Awarapan 2 Public Review: Emraan Hashmi Impresses As Shivam Pandit Netizens Call It Paisa Vasool

By javedkhanui7 Aug 14, 2026 0

Emraan Hashmi’s Awarapan 2 has finally arrived in theatres. The much-awaited sequel to the 2007 cult film sees Hashmi return as Shivam Pandit, nearly two decades after he first played the emotionally scarred character. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film also stars Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi in key roles.

The film was released today, on August 14, and is facing competition at the box office from Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947. With two major releases arriving just ahead of Independence Day, the weekend promises an interesting box-office battle. But before the numbers start rolling in, what are audiences saying about Awarapan 2?

Awarapan 2 Public Review

So far, the early audience reactions to Awarapan 2 appear to be largely positive, with Emraan Hashmi’s return as Shivam Pandit, the film’s emotional core and its nostalgic music are emerging as some of the most talked-about aspects.

Sharing a still from the film, one netizen called Awarapan 2 “paisa vasool”. Another viewer said that the first 20 minutes are engaging enough to immediately establish an emotional connection with Hashmi’s character.

Original song in Awarapan 2. Paisa wasool . @Mustafology pic.twitter.com/vFRhpbHYnu

— BadshahOBadsha (@BadshahOBadsha) August 14, 2026

One cinephile called it a “Blockbuster”, praising Hashmi’s performance as Shivam Pandit, the action, emotional moments and music. The viewer also highlighted Disha Patani’s work and called Shabana Azmi “superb”, giving the film 4/5.

Another viewer particularly praised Hashmi’s performance, writing, “Just walked out of Awarapan 2. Emraan Hashmi still owns Shivam’s pain like no one else can—raw, intense, and completely absorbing. The scale is bigger this time, the action hits hard, and the emotional core still lands. When Phir Aao plays, you will get emotional, no doubt about it. Not perfect, but a solid, heartfelt watch. 3.5/5.”

Bhai Starting k 20 Min hi Itne Engagging Hai Aap Emotionally Shivam Pandit k Saath Connect Ho JaogeðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ðŸ’¯ðŸ’¯ðŸ’¯ðŸ’¯ðŸ’¯ðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ #Emraanhashmi #Awarapan2 #trending pic.twitter.com/bcCx4PntgS

— VASU KAPOOR ( Filmydunniyaaa ) (@moviereview1684) August 14, 2026

Another movie enthusiast called Awarapan 2 impactful, noting that it remains connected to the emotional essence of the original while expanding the story into a bigger, more commercial cinematic experience.

Another netizen noted that while it is not a masterpiece and probably won’t replace the original, it is a fairly engaging dark romantic-action drama with a strong Emraan Hashmi performance.

With Batwara 1947 posing another major theatrical challenge, Awarapan 2 appears to have made a promising start in terms of audience chatter. If the positive word of mouth continues through the weekend, Awarapan 2 could see stronger footfalls as audiences head to theatres over the Independence Day holiday.

#Awarapan2: BLOCKBUSTER! ðŸ”¥

Emraan Hashmi owns it as Shivam Pandit. Massy, emotional, nostalgic & powerful. Outstanding performance + Soulful music.

Disha patani good work âœ…
Shabana azmi superb.

4/5 â�ï¸�â�ï¸�â�ï¸�â�ï¸�#Awarapan2Review #emraanhashmi #Dishapatani pic.twitter.com/0Zbcgew5Uj

— FlixXpert (@flixxpert) August 14, 2026

Just walked out of Awarapan 2. Emraan Hashmi still owns Shivam’s pain like no one else can—raw, intense, and completely absorbing.

The scale is bigger this time, the action hits hard, and the emotional core still lands.

When Phir Aao plays, you will get emotional, no doubt… pic.twitter.com/qMoPFTvHJj

— I’m Toxic (@Rocky_CmVijay) August 14, 2026

Awarapan 2: IMPACTFUL.

Rating : 4 /5 â�ï¸�â�ï¸�â�ï¸�â�ï¸�[#Awarapan2] stays connected to the emotional essence of the cult original while expanding the story into a bigger, more commercial cinematic experience.

Nitin Kakkar smartly taps into the franchise’s nostalgia without overusing… pic.twitter.com/Y2eAMNILKi

— Vijayan Esther ðŸ©µà¾€à½² âš˜.á¥«á¡â‹†Ëšâœ¿Ë–° ðŸš¢ (@vijayanest22031) August 14, 2026

60-70% morning show occupancy on a regular Friday (non-holiday) for an Emraan Hashmi film. Am I in 2008-2012 era? Audience ka AWARAPAN for #Awarapan2 is real. GenZs + Millennials in the house. Bring it on! ♥ï¸�

— Aavishkar (@aavishhkar) August 14, 2026

Awarapan was released in 2007 and was directed by Mohit Suri. The film starred Emraan Hashmi, Shriya Saran, Mrinalini Sharma and Ashutosh Rana. Hashmi played Shivam Pandit, a troubled gangster whose journey takes him towards redemption after he is asked to keep an eye on his boss’s mistress.

ðŸŽ¬ Awarapan 2 — Review
A surprisingly decent comeback for Shivam Pandit after 19 years. Emraan Hashmi remains the biggest strength of the film — his intensity, screen presence and emotional connect still work. The dark atmosphere, action, revenge-and-redemption storyline and…

— RUPESH SINGH (@rajputs89) August 14, 2026

The film did not emerge as a major commercial success during its initial theatrical run, but its emotionally charged storytelling, Hashmi’s performance and especially its music helped it develop a strong cult following over the years. With Hashmi once again stepping into Shivam Pandit’s shoes, the sequel is attempting to turn nearly 20 years of nostalgia into a fresh theatrical experience.

Also Read: Everything We Are Watching This Week (August 10-16): Awarapan 2 & More