A Sequel That Delivered
After years of speculation and fan demand, 'Awarapan 2' finally hit theatres on August 14, 2026, and the reception has been phenomenal. The film, directed by Nitin Kakkar, brings back Emraan Hashmi in his iconic, brooding role of Shivam Pandit. It not
only fulfilled the promise of a sequel but has also become a massive commercial success, crossing the ₹180 crore mark worldwide in just over a week. The story finds Shivam, having survived the events of the first film, on a mission to dismantle a child trafficking racket. This high-stakes plot required a canvas that was both expansive and gritty, leading the production team across international borders on an ambitious filming schedule that began in September 2025 and concluded in June 2026.
Return to Bangkok, Thailand
The location trail for 'Awarapan 2' fittingly begins in Bangkok, the city that was central to the original film's narrative. For the sequel, the crew returned to Thailand for a significant portion of the shoot. Bangkok’s bustling streets, chaotic markets, and moody alleyways once again provide the perfect backdrop for Shivam's world of crime and redemption. Major action sequences, dramatic confrontations, and key song portions were filmed across the Thai capital. According to reports, a Buddhist monastery featured in the film serves as a place where Shivam recuperates, adding a layer of spiritual contrast to the city's underworld. This return not only serves as a nostalgic nod for fans but is also integral to the plot, as Shivam's new quest is rooted in Bangkok's dark criminal networks.
New Frontiers in Rajasthan and Malaysia
While Bangkok provides continuity, 'Awarapan 2' expands its visual palette by venturing into new territories. A significant part of the filming took place in Rajasthan, specifically in cities like Jaipur and Sambhar. This leg of the production brought a completely different aesthetic to the franchise, swapping neon-lit streets for the rustic, earthy tones of India's desert state. It was during an intense action sequence in Rajasthan that Emraan Hashmi reportedly suffered an abdominal injury that required surgery, a testament to the physicality of the production. Adding to its international feel, the production also moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for another schedule, further establishing the global scale of the criminal enterprises Shivam is up against.
The Mumbai Connection
No Indian crime thriller's location list would be complete without Mumbai, and 'Awarapan 2' is no exception. Portions of the film were also shot in the financial capital, weaving it into the multi-city narrative. While specific locations within the city have not been highlighted as prominently as the international ones, Mumbai's inclusion grounds the story and connects the sprawling international plot to a familiar Indian urban landscape. This blend of domestic and foreign locations allowed the filmmakers to create a world that feels both grounded and larger than life, reflecting the journey of a character who is constantly navigating different worlds, both geographically and morally.
A Trail That Defines the Story
The location trail of 'Awarapan 2' is more than just a list of picturesque settings; it's a reflection of the sequel's ambition. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, who took the reins from the original's director Mohit Suri, the film was envisioned on a grander scale. The decision to shoot across four distinct locations—Bangkok, Rajasthan, Malaysia, and Mumbai—was a deliberate choice to enhance the action-thriller narrative and visually represent the scope of Shivam's mission. This international footprint underscores the high stakes of his battle against a far-reaching criminal network. While Suri, who emotionally endorsed the sequel, established the original's moody, international feel, Kakkar used this expanded location trail to build a worthy successor that stands on its own while respecting its roots.
