Cinema VinesEmraan Hashmi’s return to the big screen with Awarapan 2 has already shattered his own career record, delivering the biggest opening in the actor’s filmography on its first day of release. The sequel, directed by Nitin Kakkar and produced by Vishesh Bhatt, opened on Friday with a net collection that topped ₹21 crore, according to Sacnilk’s box‑office data. This figure not only eclipses the lifetime haul of the original 2007 film but also positions the new installment as one of the most lucrative debuts for a Bollywood release in 2026.
The first Awarapan was a commercial disappointment, earning only ₹7.76 crore over its entire run and opening with a modest ₹79 lakh on day one. In stark contrast, Awarapan 2 has been selling more than 20,000 tickets per hour on BookMyShow throughout Friday, a pace that is rare for a film without a major star in the lead. The rapid sales have allowed the sequel to surpass the original’s total earnings in less than eight hours of business.
Hashmi’s performance in the lead role of Shivam Pandit has been singled out by critics, who praised his portrayal of the character’s complex emotions. The film also features Shabana Azmi, Disha Patani and Suvinder Vicky, and has received mixed to positive reviews overall. Despite the critical reception, the audience turnout has been overwhelming, setting a new benchmark for the actor’s box‑office potential.
In terms of historical comparison, only two of Hashmi’s past releases have posted double‑digit opening collections. Raaz 2 debuted with ₹10.35 crore in 2012, while Baadshaho earned ₹12.60 crore on its first day in 2017. Awarapan 2 has comfortably outstripped both, marking a significant leap in the actor’s commercial trajectory. The film’s success also eclipses that of Batwara 1947, a Sunny Deol starrer that clashed at the box office on August 14.
With a strong start and a growing audience base, Awarapan 2 is poised to continue its momentum throughout the week. The film’s early performance signals a promising future for both Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Films, as they navigate a competitive Bollywood landscape that increasingly rewards strong storytelling and audience engagement over star power alone.
