“A routine gangster action-drama aided by its leading man and its beautiful visuals.”
Baradwaj Rangan
Baradwaj Rangan's Blog
Part of a Collection
Awarapan Collection
Shivam Pandit steps back into the dangerous underbelly of Mumbai in Awarapan 2, a gritty sequel that trades quiet redemption for high-stakes action. Director Nitin Kakkar returns to helm this Vishesh Films production, assembling a formidable cast led by Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as the conflicted criminal trying to outrun his past. Shabana Azmi joins him as Nafisa Nawaz, bringing gravitas to the family dynamics while Disha Patani plays Zara, the love interest caught in the crossfire.
The film blends crime drama with romance, exploring how far a man will go to protect what he loves. Released on August 14, 2026, the movie quickly became a commercial phenomenon, crossing ₹200 crore worldwide and entering the top 100 Bollywood grossers list within just two weeks. Critics noted the visual splendor and emotional depth, though some felt the narrative followed a familiar formula typical of the studio's output.
Stream
JioCinema
In theatres
Availability and pricing can change. Confirm on the provider's site before purchasing.
Decades after the events of the original film where Shivam Pandit struggled to escape his criminal past, he has seemingly achieved a quiet life living under a new identity. The shadows of Mumbai's underworld refuse to stay buried however. A crisis erupts when a high-stakes situation involving child abduction forces the Interpol agency to seek the help of an unlikely ally: Shivam Pandit. The specific target of this kidnapping is a three-year-old girl named Aaliyah, whose disappearance is linked to a powerful and ruthless gang operating in the city.
Shivam is pulled back into the dangerous world he tried to leave, driven not just by a sense of duty but by a deep-seated need to protect the innocent. He must navigate a treacherous web of corruption, betrayal, and deadly gang wars. Central to his journey is the return of Zoya, now known as Zara, who serves as both a love interest and a catalyst for his emotional reawakening. Her presence complicates his mission as her own history with the criminal element puts her directly in the line of fire. Simultaneously, Shivam must contend with Nafisa Nawaz, a matriarchal figure whose connection to his past adds layers of familial tension and moral complexity to the unfolding drama.
The central conflict revolves around Shivam's internal struggle between his desire for a peaceful existence and the violent reality that demands his intervention. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers that the kidnapping is part of a larger conspiracy designed to settle old scores from years ago. The antagonist, Mehmood, represents the brutal face of the underworld that Shivam once belonged to, forcing him to confront the man he used to be. The story builds through a series of intense action sequences and emotional confrontations as Shivam races against time to rescue Aaliyah before it is too late.
Throughout the film, themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the inescapable nature of one's past are explored. Shivam's path is fraught with peril, requiring him to make difficult choices that test his resolve and his relationships. The dynamic between Shivam and his allies, including Jaideep and Samarth, highlights the camaraderie and loyalty that define the Vishesh Films universe. As the plot thickens, Shivam realizes that saving Aaliyah is not just about rescuing a child; it is about confronting the ghosts of his own history and finding a way to finally lay them to rest. The narrative culminates in a high-stakes showdown where Shivam must decide whether to fully embrace his violent past or forge a new path forward, all while protecting those he loves from the clutches of a relentless enemy.
Critical Consensus
Critics generally praised Emraan Hashmi's performance as a career-defining return to form, noting the film's visual splendor and emotional depth. While some reviewers felt the plot followed a familiar formula typical of Vishesh Films, the direction by Nitin Kakkar and the supporting cast elevated the material above standard genre fare. The film was lauded for its mature handling of redemption themes and strong box office performance.
“A routine gangster action-drama aided by its leading man and its beautiful visuals.”
Baradwaj Rangan
Baradwaj Rangan's Blog
“Emraan Hashmi's faded sequel doesn't rise from the riches of its past.”
The Hindu
The Hindu
“My Best Film Yet... An emotional rollercoaster. The music, the nostalgia, the pain, the romance... it hits you when you least expect it.”
Emraan Hashmi
Director
Nitin Kakkar
Writers
Balal Siddiqi, Rashmi Virag, Sayeed Quadri, Akhil Sachdeva, Sachin Urmtosh
Composers
Amaal Mallik, Jeet Gannguli, Ankit Sachdev, Wasif Ahmad
Cinematographer
Vishnu Rao
Producers
Mukesh Bhatt, Vishesh Bhatt
Join the community
fans discussing