There’s always been a big question looming over Awarapan 2: how do you bring back Shivam Pandit after the gut-wrenching conclusion of the first film without compromising what made his story so impactful? The sequel does attempt to answer this, but it doesn’t always hit the mark convincingly.
Awarapan 2 picks up with Shivam still burdened by his past. He’s not just the shattered man we remember from 2007 anymore. This time, his journey takes him to Bangkok, where he gets pulled back into a dark world of child trafficking that he thought he had escaped. It’s a grimmer setup, but the emotional heart of the film remains centered on Shivam.
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Emraan Hashmi shines as the standout element of the film. He doesn’t force himself to recreate the old Shivam; instead, there’s a weariness in his performance that fits the character perfectly. He comes across as someone who has been grappling with his pain for years. When the film allows him to express quiet anger or vulnerability, it resonates much more than when the screenplay tries to morph him into an action hero.
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Jul 31, 2026The downside is that Awarapan 2 spends a considerable amount of time trying to remind us why we fell in love with the first film. The memories of Aaliyah, the familiar emotions, and especially the song Tera Mera Rishta evoke that nostalgic feeling almost instantly. However, nostalgia can only take a film so far. The original had a raw simplicity to its emotions that made Shivam's journey hit harder. The sequel boasts a grander story, more action, and a broader world, but at times, it feels less intimate.
Disha Patani takes on the role of Zara, a woman who finds herself entangled in the perilous world that Shivam steps into. She’s not just there to support the hero; she has her own moments to shine, even if her connection with Shivam doesn’t quite hit the emotional highs the film aims for. Puran Gabbi stands out as Zorawar, while Shabana Azmi brings her signature gravitas to the film, even though her character could have been given a bit more depth.
Director Nitin Kakkar keeps the pace lively and delivers some genuinely thrilling action scenes. The first half, in particular, has that mass appeal that Emraan Hashmi fans have been longing to see from him again. However, once the initial thrill fades, the plot starts to feel a bit predictable.
This is where Awarapan 2 doesn’t quite measure up to its predecessor. The original Awarapan was memorable not just for its action or its stylish lead, but because Shivam's struggles felt authentic. The sequel gets the essence of that pain but sometimes tries too hard to replicate it instead of allowing it to unfold naturally.
Still, there’s something really gratifying about seeing Emraan Hashmi reprise his role as Shivam Pandit. For fans who have cherished the original for nearly two decades, that alone is a significant draw.
While Awarapan 2 may not pack the same emotional punch as the first film, it serves as a solid continuation, featuring a dedicated Emraan Hashmi, some impressive action, and just enough nostalgia to make the return feel worthwhile.
