Awarapan 2 Review: Emraan Hashmi makes a powerful comeback in ‘Awarapan 2’; Shivam Pandit seen staking his life for ‘Aaliya’
Movie: Awarapan 2
Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Puran Gabbi, Suvinder Vicky & Vijayant Kohli
Director: Nitin Kakkar
Release date: 14th Aug 2026
Run time: 140 mins
Rating: 4 stars
Where to watch: Theatre
Before diving into Awarapan 2, brushing up on the 2007 cult classic is highly recommended to fully appreciate the narrative's emotional weight. Director Nitin Kakkar seamlessly connects the dots by opening the sequel with poignant glimpses from the past.
Shivam Pandit (Emraan Hashmi) is now a transformed man, yet the lingering memory of his lost love, Reema, remains etched in his soul. A pivotal moment occurs when Shivam hears a crying newborn abandoned near Reema's grave. He places the infant in an orphanage and names her 'Alia'. Years later, when the now-grown Alia falls victim to a ruthless international human trafficking racket, Shivam is forced back into the shadows to fight his most personal battle yet.
Kakkar’s direction is solid, keeping the narrative engaging right from the opening scene. The screenwriting shines through deeply reflective dialogues that linger long after the credits roll. The music—already a massive hit across social media and streaming platforms—blends organically into the storytelling rather than feeling like a distraction. While the VFX is used judiciously and effectively, a slightly crisper edit in the second half could have enhanced the overall pacing.
Performances
Emraan Hashmi: Reaffirming the popular sentiment that Hashmi stands in a league of his own, he delivers a tour-de-force performance. Sporting long locks, a ripped six-pack physique, and intense, expressive eyes, he commands every frame effortlessly.
The Antagonists: The film features a formidable dual-villain dynamic. Shabana Azmi leaves an indelible mark despite limited screen time. Meanwhile, Pooran Gabbi brings pure menace to the screen with his imposing body language and terrifying presence.
Supporting Cast: Disha Patani delivers a compelling performance, proving she is far more than just a pretty face. Suvinder Vicky and Vijayant Kohli also provide strong support, grounding the film's emotional core.
Packed with action, high-octane drama, and a deep nostalgia factor, Awarapan 2 is ultimately a moving story about redemption and humanity. It is a complete, family-friendly cinematic experience that hits all the right notes.
Final Verdict
‘Aawarapan 2’ is not just a crime thriller; it is a tale of a broken man’s redemption and his loyalty to humanity. You can easily enjoy this combination of action, emotion, and crowd-pleasing dialogues with your entire family.