Ek Villain Returns, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2014 film Ek Villain, arrives with high expectations. However, this Mohit Suri-directed action film falls short of its potential, leaving audiences confused and dissatisfied. With sluggish writing, lazy direction, underdeveloped characters, and mindless twists, Ek Villain Returns fails to captivate and falls flat as a thriller.
Table of Contents
Confusing Plot and Lack of Clarity
From the beginning, the film struggles to establish a clear plot. The story revolves around a serial killer who targets young girls involved in twisted love stories.
Unfortunately, the narrative fails to provide a coherent explanation for the characters’ actions and motivations. The jilted lovers, Gautam (Arjun Kapoor) and Bhairav (John Abraham), are presented in perplexing ways, making it difficult for viewers to determine who the hero or villain truly is. The reveal of the person behind the yellow mask is needlessly delayed, leaving audiences waiting for answers that take far too long to arrive.
Pacing and Non-linear Storytelling
With a runtime of 128 minutes, Ek Villain Returns is not overly long. However, the film feels dragged out due to its slow pace and failure to pick up momentum.
The non-linear storytelling adds to the confusion, as the characters’ appearances do not significantly differ in various flashbacks. This lack of visual distinction only serves to further complicate an already convoluted narrative, leaving viewers yearning for a clearer and more engaging storyline.
Underutilized Cast
Despite a talented ensemble cast, Ek Villain Returns fails to make the most of its actors’ abilities. Disha Patani and Tara Sutaria, playing the female leads, are relegated to supporting roles, merely serving as props for the male characters’ motivations. Their characters lack depth and development, limiting their performances.
Patani’s eerie laughter becomes more of an annoyance than an asset to the film. While Sutaria tries her best, the script fails to provide her with the opportunity to shine.
John Abraham’s casting comes as a surprise, as his potential remains largely untapped. He is confined to a limited role that restricts him from showcasing his true talent.
Arjun Kapoor, on the other hand, manages to deliver a commendable performance, bringing depth to his character and providing some relatability. The supporting cast, including JD Chakravarthy and Shaad Ali as the cops, is given minimal screen time and fails to make a lasting impact.
Soundtrack and Overall Experience
The film’s soundtrack is disappointing, with only the reprised version of “Teri Galliyan” managing to make an impression. The rest of the album is forgettable and fails to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor.
By the end of the film, it becomes evident that Ek Villain Returns falls short of its potential. It pales in comparison to the original and leaves audiences wishing that this villain had not returned at all.
In today’s era, where audiences demand engaging and thought-provoking cinema, this film disappoints with its reliance on mindless action and convoluted storytelling. If you are a fan of massy cinema that requires you to leave your brain at home, then this might be for you. However, for those seeking a well-crafted and compelling thriller, Ek Villain Returns fails to deliver.
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Conclusion
Ek Villain Returns, with its confusing plot, lack of clarity, and underutilized cast, is a disappointing sequel that fails to live up to expectations. The film suffers from sluggish writing, lazy direction, and mindless twists, making it a rather boring watch.
While Arjun Kapoor manages to shine amidst the chaos, the rest of the cast is wasted in poorly developed roles.
Overall, Ek Villain Returns falls short of being a nail-biting thriller and leaves audiences longing for a more engaging and coherent cinematic experience.
