Review: 'Ek Villain Returns' is an ambiguous mess which tries to bill as a mass pleaser

Ek Villain Returns

When one gets to know that a film is being made with a starry cast like Arjun Kapoor, John Abraham, Disha Patani, and, Tara Sutaria, no wonder, the least we tend to expect is a decent watch that would rejuvenate our minds. But after coming out of the theatre watching Ek Villain Returns, I started questioning a lot of things and the one topping them all was a 3 letter word WHY?

Story

Rich pampered brat Gautam Mehra (Arjun Kapoor) seeks revenge on wannabe singer Aarvi Malhotra (Tara Sutaria), who develops a rap out of Gautam's leaked heartbreak video. Aarvi eventually develops feelings for Gautam, but he betrays her by disclosing her stepfather's relation with her. On parallel lines, cab driver Bhairav (John Abraham) falls for retail salesperson Rasika (Disha Patani). When Bhairav catches Rasika red handed cheating on him with her boss Atul one night, things quickly go south.

Cut to present, when Gautam and Bhairav cross paths with ACP Ganeshan (Chakravarthy), who steps in to thwart a string of murders in the city. However, Rasika, Aarvi, Bhairav, and Gautam are unaware that their paths would also cross.

Now as simple and normal as the plot sounds, Mohit Suri has managed to add a boat load of plot twists and dramatic shifts, which makes the narrative ambiguous and boring.

Direction

No doubt, Mohit Suri has served a platter filled with all the necessary elements - an ensemble cast, thrill, plot twists, drama, action, romance and good music, but unfortunately it turned out to be tasteless. There are moments in the movie where you might try to draw connections or find logic, but you might still be baffled. Maybe unintentionally, but at notable events, females are materialised and objectified. A statement like, "I am sleeping with my boss because he gives me bonus and promotions" is a sham and would definitely pinch the feminists out there. 

Although the climax is difficult to swallow, it is unique and unpredictable, so it maintains the whodunnit appeal of the narrative. Plot twists, on the other hand, does justice to the storyline.

Screenplay

Mohit Suri keeps up the pace of the thrills and twists, but the hopping between time frames makes it seem sloppy. Some scenes are very well shaped like the metro fight between Gautam and Bhairav. Aarvi and Gautam track, especially in the first half of the film also moves smoothly and gives a vibrant touch with the extravagant music festivals embodied within. A post climax scene is something which adds up to the story and hints at a follow up.

Dialogues

The dialogue reflects the ideal tone of a massy film that appeals to a broad audience. When wordplay like 'threesome' is used in place of a triple seat or a phrase is reiterated up to 15 times so you can predict when it will hit you next, like "marna chalega, haarna nahi," you will want to laugh out loud and then doubt yourself at the same time. 

Disha Patani's character Rasika has been given a weird kind of a laugh which again prompts you to wonder whether it's evil or just pointless.

Performances

Arjun Kapoor significantly tops the four actors in terms of serving their acting prowess. His snobbishness, arrogance, frustration, and the misery of a lover in a helpless situation is note-worthy. Tara Sutaria, who previously let down viewers with her obtrusive appearance in "Heropanti 2," almost acts in this one. She has marginally improved and has also showcased her vocal skills along with her acting. John has a wooden bearing. His action scenes are still believable, but when it comes to emoting, John Abraham fails to deliver. Disha Patani is portrayed as a glam doll who exposes the skin flawlessly, but there is not much substance given to her in terms of acting. She does manage to captivate the audience with her bold looks and sensuous scenes. 

Music

While music was the hero in Ek Villain, it is decent in the sequel. 'Galliyan Returns' is the best of the album, also aligning with the plot. Then follows "Dil," "Shaamat," and "Naa Tere Bin." The striking background music by Raju Singh intensifies the impact.

The Verdict

Ek Villain Returns is a massy entertainer filled with everything from action to thrill to romance but unfortunately falters to deliver it all. 

Rating ** (2/5) stars