The much-anticipated sequel to the 2007 blockbuster “Awarapan” has taken the box office by storm, garnering widespread critical acclaim and delighting audiences with its nostalgic appeal. While “Awarapan 2” has been lauded for its engaging storyline and stellar performances, a recurring observation among fans has been the conspicuous absence of a kissing scene involving its lead, Emraan Hashmi. This detail has sparked a flurry of amusing and insightful reactions across social media platforms, highlighting a significant shift in the actor’s on-screen persona.
Emraan Hashmi, once famously dubbed the “serial kisser” of Bollywood, built a substantial part of his early career on a charismatic image defined by steamy romantic sequences and bold intimate portrayals. This cinematic signature became almost synonymous with his name, making his films eagerly anticipated for their daring approach to on-screen romance. However, in “Awarapan 2,” this signature element is notably absent, leading many long-time fans to express their surprise, often with a humorous undertone.
Social media has been abuzz with comments reflecting this sentiment. One user humorously lamented, “Umar ho gai hai woh wala EMRAAN HASHMI nahi raha ab (He has gotten old, now Emraan is not Emraan Hashmi),” suggesting a generational shift in his acting choices. Another fan’s comment, “Sab koi yaha iss scene mein murder waala imran hashmi ko dhund raha hai (Everyone is looking for the Murder film’s Emraan Hashmi),” playfully referenced his earlier, more risqué roles. The sentiment “It feels illegal to watch Emraan Hashmi without a kiss scene” perfectly encapsulates the sense of cognitive dissonance many viewers experienced. Some even offered playful advice, with one user tweeting, “Emraan Bhai, kiss Disha already, it’s not like Aaliyah’s watching. #Awarapan2,” poking fun at his public image. Another viewer shared a personal anecdote, stating, “I literally told my mom we should watch something else because Imran Hashmi was in this movie; turns out there wasn’t even a single normal kiss scene, and the story was actually so good,” underscoring how deeply ingrained his kissing scenes were in audience expectations.
Yet, this shift hasn’t been met with universal disapproval. A segment of the audience has welcomed the change, viewing it as a sign of the actor’s evolution beyond his established image. Comments like “He is married. He himself toned it down and stepped away from erotic movies. At least appreciate that” demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for his personal and professional growth. Another straightforward observation, “Good that there is no kissing scene,” simply acknowledges the preference for this new direction.
“Awarapan 2” serves as a direct continuation of the critically acclaimed 2007 film. This latest installment features a compelling cast including Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, and Shabana Azmi in pivotal roles, all under the expert direction of Nitin Kakkar. The film has already proven its commercial viability, accumulating an impressive total India net collection of Rs 67.46 crore, solidifying its status as a significant success at the box office. This financial triumph, coupled with the varied audience reactions to Emraan Hashmi’s evolving on-screen presence, highlights a fascinating juncture in the actor’s career and the dynamic nature of audience expectations in the ever-changing landscape of Hindi cinema.
