Actor Riteish Deshmukh who will be seen in a different avatar in his upcoming film 'Ek Villain' says the role in the movie is a radical departure from what he has done in the past.

The actor has donned a look of an unassuming ordinary guy with sinister streak in the film. His look has already managed to grab attention from everyone. Apparently, Riteish will be making his debut as an antagonist with this film.

The actor, popular for his comic roles, said he enjoyed exploring this new side of his on screen. "I play a middle-class family man, frustrated by the unfair treatment meted out to him from every corner of society. Playing the role of Rakesh has been the most exciting choice I have made in my career. It's a radical departure from what I have done and I have enjoyed exploring the alternate side to me," Riteish said in a statement here.

With actor Sidharth Malhotra also being touted as the villain in this musical romantic thriller, the speculation about the identity of the real villain continues.


"Anyone could be the villain. That is for you to watch and find out," director Mohit Suri said. Riteish was director Mohit's first and only choice for the role in 'Ek Villain'.

"There is something evil about a person who is so regular and ordinary. Rakesh's character lurks in the shadows. He isn't loud and in-your-face but his mere presence can be unnerving," Mohit said. Produced by Ekta Kapoor the film is slated to release on June 27.