Ek Villain Returns movie review: Failed to match the level of 1st part
The sequel, “Ek Villain Returns,” which was released eight years after the first, gives a new spin on the idea that “every narrative has a villain.” This time, the plot broadens its scope by featuring two male characters who alternate between being heroes and villains, one of whom is disguised while the other is attempting to reveal his true identity. This notion that everyone possesses both heroic and villainous traits, with which one emerges as the dominant force depending on the circumstances, may have some merit. However, a convoluted storyline and unimpressive acting do not constitute a good movie. In contrast, the average “Ek Villain,” starring Siddharth Malhotra, Riteish Deshmukh, and Shraddha Kapoor, seems to be a better movie.
A poor story alone does not produce a lousy movie. In the case of Ek Villain Returns, a lot more factors had a role in the outcome. Slow writing, careless directing, undeveloped characters, and thoughtless plot twists combined to transform what should have been an exciting thriller into a fairly dull movie.
Additionally, four actors who were so horribly squandered are present. No quartet could salvage Ek Villain Returns despite two macho actors (John Abraham and Arjun Kapoor) putting up their best action-hero personas and two attractive actresses (Disha Patani and Tara Sutaria) working hard to make sense of their characters.
Riteish Deshmukh is much missed in this scene as a serial murderer is viciously murdering young females who have twisted love stories. Aarvi (Sutaria), who we typically see singing on stage at outdoor theatre events, and Gautam (Kapoor), a wealthy, spoiled brat, are involved in a love-hate relationship. Cut to intense, reclusive cab driver Bhairav (Abraham) falling for Rasika (Patani), a luxury shop salesperson with a penchant for worldly luxuries. After a while, Kapoor and Abraham are both shown as betrayed lovers and begin acting strangely. However, it is still unclear who the serial murderer, the villain, or the hero is at this point. The yellow mask is back, but it takes a very long time to figure out who is wearing it.
We are still being given the story of how Gautam and Aarvi met, fell in love, got vengeance, fell in love once again, split up, and other events thirty minutes into the movie. The narrative still isn’t entirely clear. We never witness anything beyond Bhairav’s obsession with Rasika and his constant requests for ‘ratings’ throughout his cab journeys.
Thankfully, the movie only lasts about 128 minutes, but no matter how many hours you spend watching the plot develop, all you want is for it to get moving and explain what truly occurred. Additionally, the non-linear storyline falls short since these individuals’ appearances barely vary. Consequently, it just becomes more perplexing with each flashback.
Sutaria and Patani didn’t exactly deliver the performances I was hoping for since they were just utilised as props to set the narrative and direct the behaviour of the men in their lives. Their narrative never truly develops. You have a headache and are annoyed by Patani’s weird chuckling. Sutaria makes an effort, but she is only able to accomplish what the screenplay requires of her. Not to mention that Teri Galliyan, a soulful song, is included again in Galliyan Returns and plays in the background throughout the whole movie. The remainder of the record is merely forgettable and in no way meets the standards.
