'1920: Evil Returns' Reviews: Horror, Thriller Quotient Fails to Impress Most Critics

"1920: Evil Returns" is a supernatural horror film written by Vikram Bhatt and directed by Bhushan Patel. The movie has received mixed reviews from critics but opened with pack shows on the first day of release.

 Here are critics reviews:

Devesh Sharma of Filmfare said: "Director Vikram Bhatt made an okay-ish horror film called 1920 in 2008. It managed to earn decent money at the box-office. Maybe someone gave him the bright idea that he should bank on the name and make a franchise. The result is a laugh-a-riot called 1920: Evil Returns. Yes, you are reading it right. The film is so unintentionally funny that we suspect that the producer actually wanted to make a comedy."

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama said: "Vikram Bhatt has emerged the most successful brand in the horror genre. In fact, it won't be erroneous to state that what Karan Johar is to candy floss, Vikram Bhatt is to horror. 

"One expects 1920 - EVIL RETURNS to be crammed with chills and bloodcurdling moments. Also, in a film of this genre specifically, the conclusion to the tale has to be most compelling... and of course, spooky. But the problem with 1920 - EVIL RETURNS is that it appeals in bits and spurts. Not in totality. 

 "On the whole, 1920 - EVIL RETURNS scares and shocks in bits and spurts. The film rides on Vikram Bhatt's brand, more so after the super success of RAAZ 3, but its writing plays the spoilsport."

Resham Sengar of Zee News said: "'1920: Evil Returns' has all the ingredients which make it somewhat similar to its 'prequel' that had Adah Sharma and Rajneesh Duggal as the main leads. This one features Tia Bajpai and Aftab Shivdasani and has a tormented heroine, an evil spirit, her lover who saves her and of course the picturesque locations of England that are presented as an Indian hilly town of the pre-independence era.

"While the first half of the film keeps the viewers desperately waiting to get scared in the real sense of the word, it is the second half which has moments which run a chill down your spine. In fact, the second half of the film is what keeps the viewers hooked on to the big screen for it has all the elements that makes for a good horror film. 

"Overall, '1920: Evil Returns' makes for a good watch and promises to keep you hooked and booked with all its frightening moments. Yet it is not as good as '1920'. Horror movie lovers may go and watch it for a healthy dose of it. It won't let you down."

Roshni Devi of Koimoi.com said: "It's surprising that almost four decades after it was made, The Exorcist continues not only "inspires" horror filmmakers, but has scenes lifted exactly from it. The very poster of 1920 - Evil Returns reminds you of the classic, and the scenes in the movie attest it further.

"The film does manage to pick up in the second half and even gives you goosebumps at times. Chirantan Bhatt's songs are a bit of a saving grace for the film with some nice lyrics by Shakeel Azmi, Junaid Wasi and Manoj Yadav. Naren Kedia's cinematography is ordinary.

"1920 Evil Returns has nothing new to offer, but if you do want to watch a scary movie for the heck of it, then go ahead."

Rohit Vats of IBN Live said: "Evil returned and left a trail of some genuinely scary moments and some laughable sequences. A mixture of good vfx, picturesque landscapes, melodious songs, lethargic acting and uselessly over-powering background score couldn't rise up to the expectations that producer Vikram Bhatt and his team had promised after '1920'.

"The basic storyline features the pre-independence era when only the privileged class had the access to good medical facilities such as x-ray, but that were competent enough to detect two ghostly claws on the heroine's shoulders. 

"The second half is far better than the first half. Some really scary moments coupled with brilliant body movements by Tia try their best to save the film. 

"Overall, '1920: Evil Returns' showcases some good 'horror' moments in the second half provided you sustain the tyranny of the first half."