Aug 22, 2026 12:30pm IST
From ‘Awarapan 2’ To ‘Jannat 3’: Emraan Hashmi’s Theatrical Revival Is Underway
The box office success of “Awarapan 2” is significant for Emraan Hashmi on several fronts. While fans have celebrated the return of his iconic character, Shivam Pandit, to the big screen, the film has also become his first ₹100 crore grosser as a solo lead in a career spanning more than two decades.
With the romantic actioner on course to cross the ₹150 crore mark, its performance has sparked a larger conversation: could “Awarapan 2” mark the beginning of Emraan Hashmi’s revival and reinvention at the box office?
A Big Success After A String Of Flops
“Awarapan 2” has ended Emraan Hashmi’s long run of consecutive flops as a leading man, which began in 2013 with films such as “Ghanchakkar,” “Raja Natwarlal,” “Ungli,” “Mr. X,” “Hamari Adhuri Kahani,” “Azhar,” “Raaz: Reboot,” “Why Cheat India,” “The Body,” “Selfiee,” “Ground Zero” and “Haq.”
The film has become a case study because it is a direct sequel to “Awarapan,” which had failed at the box office. The second installment, however, successfully tapped into nostalgia and the cult following of the original, which resulted in a massive response from fans.
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Can Nostalgia Power Hashmi’s Next Phase?
With “Awarapan 2” emerging as a bona fide hit, the possibility of another successful franchise has already opened up. Producer and writer Vishesh Bhatt recently announced “Jannat 3,” confirming that development on the film is underway. Like “Awarapan,” the “Jannat” franchise has a loyal fanbase and strong nostalgic value, which might give Emraan Hashmi another winner.
There could also be scope to revive the “Raaz” franchise, which combines several commercial elements, including horror, music, romance, and thrilling moments, strengthening its scope as a box-office-friendly project.
What Lies Ahead
Emraan Hashmi currently has three projects in the pipeline, and it remains to be seen whether the momentum from “Awarapan 2” carries over to his upcoming releases.
He will next be seen in “Gunmaster G9,” which reunites him with director Aditya Datt after “Aashiq Banaya Aapne” and “Dil Diya Hai.” The film also features Aparshakti Khurana as the lead antagonist and is scheduled to release on November 27.
In 2027, Emraan will feature in a musical horror, which will be helmed by Mayank Sharma, known for the “Breathe” series. He will also star in Adivi Sesh’s Telugu spy action movie “G2,” which is a sequel to “Goodachari.” It is directed by Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi.
“Awarapan 2” has given Hashmi something he has been missing for years- a major theatrical win. Whether it becomes the first chapter of a larger comeback will depend on what follows.
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