technical finesse ruins this supernatural thriller.The narrative falters and fumbles, and swiftly concludes into a senseless war of the good and the bad, with action sequences staged that remind you of a bad school play. This is a classic example of how what could’ve appeared incredible on paper, was lost in translation. ‘Ek Thi Daayan’, despite its many flaws, is endurable because of some fine performances. A tighter non-musical edit and more funds for a technical jazz-up would’ve gone a long way in creating havoc.

Ek Thi Dayaan is a solid debut that works because of its stellar ensemble and some really scary moments in a gripping first half.
Critic Score: 3/5