2 weeks ago
Awarapan 2: A Nostalgic High, But Filmmaking Falls Short
A long time ago, back in 2007, a movie called Awarapan came out.
It starred an actor named Emraan Hashmi, and not many people went to see it in theaters.
But years later, people watched it on TV and the internet, and it became very popular.
It is also loved for its songs, like 'Toh phir aao'.
Now, 19 years later, a new movie called Awarapan 2 has arrived.
Emraan Hashmi plays the same sad gangster, who must protect someone in Bangkok.
The audience cheered loudly at the opening show, so the movie is expected to be a big hit.
But the reviewer thinks the movie leans too much on old memories and does not have enough new ideas.
The movie runs for 140 minutes, and some actors do a great job while others do not.
The ending leaves room for another sequel, but the reviewer hopes the next one will be better.
Awarapan 2 arrives 19 years after the original 2007 film, with Emraan Hashmi reprising his brooding role as Shivam Pandit and Nitin Kakkar directing.
The 2007 original was a box-office bomb, finishing last in a three-way clash in end-June 2007, but later became a pop-cultural phenomenon through TV and digital viewings.
The revenge-redemption action shifts wholly to Bangkok, featuring Shabana Azmi as a mob boss, Disha Patani and a large ensemble cast.
A Friday morning housefull show drew cheers and catcalls, suggesting a huge first weekend, though the review finds the 140-minute film overreliant on fandom.
The original Awarapan was an uncredited remake of the Korean neo-noir thriller A Bittersweet Life, and the sequel's ending leaves the door open for Shivam's return.
- Who
- Emraan Hashmi (as Shivam Pandit), director Nitin Kakkar, and a cast including Shabana Azmi, Disha Patani and Shriya Saran (in flashbacks).
- What
- The release of Awarapan 2, a sequel to the 2007 cult film Awarapan, which drew an enthusiastic audience response but a mixed critical reception.
- Where
- In Indian cinemas, with the film's action set in Bangkok.
- When
- 19 years after the original film's release; the review describes a Friday morning housefull screening.
- Why
- Nostalgia-driven demand grew for years through TV and digital viewings of the original, which became a pop-cultural phenomenon, prompting a sequel with strong box-office potential.
Nostalgic Fan Perspective
Critical Review Perspective
Sequel's appeal
Nostalgic Fan Perspective
Awarapan 2 wins over audiences with nostalgia, the iconic 'Toh phir aao' score and Emraan Hashmi's return, drawing cheers at a housefull Friday show.
Critical Review Perspective
The film relies too much on its fandom, brings nothing new to the table, and feels far longer than its 140-minute runtime.
Cast performances
Nostalgic Fan Perspective
Emraan Hashmi excels in a familiar role as the wounded protector, leaving audiences moved with fresh beats.
Critical Review Perspective
Disha Patani gives a wooden performance and Barun Chanda's cameo is spoiled by his voice being dubbed.
Future of the franchise
Nostalgic Fan Perspective
The open ending inviting Shivam's return is welcome, as fans want more of the character.
Critical Review Perspective
A return is welcome, but only in a better film than Awarapan 2.
Key facts
- Film
- Awarapan 2
- Director
- Nitin Kakkar
- Lead actor
- Emraan Hashmi (as Shivam Pandit)
- Original film
- Awarapan (2007), directed by Mohit Suri
- Runtime
- 140 minutes
- Primary setting
- Bangkok
- Original box office
- Bomb; last in a three-way clash, end-June 2007
- Original film basis
- Uncredited remake of Korean neo-noir A Bittersweet Life










