The trailer for ‘Awarapan 2’, starring Emraan Hashmi, was released on Thursday, marking the return of his fan-favourite character Shivam Pandit nearly two decades after the cult original ‘Awarapan’ (2007). While the intense, spoiler-free trailer won praise from fans, sharp-eyed viewers soon flagged a different issue, pointing out similarities between the film’s promotional artwork and an existing design.
Poster draws a comparison with ‘Homeland’
Alongside praise for the trailer, social media users and fan forums have raised concerns over the campaign artwork resembling the show ‘Homeland’. The comparison centres on a now widely used visual concept: a lead figure turning back within a crowd of similarly dressed people, framed by a contrasting burst of colour. Notably, the trailer’s thumbnail and poster, not the trailer footage itself, triggered the copied-design accusations.
Reviving Emraan Hashmi’s cult character
‘Awarapan 2’ is being positioned as more than just a new release; it marks the return of one of Hashmi’s most memorable on-screen identities. The original film, directed by Mohit Suri and released in 2007, earned a cult following for its music, emotional depth and Hashmi’s restrained performance. With that legacy intact, the sequel’s promotional material is facing closer scrutiny from long-time fans than a typical film campaign might.
More about ‘Awarapan 2’
Directed by Nitin Kakkar and produced by Vishesh Bhatt, ‘Awarapan 2’ stars Emraan Hashmi alongside Disha Patani. The film is set for a theatrical release on August 14, 2026. With the trailer now gaining traction online, the film has reignited conversation through a mix of fan nostalgia, design debate and continued interest in a character with lasting recall value.