Cinema VinesAfter a 19‑year wait, Emraan Hashmi has returned to the silver screen in Awarapan 2, a crime thriller that carries the weight of its predecessor’s cult following. The new film, directed by Nitin Kakkar, opens to packed houses and a mixed critical reception, with a rating of 3.5 stars from a reviewer who notes that the movie “works” for the most part.
The plot picks up where the original left off: Shivam, played by Hashmi, survives the six bullets fired at him in the final scene of the first film. He moves away from the underworld and becomes attached to a baby he rescues, naming her Aliyah after his late love. When Interpol informs him that the child has been pushed into a trafficking ring, Shivam must infiltrate the gang led by Zorawar, played by Puran Gabbi, to save her. The story is described as “decent, if predictable,” and it recalls the early 2000s crime thrillers that Vishesh Films produced, such as Murder, Zeher, and Gangster.
Production values have been updated, with the film shot on location in Bangkok and featuring realistic environments instead of relying on AI or VFX backdrops. The soundtrack continues the franchise’s tradition of memorable music, and the film’s first half is praised for keeping viewers engaged through nostalgic references, including a re‑imagination of the popular track “Toh Phir Aao.” However, critics point out that the pacing can feel repetitive, with a gunfight occurring every 15 to 20 minutes.
Alongside Hashmi, the cast includes Shabana Azmi and Disha Patani, adding star power to the ensemble. While the film’s action and romance follow the old‑school template, its modern production values and the return of Hashmi’s brooding hero offer a blend of nostalgia and contemporary filmmaking that has drawn audiences to the cinema.
