Ek Villain Returns is a 2022 Bollywood action thriller directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Ekta Kapoor, Bhushan Kumar, and Shobha Kapoor. It serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2014 hit film Ek Villain, though the storyline is different. The film stars John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, Disha Patani, and Tara Sutaria in lead roles.
With its mix of action, suspense, and dark romance, Ek Villain Returns attempts to recreate the magic of its predecessor while bringing a fresh narrative and new characters.
Plot Summary
The Serial Killer Mystery
The movie begins with a brutal murder spree in Mumbai, where an unknown killer targets wealthy individuals who reject one-sided lovers. The media names him the “villain” of unrequited love, and the police struggle to track him down.
Gautam and Aarvi – A Toxic Love Story
Gautam Mehra (Arjun Kapoor) is a rich, arrogant brat who enjoys controversy. He is known for his reckless behavior and aggressive nature. His life takes a turn when he meets Aarvi (Tara Sutaria), a struggling singer and social media star.
Despite their love-hate relationship, Gautam and Aarvi grow closer. However, a shocking twist reveals that Aarvi goes missing, and Gautam becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance.
Bhairav and Rasika – A Dangerous Love Affair
Bhairav Purohit (John Abraham) is a cab driver with a dark side. He appears as a simple and hardworking man but has a sinister secret. He falls in love with Rasika (Disha Patani), a manipulative saleswoman. However, their love story turns deadly as jealousy and obsession lead to shocking revelations.
Villains and Victims – A Twisted Game
As the police investigate the murder cases, the film unravels the mystery behind who is the real villain. The narrative switches between past and present, showing how Gautam and Bhairav’s paths intersect in a brutal fight for survival.
The film keeps the audience guessing until the final revelation, where the true villain emerges in an unexpected twist.
Acting Performances
John Abraham as Bhairav Purohit
John Abraham delivers a powerful performance as a layered character. His portrayal of a complex, silent, and dangerous man adds depth to the film. His action sequences are well-executed, making him a fearsome and intense presence on screen.
Arjun Kapoor as Gautam Mehra
Arjun Kapoor does a decent job as an arrogant yet misunderstood character. His transition from a self-absorbed brat to a desperate lover is engaging, though his performance lacks the depth needed for an intense thriller.
Disha Patani as Rasika
Disha Patani plays the role of a bold and unpredictable woman. Her character is mysterious and seductive, but she lacks strong emotional depth. However, she impresses in some intense moments.
Tara Sutaria as Aarvi
Tara Sutaria’s character is ambitious and confident, but her role feels underdeveloped. She does well in the romantic scenes, but her emotional moments don’t leave a lasting impact.
Direction and Storytelling
Mohit Suri’s Direction
Mohit Suri, known for dark thrillers and intense romances, tries to create a suspenseful narrative with emotional depth. However, the film lacks the emotional intensity and psychological depth of its predecessor.
A Predictable Yet Engaging Narrative
While the concept is intriguing, the execution feels inconsistent. Some twists are predictable, but the film keeps the audience engaged with its fast-paced action and stylish visuals.
Cinematography and Action Sequences
Stylish Visuals and Dark Aesthetic
The film’s dark and moody cinematography complements its thriller tone. The use of shadows and neon lighting adds a stylish touch, making the film visually appealing.
Action-Packed Sequences
The high-octane fight scenes and chase sequences are well-shot. John Abraham and Arjun Kapoor’s intense action moments add to the excitement.
Music and Background Score
Popular Songs
- “Galliyan Returns” – A reimagined version of the hit song from Ek Villain, bringing back nostalgia.
- “Dil” – A romantic track that highlights the emotional struggles of the characters.
- “Shaamat” – A dark and intense song that adds to the thriller atmosphere.
Impactful Background Score
The background score by Raju Singh enhances the film’s suspense and action sequences, keeping the audience engaged.
Pacing and Screenplay
The film has a fast-paced narrative, but some portions feel rushed and underdeveloped. The romantic tracks slow down the momentum, making the second half less effective.
Box Office Performance
- Opening Day Collection: ₹7 crore
- First Weekend Collection: ₹23 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹41 crore (India)
Despite strong promotions and an interesting premise, the film failed to match the success of the original Ek Villain.
Impact and Legacy
While Ek Villain Returns tries to recreate the success of the first film, it falls short in terms of emotional impact and storytelling depth. However, it still delivers a watchable thriller with stylish action and intriguing twists.
Verdict
Ek Villain Returns is a stylish thriller with action, suspense, and romance. While it doesn’t match the intensity and emotional depth of Ek Villain, it still offers an engaging experience for action-thriller fans.
Pros:
- Stylish visuals and dark aesthetics
- John Abraham’s intense performance
- Engaging action sequences
- Twists and suspense elements
Cons:
- Weak emotional depth
- Predictable storyline
- Underdeveloped female characters
- Inconsistent pacing
Final Rating: 3/5
Ek Villain Returns is a decent action thriller with stylish elements, but it lacks the impact of its predecessor.
