Are you a Gen Z-er who has recently discovered Emraan Hashmi and is baffled by the hype around his latest release, Awarapan 2? Yeah, same! Awarapan 2 has brought back Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit nearly two decades after the original. And Hashmi is finally getting the kind of attention his filmography has deserved for years! For the longest time, Bollywood reduced him to the “serial kisser”. But if that is all you know about him, you’re seriously missing out. So, if the recent hype has made you curious, here are Emraan Hashmi’s best movies that you should watch to understand what his fans have known for years.

1. Tigers

Perhaps his most underrated film, simply because barely anyone in India got to watch it. A festival favourite directed by Oscar-winning Danis Tanović, this film is based on the true story of a man who blew the whistle on a baby food scandal. Though underrated, it is believed to be one of Hashmi’s best performances. Raw, real, and completely committed.

Where to watch: Zee5

2. Shanghai

Dibakar Banerjee’s political thriller didn’t exactly set the box office on fire, but it gave Hashmi one of his meatiest roles. Playing a small-town cameraman with dodgy morals and a surprising streak of courage, he completely shed his lover-boy image with this film. It’s gritty and raw and shows just how versatile Hashmi can be when handed the right script.

Where to watch: Prime Video

3. Awarapan

Hands down, one of Hashmi’s finest performances. A soulful gangster drama with themes of love, redemption, and faith. The film bombed at the box office but later gained cult status. Hashmi’s portrayal of a broken man seeking salvation is haunting and deserves a lot more recognition.

Where to watch: YouTube

4. Footpath

His debut film, and probably the most overlooked one. While the film itself wasn’t a commercial hit, Hashmi stood out with his raw energy and screen presence. His performance grabbed the attention of critics and filmmakers alike, paving the path for his rise in Bollywood.

Where to watch: Available to rent/buy on Google Play Movies

5. Ghanchakkar

Now this was way ahead of its time. In this black comedy about a thief suffering from retrograde amnesia, Emraan Hashmi was paired opposite Vidya Balan. Audiences didn’t quite “get it” back then, but today, it feels like a quirky gem. Even though the movie has its share of flaws, Hashmi’s spaced-out act was both funny and oddly believable.

Where to watch: Prime Video

6. Why Cheat India

Another underrated outing that didn’t get the attention it deserved. A satirical look at India’s education scam, the film was patchy, but Emraan nailed his role as the smooth operator running the racket. It’s the kind of social commentary Bollywood doesn’t attempt often, but every time it does, you need to watch it.

Where to watch: JioTV

7. Haq

If Awarapan showed you Emraan Hashmi as a broken gangster, Haq will show you how uncomfortable he can make you when he’s on the other side of the moral line. Inspired by the landmark Shah Bano case, the courtroom drama stars Hashmi as Abbas Khan, a lawyer whose personal actions set off a much larger battle over women’s rights, religion, and justice. Hashmi has done such a phenomenal job in the movie that you will really start to hate his character.

Where to watch: Netflix

8. Awarapan 2

Obviously, we had to include the movie that started this whole Emraan Hashmi renaissance. Nearly 19 years after Awarapan, Hashmi returns as Shivam Pandit, bringing the tortured character back into the world of crime, revenge, love, and redemption. The sequel picks up the emotional DNA of the original while giving Shivam a new chapter, and audiences have clearly been ready for it.

Where to watch: Theatres

Awarapan 2 has already become Hashmi’s biggest opener, crossing the ₹100 crore worldwide mark within three days, proving that the OG still has plenty of fight left in him.

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