A Critical Look at Mohit Suri's Ek Villain: A Missed Opportunity

An Underwhelming Love Story
Director Mohit Suri had high expectations to meet following the success of Aashiqui 2. Unfortunately, he opts for excessive brutality instead of focusing on the delicate romance between the troubled protagonist and the lively heroine.
The narrative offers nothing particularly fresh, featuring the familiar trope of a brooding loner paired with a cheerful girl next door. This dynamic has been perfected by iconic actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri in classics such as Mili. It’s amusing to see echoes of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's work in Suri's vision.
Suri's previous film, Aashiqui 2, also drew inspiration from Mukherjee's Abhimaan, which starred the same legendary duo. Ek Villain, however, is a chaotic mix of Mili and unnecessary violence, often veering into absurdity. The action sequences can be downright ridiculous, and this isn't the first instance where Suri seems to revel in depicting the actions of a sadistic killer, as seen in Murder 2.
Character Dynamics and Performances
The antagonist is portrayed as a henpecked husband who believes in retaliating against life's injustices by wreaking havoc on others. Riteish Deshmukh plays this incoherent serial killer with surprising depth, managing to convey a chilling presence even in poorly written scenes.
Suri attempts to balance the brutality of the killer with a love story involving a criminally inclined introvert and a bubbly girl who insists on sharing unfunny jokes. Shraddha Kapoor's character resembles a blend of Asin from Ghajini and Jaya Bhaduri from Mili, with her expressive eyes often overshadowed by her excessive dialogue.
Inconsistent Tone and Pacing
The film suffers from erratic tonal shifts. Despite the tragic elements, the romance fails to soar as one would hope from such attractive leads. While there are moments of genuine passion, the second half devolves into a farcical confrontation between Sidharth Malhotra and Riteish Deshmukh, filled with cringe-worthy dialogue.
The transition from dark themes to silliness is jarring, especially when musician Remo Fernandez appears as a gangster with an accent that is hard to place. Additionally, Kamaal R Khan's role adds to the film's bizarre atmosphere.
Plot Holes and Narrative Flaws
The storytelling is riddled with continuity errors, attempting to present a stylish non-linear narrative. One pivotal moment, where Malhotra's character befriends the son of his wife's killer in a church, feels implausible and raises questions about the director's thought process.
In trying to blend chaos with emotional depth, the film ultimately collapses, leaving audiences disappointed. We anticipate much but receive little, a reflection of life itself.
Final Thoughts
Sidharth Malhotra delivers a compelling performance as a man on a vengeful quest after losing his love, showcasing a level of intensity that, regrettably, is not enough to salvage the film. Ek Villain is fundamentally flawed and self-defeating.
Regrettably, Mr. Suri, this tale of a criminal supposedly redeemed by love, alongside a serial killer wielding a screwdriver inappropriately, fails to resonate.