Ek Villain Returns review: Bizarre plot, lacklustre performances weigh down this sequel

Filmmaker Mohit Suri's Ek Villain (2014), which starred Riteish Deshmukh, Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor, was a success at the box office, although critics weren't overly impressed. But the action thriller seems like a classic in comparison to its sequel, Ek Villain Returns, also helmed by Suri. 

In fact, this film is almost on par with the atrocious Satyameva Jayate 2 (2021), which was also backed by Ek Villain Returns's production house, T-Series. 

One of the biggest flaws of the film is the plot, which is difficult to fathom. The story starts with a killer entering the posh residence of singer Aarvi Malhotra (Tara Sutaria) after merely cutting the power cable. We later realize that this is his modus operandi — he just waltzes into highly secure buildings under the cover of darkness and does away with his victims without encountering any hurdles. When Aarvi goes missing, questions are asked. 

A flashback sees a six-month-younger Aarvi trying hard to make a mark in the world of show business. She gains fame thanks to a viral video that features her vocals. The clip makes light of an angry outburst by Rohan Mehra (Arjun Kapoor), who crashed the wedding of a woman with whom he was in love. Rohan tracks down Aarvi but as he falls for her, he helps her climb to the top through dubious means.

In the present day, the cops, headed by a criminal psychologist (JD Chakravarthy), suspect Rohan to be the killer on the basis of certain evidence. 

Meanwhile, we are introduced to a quiet and serious cab driver, Bhairav (John Abraham), who falls in love with one of his passengers Rasika (Disha Patani). She works in a clothing store where Bhairav keeps buying expensive items just to spend time with her and help her meet her targets. 

How a cab driver can afford to buy clothes from a high-end store is one of the many questions that come to mind. Later, we are told that even Bhairav is a suspect. 

Ek Villain Returns is one of those rare films that forces you to ask, “What’s happening?” every few minutes. Forget logic, the events are difficult to digest even if you generously try to suspend disbelief. For example, the characters are seen carrying out crazy antics out in the open but there's not a single police officer in sight. 

What takes the cake is the scene where the two men indulge in a gruesome fight in a metro car and demolish the entire bogie. Funnily, the compartment is completely empty, which is unheard of in a city like Mumbai. Also, everyone seems oblivious to the chaos, including the transport system's employees and pedestrians.

Ek Villain Returns is packed to the rafters with twists just for the heck of it. The best [read worst] is saved for the end, after which a third instalment is announced. My reaction to this was the same as the film's numerous victims just before they were about to be murdered. 

Apart from the bizarre story, the film is also deafening. No matter the situation, the decibel level is always high, either because of the shrill background score or the behaviour of the characters. 

With such insane content, it comes as no surprise that not a single actor comes across as impressive. Surprisingly, Arjun Kapoor scores the highest. His change of hairstyle also makes him look more pleasing. Tara Sutaria tries too hard to be a badass. 

John is so understated that he is expressionless on a lot of occasions. Patani also struggles with all aspects of acting. It gets worse when she tries to speak Marathi. Chakravarthy, known for his titular role in the classic Satya (1998), appears promising at the start but his character is eventually reduced to a caricature. 

John’s character, throughout the film, keeps repeating, “Rating dena mat bhoolna.” [Don’t forget to give a rating]. I'll have to go with one star.