Awarapan 2 Movie Review: Emraan Hashmi Makes a Strong Comeback in a Stylish Crime Thriller

Awarapan 2 Movie Review: After nearly two decades, Shivam Pandit is back on the big screen. Following the 2007 film Awarapan, Emraan Hashmi once again steps into a character defined by pain, silence and anger. With his long, unkempt hair and intense expression, Shivam remains the kind of anti-hero who keeps his suffering to himself but never hesitates to confront his enemies when pushed.

This time, Shivam finds himself up against a dangerous human-trafficking network. Surrounded by armed henchmen and ruthless criminals, he sets out on a mission to rescue a young girl. But his biggest challenge is not just the criminal organisation—it is also the troubled past he has been carrying for years.

For viewers who have not watched the original Awarapan, the sequel is still fairly easy to follow. Flashbacks throughout the film reveal Shivam’s past relationships, his betrayal of his former gangster boss and the story of the woman he loved, who sacrificed her life to save him.

A Familiar Story With a Bigger Canvas

Awarapan 2 stays close to the crime-thriller formula of the original, but presents it on a much larger and more polished scale.

A major portion of the film is set in Bangkok, and the city’s locations give the story the feel of an international crime thriller. The first half makes particularly good use of Bangkok’s streets, buildings and surroundings.

The production values are also evident, while the action sequences keep the narrative moving and add energy to the proceedings.

The supporting cast further strengthens the film. Puran Gabbi plays the main antagonist, Zorawar, while Suvinder Vicky and Vijayant Kohli appear as his close associates. Shabana Azmi plays Nafisa, a powerful figure within the criminal world, while Atul Kumar takes on the role of an Interpol officer.

Disha Patani plays Zara, Zorawar’s sister, while Aniruddh Rawal portrays his brother Sikandar.

The combination of experienced performers and newer faces works particularly well during the first half.

Puran Gabbi Makes an Impact as Zorawar

Among the new characters, Zorawar stands out the most.

Puran Gabbi plays the ruthless gangster with an aggressive and unpredictable attitude. He is the kind of villain whose next move is difficult to anticipate and who has no hesitation in resorting to extreme violence.

The character does feature some familiar Bollywood villain elements, including a long coat, sharp hairstyle and intimidating expressions. However, Gabbi’s performance gives Zorawar enough personality to rise above the usual gangster archetype.

As the conflict between Shivam and Zorawar intensifies, the tension within the story also increases.

Suvinder Vicky and Vijayant Kohli Impress, But Their Roles Are Limited

Suvinder Vicky manages to make his presence felt, although the film does not fully utilise his acting ability.

His character is caught between different gangster groups, but the screenplay does not give him enough room to develop beyond a conventional crime character.

Vijayant Kohli also makes an impression as one of the villains. His character shows potential, but the story does not explore it in much depth.

Shabana Azmi Deserved More Screen Time

The presence of an experienced actress like Shabana Azmi naturally raises expectations, but her character does not quite reach its full potential.

Nafisa could have been a powerful and complex female antagonist. However, the screenplay gives her limited screen time and does not explore her character deeply enough.

A more detailed storyline for Nafisa could have added another strong layer to the second half.

Disha Patani brings a different tone to the film as Zara, a woman trying to escape her family’s criminal past. Her emotional and quieter scenes with Shivam provide some contrast to the film’s action-heavy narrative. Her cello-playing sequences also add a softer dimension to her character.

Sufi Music Adds Emotion, But Remains in the Background

Sufi-inspired music appears at several points throughout Awarapan 2. However, the songs largely remain in the background instead of becoming an important part of the narrative.

The music works well in scenes focused on Shivam’s pain and loneliness, but considering the legacy of the original Awarapan and its music, the overall impact feels somewhat limited.

The Film Begins to Lose Pace After the Interval

The biggest weakness of the film becomes evident in the second half.

The first half does a good job of balancing action, crime, emotion and Bangkok’s locations. However, after the interval, the story gradually begins to lose its grip.

Some developments become predictable, while the weaknesses in the screenplay become more apparent. A story that initially moves at a brisk pace begins to slow down as it approaches the climax.

The third act, in particular, feels unnecessarily long and ends up affecting the overall impact of the film.

Emraan Hashmi Remains the Film’s Biggest Strength

Despite these shortcomings, Emraan Hashmi holds the film together.

He fits naturally into the role of Shivam. His character carries the pain of old wounds while also possessing the anger required to turn violent when necessary.

Hashmi has played intense and troubled anti-heroes before, but his performance here once again makes the character believable.

Whenever the story finds its rhythm, Hashmi’s performance keeps it moving. The stylish action, Bangkok locations and supporting performances also work in his favour.

The strongest aspect of Shivam’s journey is his attempt to do the right thing despite the violent past that continues to follow him.

Awarapan 2 Movie Review: Final Verdict

The biggest strengths of Awarapan 2 are Emraan Hashmi’s emotionally wounded anti-hero, stylish action and international crime-thriller setting.

The first half is particularly effective. Bangkok’s locations, Puran Gabbi as Zorawar and Hashmi’s screen presence give the film good momentum.

However, the screenplay becomes weaker in the second half. Several promising characters are not utilised properly, while the lengthy third act significantly slows down the film.

Still, fans of Emraan Hashmi and viewers who have an emotional connection with the original Awarapan will find enough here to enjoy.

Overall, Awarapan 2 is a stylish and entertaining crime thriller that manages to hold the audience’s attention for most of its runtime. However, a weaker and unnecessarily long final act prevents it from becoming a truly memorable sequel. Emraan Hashmi’s strong performance remains the film’s biggest asset.