Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- Emraan Hashmi’s Performance
- Mohit Suri’s Direction
- Soul-Stirring Music
- Cinematography and Visuals
- Themes of Redemption and Humanity
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Budget and Collections
- Day-Wise Earnings (India + Overseas)
- 7. Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
Released on June 29, 2007, Awarapan is a Hindi-language action crime drama directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mukesh Bhatt under the Vishesh Films banner. Starring Emraan Hashmi, Shriya Saran, Mrinalini Sharma, and Ashutosh Rana, this film is an intense tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Unlike typical Bollywood action films that rely on commercial elements, Awarapan takes a more realistic and emotional approach. The movie stands out due to its soulful music, gripping storyline, and Emraan Hashmi’s stellar performance. While it didn’t achieve massive box office success, it has gained a strong cult following over the years. This review explores the film’s storyline, strengths, weaknesses, target audience, box office performance, and overall appeal.
2. Plot Summary
Without giving away major spoilers, here’s a brief overview of the story.
Shivam (played by Emraan Hashmi) is a ruthless hitman who works for a Hong Kong-based gangster, Malik (played by Ashutosh Rana). Having endured a tragic past, Shivam has lost faith in humanity and leads a life of violence and loneliness.
His world takes an unexpected turn when he is assigned to keep an eye on Reema (played by Mrinalini Sharma), a young woman held captive by Malik. As Shivam gets to know her, he is reminded of his own past love (played by Shriya Saran). This forces him to confront his inner demons and make a choice—remain loyal to his boss or risk everything for what he believes is right.
3. What’s Good?
Emraan Hashmi’s Performance
Emraan Hashmi delivers one of his career-best performances in Awarapan. His portrayal of Shivam’s pain, regret, and transformation feels authentic and leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
Mohit Suri’s Direction
The dark, intense atmosphere created by Mohit Suri perfectly complements the film’s melancholic tone. He successfully crafts an engaging narrative without unnecessary melodrama.
Soul-Stirring Music
The soundtrack of Awarapan is one of its biggest highlights. Songs like:
- Toh Phir Aao (Mustafa Zahid)
- Tera Mera Rishta (Mustafa Zahid)
- Mahiya (Annie Khalid)
Each song captures the soul of the film, adding emotional depth to the storytelling.
Cinematography and Visuals
The film’s dark, gritty visuals create a realistic and immersive experience. The locations, whether in Hong Kong or India, reflect the protagonist’s emotional turmoil.
Themes of Redemption and Humanity
Unlike many Bollywood action films, Awarapan focuses more on the psychological transformation of its lead character. It raises questions about faith, destiny, and second chances, making it more than just an action thriller.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
✅ Strong Emotional Connect – The film successfully establishes a deep emotional connection with the audience.
✅ Powerful Character Development – Shivam’s journey is well-written, making him one of Bollywood’s most memorable anti-heroes.
✅ Unconventional Storyline – Unlike typical Bollywood action films, Awarapan takes a darker, more realistic approach.
✅ Memorable Music – The soundtrack remains timeless, even years after its release.
Weaknesses:
❌ Pacing Issues – Some parts of the film feel slow, especially in the first half.
❌ Limited Commercial Appeal – The serious tone and lack of masala elements made it less attractive to mainstream audiences.
❌ Underrated Villain – While Ashutosh Rana is a talented actor, his character lacks depth and presence, making him less impactful as an antagonist.
5. Target Audience
Who will enjoy this movie the most?
- Fans of dark, intense thrillers with strong character-driven narratives.
- Viewers who appreciate Emraan Hashmi’s acting in serious roles.
- Those who enjoy soulful music combined with meaningful storytelling.
- People looking for an underrated Bollywood movie that focuses on deep emotions and redemption.
This film is not ideal for those looking for a light-hearted Bollywood movie filled with comedy, dance, and romance.
6. Box Office Details
Budget and Collections
| Category | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | ₹12 Crores |
| Marketing & Promotion | ₹3 Crores |
| Total Budget | ₹15 Crores |
| Worldwide Gross | ₹21 Crores |
| India Box Office | ₹17 Crores |
| Overseas Collection | ₹4 Crores |
Day-Wise Earnings (India + Overseas)
| Day | India Collection (INR) | Overseas Collection (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹2.5 Crores | ₹1 Crore |
| Day 2 | ₹3.2 Crores | ₹0.8 Crore |
| Day 3 | ₹3.8 Crores | ₹0.7 Crore |
| Day 4 | ₹2.1 Crores | ₹0.6 Crore |
| Day 5 | ₹1.7 Crores | ₹0.5 Crore |
Despite average box office earnings, the film found a second life through television broadcasts and digital platforms, gaining a cult status over time.
7. Recommendation
Awarapan is a hidden gem of Bollywood, offering a unique mix of action, drama, and emotions. Emraan Hashmi’s powerful performance, combined with Mohit Suri’s direction and a soulful soundtrack, makes this film worth watching.
While it may not be a mainstream Bollywood blockbuster, those who love intense and thought-provoking cinema should definitely give it a try.
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended for Fans of Intense Drama and Redemption Stories!
Genres:
Action, Drama, Crime
Rating:
6.875/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Emraan Hashmi | Shivam Pandit |
| Shriya Saran | Aaliyah |
| Mrinalini Sharma | Reema |
| Salil Acharya | Ronnie Malik |
| Purab Kohli | Munna Malik |
| Ashish Vidhyarthi | Raja D. Malik |
| Ashutosh Rana | Bharat Daulat Malik |
| Rehan Khan | Bilal |
| Atul Parchure | Siddharth Sood |
| Shaad Randhawa | Kabir |
How is Our Review?
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