Awarapan 2 Review
Awarapan 2, starring Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani, is an action thriller that comes nearly 19 years after the original Awarapan (2007).
Story
Shivam Pandit (Emraan Hashmi) continues to be haunted by the death of Alia, whom he once loved deeply. Years later, a young girl named Alia, whom Shivam had cared for, is kidnapped by a human-trafficking gang and taken to Bangkok.
An Interpol officer asks Shivam to infiltrate the gang and rescue the kidnapped children. In Bangkok, he encounters Zara (Disha Patani) and the dangerous gangster Sikandar (Anirudh Rawal). The rest of the story revolves around Shivam's mission to save Alia and the other children.
How is the movie?
The review feels that Awarapan 2 did not really need to be a sequel. The story could have worked as a standalone action thriller.
The basic theme—a hero going to extreme lengths to save a child close to him—is familiar and has been seen in several films before. However, the Bangkok setting, fast-paced screenplay and action sequences keep the movie reasonably engaging.
The first half follows a familiar gangster-thriller formula, with Shivam trying to infiltrate Sikandar's gang. The investigation involving the container where the children are held and the gang's internal betrayal angle are predictable.
The film becomes more interesting once Zara discovers why Shivam has come to Bangkok. However, the romantic track and songs in the second half slow things down.
The confrontation between Shivam and Sikandar provides the main dramatic conflict, while an intense action sequence brings the film to an energetic conclusion.
Performances
Emraan Hashmi: Gives a controlled and convincing performance as Shivam. His acting and action sequences provide the character with the required heroism.
Disha Patani: Looks good but her character is only average.
Anirudh Rawal: One of the highlights of the film. His performance as Sikandar is considered an impressive debut.
Shabana Azmi: Makes an impact in an important supporting role.
Technical Aspects
The background score, action choreography and relatively short runtime work in the film's favour. Director Nitin Kakkar keeps the presentation sharp and avoids unnecessary stretching.
Strengths
Emraan Hashmi's performance
Anirudh Rawal's debut
Action sequences
Runtime
Background music
Weaknesses
Predictable scenes
Unnecessary romantic track in the second half
Story feels familiar
Final Verdict
Awarapan 2 may not have been necessary as a sequel, but it is still a reasonably entertaining action thriller.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½/5