Awarapan 2, the sequel to 2007’s cult classic, released today, August 14, 2026, is a perfect watch for this weekend. Reviving the emotional depth and gritty essence of the original, the film, starring Emraan Hashmi, delivers intense nostalgia, powerful emotions, hard-hitting sequences, and a haunting atmosphere. The sequel offers fans a gripping continuation while retaining the soul that made the original memorable.
Predictable Trafficking Plotline
The sequel carries the essence of the first part, with Shivam Pandit (Emraan Hashmi) returning after 19 years; however, this time the story moves beyond India. The story follows Hashmi’s Shivam Pandit, who finds himself in another battle, leading him to travel to Bangkok to rescue a little girl whom he named Aaliyah (Myrah Shivan) from human trafficking. The girl isn’t just anyone, but the one he had raised, who gets kidnapped from an orphanage, giving Shivam a new purpose in life. This isn’t just about saving the little girl, but the incident brings Shivam back to the world of darkness, lies, crime, violence, and despair. However, amid the predictability, Shivam, on his way to his mission, finds solace and support in Zara (Disha Patani)
While the movie rightfully reignites the nostalgia of the 2007 cult classic, it doesn’t really outshine the original. However, it easily sets up the conflict, allowing the hero to shine, and wastes no time introducing Emraan Hashmi into the brooding avatar fans have been waiting for years.
Direction
Nitin Kakkar, with his vision, succeeds in delivering a mass entertainer blending nostalgia with a perfect sprinkle of raw emotions and action. He presented Shivam’s character the way fans wanted, which turned out to be a big score, allowing the audience to root for the hero from start to finish. The action sequences land beautifully, prompting viewers to clap and cheer. Despite being predictable and having some cliché moments, the film delivers a hit.
Screenplay, Dialogue, Craft And More
Vishesh Bhatt and Bilal Siddiqui kept the storytelling crisp, with the perfect balance of emotional moments that connect with viewers and action sequences that entertain the masses. The dialogues were impactful and touching, like in the first part. Cinematography was incredible, elevating the experience and making the scenes feel more lively and connected. Production design looked impressive, and the sharp editing made it engaging.
Acting Performances
Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit returned with a bang. He alone carried the responsibilities of the sequel on his shoulders and succeeded in delivering it on screen too. Balancing the past trauma of losing Aaliyah (Shriya Saran) to becoming deadly and courageous in search of the little girl he raised while finding solace in Zara—he delivered a layered performance—once again making him the favorite of many.
Disha Patani as Zara was impressive. Born into a gangster family, the trained cellist carries the weight of past trauma convincingly. Her chemistry with Emraan Hashmi was good.
Shabana Azmi as Nafisa Nawaz commands attention and yet again shows what a great performer she is. The little girl, Myrah Shivan, showed her skills, stealing hearts, while Shriya Saran and Shaad Randhawa’s cameo looks impressive. Puran Gabbi Vijayant Kohli, Aniruddh Rawal, Suvinder Vicky and others added meaning to the narrative.
Overall, Awarapan 2 is a must-watch this weekend, perfectly reviving nostalgia with raw action, emotion, and cinema.
Our editorial rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
