Awarapan 2 brings back Emraan Hashmi as the troubled and intense Shivam Pandit, continuing the legacy of the 2007 cult favourite Awarapan. Directed as a modern sequel with plenty of action, emotion and nostalgia, the film attempts to recreate the atmosphere that made the original memorable while giving Shivam a new chapter.
The early critical response to Awarapan 2 is mixed. Several reviewers have praised Emraan Hashmi’s performance, the action sequences, nostalgic appeal and mass-oriented storytelling. However, others have criticised the screenplay for lacking freshness, the uneven pacing and a lengthy third act.
Awarapan 2 Movie Rating
Based on the 10 reviews counted, Awarapan 2 has an average rating of 2.88/5 with a 71% positive score.
The review breakdown includes 5 positive reviews, 3 neutral reviews and 2 negative reviews. Ratings from individual critics range between 2/5 and 4/5, indicating a divided response to the sequel.
The common thread across several reviews is clear: Emraan Hashmi remains the film’s biggest strength, while the writing and originality are its more frequently mentioned weaknesses.
Taran Adarsh – 4/5
Taran Adarsh gave Awarapan 2 an impressive 4/5 rating, strongly praising Emraan Hashmi’s return as Shivam Pandit.
According to the review, Hashmi is the “soul” of the film, with his performance providing much of its emotional and mass appeal. The sequel also benefits from strong nostalgic value and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments.
The music is another major positive, although comparisons with the first Awarapan are unavoidable. Overall, Adarsh considers the film an outstanding comeback for Emraan Hashmi and a highly entertaining mass-oriented sequel.
Visit Taran Adarsh’s Threads review
Komal Nahta – Filminformation
Komal Nahta feels that the story written by Vishesh Bhatt is fast-moving but does not offer much novelty. The screenplay by Bilal Siddiqi and Nitin Kakkar similarly follows familiar territory.
However, the review points out that the rapid pace works in the film’s favour because viewers have little time to dwell on the predictable elements.
Overall, Nahta considers Awarapan 2 a fair entertainer and expects it to perform well at the box office. The film’s music and the extended Independence Day weekend are also expected to contribute positively to its collections.
Read the Filminformation review
Radhika – NDTV – 2.5/5
Radhika of NDTV gave the movie 2.5/5. The review observes that although Shriya Saran’s character Aaliyah is no longer present, her absence continues to influence the story.
Emraan Hashmi’s Shivam Pandit remains central to the franchise, and the open ending leaves the possibility of another chapter. However, the review questions whether Shivam’s story actually needs to continue further.
The film therefore succeeds in bringing back the character but leaves some uncertainty about the necessity and direction of another sequel.
Shubhra – Indian Express – 2.5/5
Shubhra of Indian Express awarded Awarapan 2 2.5/5 and appreciated Emraan Hashmi’s ability to keep the film engaging through much of its runtime.
The movie delivers stylish sequences and allows viewers to reconnect with its wounded anti-hero. The action and genre elements work reasonably well during the earlier portions.
However, the review identifies the third act as a major weakness. The extended and dull final portion reportedly takes away from the strengths established earlier and causes the film to lose momentum.
Read the Indian Express review
Grace – News18 – 3/5
Grace of News18 rated the sequel 3/5. The review acknowledges that Awarapan 2 may not recreate the cult status of its predecessor, but believes it succeeds as an entertaining action film.
Emraan Hashmi receives particular praise for his portrayal of Shivam, while the action is described as a major crowd-pleasing element. Nostalgia also plays an important role in the film’s appeal.
For viewers who enjoyed the original and want to see Hashmi return to this intense character-driven action space, the sequel may offer enough entertainment.
Rishabh – Hindustan Times – 3.5/5
Rishabh of Hindustan Times gave Awarapan 2 3.5/5 and describes it as a film that feels strongly connected to the cinema of the 2000s.
The sequel brings back the brooding hero, tragic romance, action and, importantly, the musical atmosphere associated with the original. These nostalgic elements are among its biggest attractions.
The film does have pacing problems, but the review suggests that it manages to combine nostalgia with the spectacle expected from a contemporary sequel. The packed theatres also indicate that Shivam Pandit’s character continues to have an audience.
Read the Hindustan Times review
Sreedhar – Rediff – 2/5
Sreedhar of Rediff gave the movie 2/5. The review finds some of the early action sequences effective and praises the twist before the interval.
Emraan Hashmi is also appreciated for committing fully to the mass appeal of Shivam Pandit. However, according to the review, even his sincere performance cannot completely overcome the limitations of the overall screenplay.
The main criticism is that the broader story feels ordinary despite Hashmi’s efforts to elevate it.
Tanmay – Times Now – 3/5
Tanmay of Times Now rated Awarapan 2 3/5 and highlighted its old-school mass appeal.
The film retains a familiar style and atmosphere, with Emraan Hashmi serving as its central strength. However, the supporting characters are not given equally strong arcs.
The chemistry between Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani is also described as somewhat awkward rather than passionate. The sequel remains safe and engaging, but it lacks the shock value associated with the original. The music, according to the review, is another area that does not completely live up to expectations.
Bollywood Bubble – 2/5
Bollywood Bubble gave Awarapan 2 2/5 and takes a more critical position on the sequel.
The review suggests that dedicated Emraan Hashmi fans may enjoy watching the actor return in a full-fledged mass role. However, viewers who are not specifically fans of Hashmi or the 2007 original may find the film less rewarding.
The review also suggests that audiences who are interested in revisiting the movie later may prefer its streaming release, particularly because of several sequences that may test their patience.
Read the Bollywood Bubble review
Bollywood Hungama – 3.5/5
Bollywood Hungama awarded Awarapan 2 3.5/5 and considers it an effective mass-oriented action entertainer.
The review highlights Emraan Hashmi’s likeable performance, nostalgia, emotion and whistle-worthy moments as the film’s primary strengths. These elements allow the sequel to connect with audiences looking for a traditional commercial entertainer.
Bollywood Hungama also predicts a strong opening and weekend at the box office, suggesting that the film could become one of the year’s bigger hits.
Read the Bollywood Hungama review
Awarapan 2 Final Verdict
Awarapan 2 is essentially a nostalgia-driven comeback vehicle for Emraan Hashmi, with the actor carrying much of the film on his shoulders. The sequel combines action, emotion, romance, music and the familiar brooding atmosphere associated with the Awarapan brand.
Its strongest advantage is undoubtedly Hashmi’s performance as Shivam Pandit. Critics have repeatedly praised his screen presence, sincerity and ability to deliver both emotional and mass moments.
However, the film does not receive universal praise. The screenplay is considered predictable by some critics, while the pacing becomes uneven, particularly during the third act. The sequel also faces the unavoidable challenge of being compared with the much-loved 2007 original.
With an average rating of 2.88/5, 71% positive score, 5 positive reviews, 3 neutral reviews and 2 negative reviews, the overall critical response can be described as mixed but leaning positive.
For Emraan Hashmi fans and audiences who enjoy nostalgic Bollywood action dramas, Awarapan 2 offers enough action, emotion and familiar atmosphere to make it worth considering. Those expecting the same cult magic and musical impact as the original, however, may find the sequel less satisfying.
Awarapan 2 Rating: 2.88/5
Overall Score: 71% Positive
Reviews Counted: 10
Positive: 5 | Neutral: 3 | Negative: 2
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