Emraan Hashmi’s Awarapan 2 has received a UA 16+ certificate after the CBFC directed the makers to complete nine modifications. The approved Hindi film runs for 140 minutes and 20 seconds and is scheduled to reach theatres on August 14, 2026.
Awarapan 2 Receives UA 16+ Certificate
Emraan Hashmi’s anticipated sequel Awarapan 2 has cleared the Central Board of Film Certification ahead of its Independence Day weekend release. The Mumbai regional office granted the film a UA 16+ certificate on August 5, allowing viewers below 16 to watch it with parental guidance.
The official CBFC record lists the certified duration as 140 minutes and 20 seconds, equivalent to two hours, 20 minutes and 20 seconds. The Hindi-language film will also be released with English subtitles. It has been certified with audio-description and closed-caption or open-caption files to improve accessibility.
Awarapan 2 Undergoes Nine CBFC Modifications
The examining committee reportedly ordered nine changes before issuing the certificate. These included disclaimers related to drug consumption and child trafficking, the display of the film’s Hindi title and anti-drug messages at several points.
A static anti-smoking warning was also added. Objectionable words were replaced in the soundtrack and English subtitles, while a drug-snorting scene was modified. The makers were further asked to adjust the end credits so they aligned appropriately with the background music.
The Board reportedly ordered four minutes of deletions and around 20 seconds of replacements. These changes produced the final approved runtime of 140 minutes and 20 seconds.
Awarapan 2 Violence Reduced Before Release
Several sequences containing graphic or prolonged violence were shortened. In one scene, the intensity of the violence was reduced by approximately 50%, while other extreme action moments were trimmed to meet certification requirements.
The changes indicate that the sequel retains its dark action-drama tone while reducing some of its strongest imagery for the UA 16+ category. The certification still signals that the film contains mature themes and may not be suitable for younger children without parental supervision.
Awarapan 2 Brings Back Shivam Pandit
Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 marks Emraan Hashmi’s return as Shivam Pandit, the conflicted gangster introduced in the 2007 cult film. The official CBFC plot summary says Shivam has abandoned his criminal life but is pulled back into danger after an orphan named Aliyah and 40 other children are trafficked to Bangkok.
Driven by guilt and a desire for redemption, Shivam infiltrates the organisation of a trafficker named Zorawar to rescue the children before they are sold. Disha Patani appears in a leading role, while Mukesh Bhatt and Vishesh Bhatt are credited as producers.
The film is scheduled to release in theatres on Friday, August 14, 2026. Its arrival ahead of Independence Day gives the emotional action sequel an extended holiday period to attract fans of the original Awarapan and audiences awaiting Hashmi’s return to one of his most recognised roles.
