Emraan Hashmi is back as Shivam Pandit, and his return has created a strong buzz at the box office. Awarapan 2, the sequel to the 2007 cult favourite Awarapan, arrived in theatres during the Independence Day weekend and has recorded a strong opening. The film has benefited from nostalgia for the original as well as curiosity around Hashmi's return to one of his most remembered characters.Awarapan 2 box office collection day wiseAccording to Sacnilk.com, Awarapan 2 collected Rs 21 crore net in India on Day 1 from 9,033 shows. The film's India gross collection stood at Rs 25.20 crore, while its overseas gross collection reached Rs 2 crore.This takes the film's worldwide gross collection to Rs 27.20 crore on its opening day. The number marks a major milestone for Hashmi, as Awarapan 2 has now emerged as the actor's biggest opening-day grosser.133253633Before the sequel, Hashmi's best opening came with Baadshaho. The 2017 film had collected Rs 12.60 crore net on its first day. Raaz 3, released in 2012, had opened with Rs 10.47 crore net, while Raaz Reboot recorded Rs 5.30 crore net on its opening day in 2016.With Rs 21 crore net, Awarapan 2 has comfortably surpassed all three figures and given Hashmi his biggest opening in terms of first-day collections.The film's strong opening becomes more notable when compared with its advance booking figures. Awarapan 2 had reportedly generated around Rs 11.36 crore through advance bookings, including blocked seats, before its release.The difference between the advance booking figure and the final Day 1 collection indicates that walk-in audiences and spot bookings contributed significantly to the film's opening. The Independence Day holiday appears to have also helped the sequel attract a larger number of moviegoers.The film will now look to maintain its momentum over the rest of the opening weekend.Awarapan 2 vs AwarapanThe sequel has opened considerably stronger than the original Awarapan. The 2007 film, which went on to develop a loyal following over the years, collected approximately Rs 79 lakh on its opening day.The first film earned around Rs 2.88 crore net during its opening weekend, meaning Awarapan 2 has already collected several times that amount on its first day alone.The gap between the two openings show how much the franchise's audience has grown over the years. Hashmi's return as Shivam Pandit's character has also played a key role in creating anticipation nearly two decades after the first film.The early audience response to Awarapan 2 has been encouraging. Moviegoers have praised Hashmi's intense performance, the storyline, music and the action-thriller treatment. Several viewers have also pointed out that Hashmi appears in a different look and role compared with some of his earlier films.Music remains an important part of the Awarapan franchise. The soundtrack of the sequel has been composed by Mithoon, Jeet Gannguli, Amaal Malik, Ankit Sachdev and Wasif Ahmad. The lyrics have been written by Sayeed Qadri, Rashmi Virag, Akhil Sachdeva and Sachin Singh Chandel.Songs including Ve Junoon, Yeh Awarapan and Toh Phir Aao have also helped build interest around the film ahead of its release.133253747Awarapan 2 cast and storyDirected by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 brings Emraan Hashmi back as Shivam Pandit. The sequel also stars Disha Patani as Zara, while veteran actor Shabana Azmi plays the antagonist Nafisa.The supporting cast includes Puran Gabbi as Zorawar, Anirudh Rawal as Sikandar, Surendar Vicky as Jaideep, Vijayant Kohli as Mehmood and Atul Kumar as Samarth.With a record opening for Hashmi and positive early reactions, Awarapan 2 has made a strong start. Stay tuned for more updates!
