Ek Villain turns 12: Sidharth Malhotra says 'this one has always been special'
Synopsis
Twelve years after its release, 'Ek Villain' still holds a firm grip on Sidharth Malhotra — and on Bollywood's collective memory. The actor's heartfelt social media tribute, set to the still-popular 'Teri Galiyan', is a reminder that Mohit Suri's 2014 thriller punched well above its weight, launching careers and producing a soundtrack that has genuinely outlasted the film's box-office cycle.
Key Takeaways
Sidharth Malhotra celebrated the 12th anniversary of 'Ek Villain' on 27 June 2025 with a video montage on social media.
The actor described the film as 'always special' in his post captioned #12YearsToEkVillain . 'Ek Villain' was released on 27 June 2014 , directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures .
The film starred Sidharth Malhotra , Shraddha Kapoor , and Riteish Deshmukh , with Isha Koppikar in a cameo.
Its soundtrack — including 'Teri Galiyan' , 'Banjaara' , 'Awari' , and 'Humdard' — continues to have a loyal fan following.
Malhotra married actress Kiara Advani in February 2023 ; the couple welcomed a daughter last year.
Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra marked a sentimental milestone on 27 June 2025 as his romantic action thriller 'Ek Villain' completed 12 years since its theatrical release. The actor took to social media to honour the occasion, calling the film one of the most cherished chapters of his career.
How Sidharth Celebrated the Anniversary
Malhotra shared a curated video montage featuring some of the film's most memorable scenes and musical moments, set to the movie's beloved track 'Teri Galiyan'. Alongside the clip, he wrote: 'This one has always been special! #12YearsToEkVillain' accompanied by a red heart emoji.
About the Film
'Ek Villain', released on 27 June 2014, was directed by Mohit Suri and jointly produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. The film starred Sidharth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor, and Riteish Deshmukh in lead roles, with Isha Koppikar appearing in a cameo.
The story followed Guru (Malhotra), a reformed gangster whose quiet life with Aisha (Kapoor) is upended when she becomes the target of a serial killer. Notably, Deshmukh — widely known for his comic roles — drew widespread praise for his chilling turn as the film's antagonist, a marked departure from his established screen persona.
The Soundtrack That Endured
Beyond its narrative, 'Ek Villain' left a lasting cultural imprint through its music. Songs including 'Teri Galiyan', 'Galliyan Returns', 'Banjaara', 'Awari', and 'Humdard' continue to command a devoted following over a decade after release — an unusual feat in an era of rapidly cycling film music cycles.
Sidharth Malhotra: Career and Personal Life
Malhotra made his Bollywood debut with Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year' in 2012 and has since appeared in a wide range of films including 'Hasee Toh Phasee', 'Brothers', 'Kapoor and Sons', 'Shershaah', 'Mission Majnu', and 'Yodha', among others.
On the personal front, Sidharth married actress Kiara Advani in February 2023, having met on the sets of 'Shershaah'. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, last year. Twelve years on, 'Ek Villain' remains a defining touchstone in Malhotra's filmography — and, evidently, in the memories of its audience.
Point of View
This one has sustained genuine audience affection for over a decade — driven almost entirely by its music. That points to something the Hindi film industry still undervalues: a soundtrack can be a film's longest-running distribution strategy. For Sidharth Malhotra, the post is also a quiet reminder that his most-recalled work remains a decade old, even as his recent slate has been commercially uneven. The real question the anniversary raises is not nostalgia — it is what the next 'Ek Villain' moment looks like for him.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did 'Ek Villain' release and who directed it?
'Ek Villain' released on 27 June 2014 and was directed by Mohit Suri. It was jointly produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and starred Sidharth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor, and Riteish Deshmukh.
How did Sidharth Malhotra mark the 12th anniversary of 'Ek Villain'?
Sidharth Malhotra shared a video montage on social media featuring memorable scenes and songs from the film, set to the track 'Teri Galiyan'. He captioned the post 'This one has always been special! #12YearsToEkVillain'.
What is 'Ek Villain' about?
The film follows Guru, a reformed gangster played by Sidharth Malhotra, whose peaceful life is shattered when his partner Aisha, played by Shraddha Kapoor, becomes the target of a serial killer portrayed by Riteish Deshmukh.
Which songs from 'Ek Villain' are still popular?
The film's soundtrack continues to enjoy a loyal following, with tracks including 'Teri Galiyan', 'Galliyan Returns', 'Banjaara', 'Awari', and 'Humdard' remaining widely streamed more than a decade after release.
What has Sidharth Malhotra been doing since 'Ek Villain'?
Since his 2012 debut, Malhotra has appeared in films including 'Shershaah', 'Mission Majnu', 'Yodha', and 'Kapoor and Sons'. He married actress Kiara Advani in February 2023, and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, last year.
