Storyline: Awarapan 2 is a continuation of Awarapan (2007). Shivam Pandit (Emraan Hashmi) is miraculously saved despite being shot several times after the end of the first film. The second movie continues years later when he is doing an odd job in a town in Rajasthan. He is still mourning the death of Aaliyah (Shriya Saran), who he dearly loved and regularly visits her grave.

Once during the ritual, Shivam finds an abandoned infant at the graveyard. He hands the girl over to his well-wisher who is running an orphanage. He names the girl Aaliyah. Years later after Aaliyah grows up, a family adopts her. However, it is soon found out that she has been abducted by child traffickers and sent to Bangkok. Shivam is pained after knowing this and decides to visit Bangkok right away to rescue her and other children.

Review: The first Awarapan was more of an emotional affair and had limited action scenes. But the trailer of Awarapan 2 contained only brutal fight scenes. This made one wonder if the film will follow the recent trend of violent action films.

However, Awarapan 2 turns out to be way different from its trailer.

The movie wastes no time in unleashing the nostalgic factor for the fans of Awarapan. If you are one of those who is smitten by the 2007 movie, chances are that you will be glued to Awarapan 2 right from the start. Vishnu Rao’s cinematography is particularly noteworthy during this part.

The screenplay gradually goes onto the crime thriller mode once the story takes the turn and the protagonist goes onto his mission. The film then becomes an out-and-out crime action drama with the nostalgia factor remaining very much there.

The idea of the main hero infiltrating an underworld gang abroad instantly reminds you of the Dhurandhar series. Of course, there have been plenty of films where a good guy becomes a mole in a gang. But since the Ranveer Singh starrer is recent, it instantly pops up in your mind. But thankfully, the common factor ends here.

Although Awarapan 2 has emotions to its core (just like its predecessor), this one is more into the masala action zone, especially in the second half. The film throws in a bunch of new and interesting characters, especially Zorawar (Puran Gabbi), and some twists to keep the interest going.

The only issue here is that in the last 30 minutes, the proceedings become quite filmi with things happening at convenience for the protagonist on a few occasions. This is felt the most when the Buddhist monks arrive out of nowhere. But a couple of whistle-worthy moments in the end turn out to be the saving grace.  

Awarapan 2 is also a rare film in today’s times where almost all the songs appear impressive. Along with the reprised versions of ‘Toh Phir Aao’ and ‘Tera Mera Rishta Purana’, the new tracks too sound impressive.  

Coming to the performances, it’s an Emraan Hashmi show. The actor not only lives up to the expectations of playing Shivam Pandit once again convincingly, he also lights up the scene every time he appears. In fact, he even makes Shivam Pandit’s melancholy appear endearing in a way only he can.

Despite Emraan’s presence, Puran Gabbi makes his presence felt and how! He is convincing and highly confident as the bad beast Zorawar. Shabana Azmi displays her talent yet again, despite limited screen time. Disha Patani fares better than usual. Aniruddh Rawal is also praiseworthy as a man suffering from Autism. Child actor Myrah Shivan gives a fine act. Atul Kumar, Suvinder and Vijayant Kohli provide able support. Shriya Saran’s cameo is appealing and it arrives at an important moment in the film.

Overall: Awarapan 2 is an interesting crime thriller with the right dose of emotions and Emraan Hashmi at his best. Nitin Kakkar succeeds in the difficult test of directing the sequel of a cult film.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Director: Nitin Kakkar

Producers: Vishesh Films

Writers: Vishesh Bhatt, Bilal Siddiqi and Sanjay Masoom (additional dialogues)

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Puran Gabbi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky, Aniruddh Rawal, Myrah Shivan

Also read: Ikka review: Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna starrer is a one-time watch courtroom drama

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