Awarapan 2 X Review: Emraan Hashmi wins hearts as fans praise his performance despite mixed reactions

Awarapan 2 has finally hit theatres, and social media is buzzing with first reactions. The sequel to the 2007 cult classic has generated significant excitement among Emraan Hashmi fans, with early viewers taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their verdict.

While the film has received a mixed response overall, one aspect remains almost universally appreciated—Emraan Hashmi's performance.

Emraan Hashmi steals the show

The biggest talking point among early viewers is Emraan Hashmi's return as Shivam. Fans believe the actor delivers one of his strongest performances in recent years, bringing both emotional intensity and screen presence to the role.

Several users described Hashmi as the soul of the film, with many saying he "owns every frame" whenever he appears on screen. For audiences revisiting the Awarapan universe after nearly two decades, his comeback has become the film's biggest emotional highlight.

Music and action impress audiences

The soundtrack has also emerged as one of the film's strongest assets. Viewers praised the emotional use of songs throughout the narrative, particularly the reprise of Toh Phir Aao, which many described as one of the most memorable moments in the film.

The action sequences have also exceeded expectations for several viewers. Many felt the film offers a larger-scale action experience than what the trailers suggested, successfully balancing emotional drama with high-energy set pieces.

Supporting performances from Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi and Puran Gabbi have also received appreciation, with Puran Gabbi's role and a major twist becoming frequent discussion points online.

Screenplay divides viewers

Despite the positive response to its performances and music, the screenplay has become the film's biggest criticism.

Several viewers felt the sequel relies too heavily on nostalgia instead of establishing a fresh identity. While the atmosphere and emotional callbacks appealed to longtime fans, many believed the writing lacked consistency.

Some audience members pointed to slower pacing, convenient plot developments and predictable twists that reduced the film's emotional impact. Others felt the story follows familiar Bollywood formulas and may have been more effective had it released years earlier.

Early audience verdict

The initial response suggests that Awarapan 2 succeeds as an emotional reunion for fans of the original film, largely because of Emraan Hashmi's commanding performance.

However, opinions remain divided over whether the sequel fully justifies its return after nearly two decades. While the music, action and performances have earned praise, the screenplay appears to be the film's weakest link.

Directed by Nitin Kakkar and written by Bilal Siddiqui, the film also stars Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Puran Gabbi, Anirudh Rawal, Surendar Vicky, Vijayant Kohli and Atul Kumar. The music has been composed by Mithoon, Jeet Gannguli, Amaal Malik, Ankit Sachdev and Wasif Ahmad.