Some films don’t become blockbusters when they release; they become legends with time. Awarapan is one of them.
A film released in theatres by Mohit Suri (which bombed) is now almost twenty years old, but its cult following has continued to grow due to the emotional narratives, hauntingly beautiful music, and performance by Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit. The songs from the original, such as Toh Phir Aao, Tera Mera Rishta, and Maula Maula, still resonate with fans. Furthermore, Shivam’s transition from being a broken gangster to being redeemed was one of the best-developed characters in Bollywood history.
Finally, after 19 years, we get a teaser for Awarapan 2, which is a retread of the classic style. The teaser begins in a familiar setting with Emraan Hashmi’s return as Shivam. He appears sadder, more battered by his regrets, but filled with memories of pain. The first line of the teaser captures the thematic essence of the original film: “Dard se purana rishta hai mera” (I have a long history with pain). And with this simple dialogue, fans are transported back to where they were at the end of the first movie. The look and feel of the teaser are dark and moody with a perfect balance of action and emotion.
The teaser does an excellent job of showing that the first movie finished rather than ignoring it as if nothing ever ended. It implies that Shivam was rescued by a monk after being shot, thus starting a new chapter of his life while still holding onto the emotional burden of the last 20 years. In addition to showing Disha Patani, it includes Shabana Azmi and shows that this sequel will develop from the original rather than simply remaking the first film.
The restraint that is used to create this teaser is another reason why it works so well. There are no big hero entrances, explosions, or other over-the-top action sequences; it simply tells why this sequel is so special and why Awarapan became such a tremendous classic by properly displaying Shivam’s feelings of loneliness, sacrifice, and searching for purpose.
For the fans who have now spent almost 20 years watching and listening to Awarapan and its incredible soundtrack, it feels like Awarapan 2 is going to be more than just a regular sequel; it is going to be an extension of the first film. If this teaser is an indication, it is not merely a returning role for Emraan Hashmi as Shivam but rather the continuation of a saga that many thought had come to an end.
