There are some movies that you watch for the story, and then there are some you watch for nostalgia and to relive that heartbreak you had when you were 17. Awarapan 2, the sequel to the cult classic Awarapan, firmly belongs in that category. Nineteen years after the movie introduced us to Shivam Pandit, Emraan Hashmi returns to the character that became one of the most memorable roles of his career. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the sequel brings back the anti-hero for another story of love, loss, redemption, and revenge. Starring Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, and Puran Gabbi, alongside Hashmi, Awarapan 2 is a great watch for those who have longed for years to watch this genre in theatres again.

The film opens with the iconic Toh Phir Aao and hooks you immediately without wasting a single second. Hearing that song in the theatres again, nearly two decades after Awarapan, is an experience in itself. It brings back that very specific 2000s Bollywood feeling, the tortured hero, the heartbreak, and the lyrics that hit you randomly at 2 am on a Tuesday. But once the nostalgia settles in, Awarapan 2 has a new story to tell.

Shivam Pandit is back, and things are darker this time

Shivam finds a newborn girl in a graveyard and takes her back to the orphanage he grew up in. He names her after his dead lover, Aaliyah, provides for her, and takes care of her. Soon after, Aaliyah gets adopted by a family, but things are not as sweet as they seem. Shortly after that, Interpol officer Samarth Singh (Atul Kumar) comes seeking Shivam’s help and reveals that Aaliyah’s family is dead. They were actually a part of a child-trafficking ring and had already sold her off. He convinces Shivam to help him find the other missing children and step into the dangerous Bangkok underworld. Here, Nafisa Nawaz (Shabana Azmi) rules her criminal empire.

Amrit Singh, Nafisa’s rival, is one of the oldest underworld mafia dons but is murdered by his youngest son, Zorawar, who takes over the business and his empire. His siblings Zara (Disha Patani) and Sikander (Aniruddh Rawal) turn into pawns of his dangerous game. Shivam goes undercover as a taxi driver, saves the family from an attack, and eventually turns into Zorawar’s trusted right-hand man. But with betrayals piling up and loyalties shifting every minute, his mission keeps getting messier, darker, and more dreadful. And just when he thinks he is coming closer to the truth, he is framed for Samarth’s murder, Aaliya is assumed dead, and the entire game changes.

The music is the real time machine

Awarapan is a cult classic, not just because of its story and its cast, but also because of its music. And the sequel does an excellent job of bringing back that nostalgia. The songs, the flashbacks, and the familiar tunes lend the story not just emotions but a whole mood. It builds a bridge between the two movies, making you revisit a time when a good heartbreak song could become your entire personality.

And then, Toh Fir Aao plays. In a theatre. Again. And if you don’t melt into a puddle the minute you hear Mustafa Zahid hitting those notes, you’re lying. Then comes Tera Mera Rishta Purana, and your millennial self is transported back through the time machine. And if you’re Gen Z, this is your crash course to Emraan Hashmi, melancholy, and killer soundtracks being a whole different cinematic universe. But honestly, as much as you should go watch this one for Emraan Hashmi, the music is what makes you stay.

A treat for Emraan Hashmi fans

If you went gaga watching Hashmi in Bas*** Of Bollywood, Awarapan 2 will bring out the same reaction in you as Raghav Juyal when he sings Kaho Na Kaho the minute he sees Emraan. With the brooding silence, the intense stares, and the wounded attitude, he slips back into the role like he never really left. And there is something extremely nostalgic in seeing him play that emotionally bruised and morally complicated hero that made an entire generation fall for him.

Along with Hashmi, Disha Patani as Zara brings a fresh, delicate energy to the story. And Shabana Azmi, as the mafia queen, commands your attention effortlessly. If only she had some more screen time, she would have eaten, chewed, and spat out the newbies. Puran Gabbi as Zorawar makes a solid debut. He is an absolute power-hungry maniac who won’t let anyone come between him and his empire. Suvinder Vicky and Vijayant Kohli as members of Zorawar’s gang add an intense and unnerving edge to the story.

Awarapan 2 doesn’t try to compete with its prequel; it just extends the feeling. So, don’t watch it to decide if it is better than the first one. The movie slows down in parts and gets predictable after the interval. But if you stop expecting it to surprise you at every turn, there is something oddly comforting about the ride. You go watch it for Shivam. To relive the magic Awarapan created and to hum along to the songs you’ve spent decades listening to.

Awarapan 2 is now running in theatres near you.

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