Movie Review: Awarapan

Update: Watch Awarapan here

Awarapan is a combination of Emraan Hashmi and Mohit Suri in an action packed thriller. Well, though Emraan Hashmi is certainly better in this one as he tries to shed his serial kisser image, yet the movie hardly promises something extraordinary.

Emraan Hashmi is Shivam who is devastated because of a failed love affair and then sets out to serve his mobster master called Malik (Ashutosh Rana). Malik asks him to keep an eye on his mistress Reema (Mrinalini Sharma) while he is away for some business trip. Shivam meanwhile finds out that Reema has another boyfriend Bilal (Rehan Khan) already up her sleeve, not to forget that Reema also reminds Shivam of his lost ladylove (Shreya Saran). Now Shivam is left in turmoil as he finds himself in an indecisive situation. He either has to prove himself loyal to his boss by killing Reema or let Reema unite with her boyfriend and thus save himself from the guilt and pain of losing his own love life.

The movie showcases the angst of Hashmi's character as he finds himself torn and divided. The good point about the movie is that it is a relief to find Emraan Hashmi in a role of substance and he lives upto it. The bad point of the movie is that it has too much violence which makes it quite unpleasant and also that the treatment lacks luster.

There are host of other characters in the movie, which are well sketched. But they are let down by lesser actors. For instance, Shaad Randhawa, as Emraan Hashmi's friend, leaves little mark. His role demanded better histrionics. Also, Salil Acharya (the 24x7 B4U VJ) tries too hard as the bad man. Of the supporting cast, Purab Kohli shines out and proves his versatility. He is terrific as the eccentric son of Ashish Vidyarthi. That brings me to two well seasoned actors. While Ashish Vidyarthi is totally wasted here, Ashutosh Rana reminds you of the immensely talented actor we all know of. He mouths some of the better dialogues in the movie.

Among the ladies, Shreya Saran does have beautiful screen presence. Wish her role was bigger. Mrinalini Sharma reminds you of Bipasha Basu in some scenes. She acts well and has come a long way from her item song (remember Babuji song in Apaharan?) days.

Hong Kong makes up for nice frames (and the movie is also a so called inspiration from a Hong Kong movie). Pritam's music is already a smash hit and fits well in the proceedings, which is anyway expected out of any movie from the Bhatts. "Toh phir aao" and ""Tera mera rishta" are pleasing to ears. Mohit Suri, as director and story teller, impresses once again after Zeher, Kalyug and Woh Lamhe.

I would like to add here without taking anything away from a good sincere performance by Emraan Hashmi, that Sanjay Dutt would have done wonders to this role. Reminded me of Sanju baba from Sadak, Kabzaa and Naam - all Mahesh Bhatt movies.

In an all, Awarapan is touching, yet not very gripping!!!