The theatrical arrival of director Nitin Kakkar's Awarapan 2 has sparked significant excitement among film enthusiasts waiting for the official follow-up to the 2007 hit Awarapan. Beyond the buzz surrounding this new sequel, the release provides an opportunity to look back at the diverse career of actor Emraan Hashmi. Over the years, Hashmi delivered several compelling, non-formulaic performances in projects that ultimately struggled to achieve the massive commercial success they deserved. Here is a detailed look at six of his most remarkable yet underrated films.
Shanghai (2012): Dibakar Banerjee's Gritty Political Thriller
Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the 2012 political thriller Shanghai marked a significant turning point in Emraan Hashmi's acting career. Shedding his long-standing image as a romantic hero and serial kisser, Hashmi took on the role of Joginder Parmar, a small-town videographer. The film delves deep into the murky world of local politics, civic corruption, and the vulnerability of the common man. Hashmi's understated yet powerful portrayal of a helpless citizen caught in a dangerous web earned high praise from critics for its authenticity.
Awarapan (2007): The Cult Classic Story of Gangster Shivam
Released in 2007, Awarapan holds a special place in Emraan Hashmi's filmography. He portrayed Shivam, a tormented gangster torn between his unyielding loyalty to his boss and his inner quest for redemption. Although the movie did not record massive numbers at the box office during its initial theatrical run, its intense narrative, soul-stirring music, and Hashmi's brooding screen presence gradually transformed it into a celebrated cult classic among moviegoers.
Tigers (2018): Danis Tanovic's Hard-Hitting Whistleblower Drama
Helmed by Oscar-winning director Danis Tanovic, the 2018 biographical drama Tigers stands out as one of Hashmi's most artistically robust projects. Based on real events, the film stars Hashmi as a medical representative who discovers that a multinational corporation's infant formula is harming newborn babies. Portraying a real-life whistleblower fighting corporate greed and systemic negligence, Hashmi delivered a restrained and deeply convincing performance free of melodramatic tropes.
Ghanchakkar (2013): A Dark Comedy of Memory Loss and Heist
Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the 2013 dark comedy thriller Ghanchakkar showcased Hashmi in an unconventional light. He played Sanju, a former bank robber who suffers an accident and develops amnesia, completely forgetting where he hid his share of the stolen loot. Featuring sharp screen chemistry with co-star Vidya Balan, the film combined suspense with dark humor. Despite its novel concept and strong performances, the movie remained largely under-appreciated at the box office.
Tum Mile (2009): Romance Set Against the 2005 Mumbai Deluge
The 2009 romantic drama Tum Mile weaves a love story around the catastrophic rainstorms and floods that paralyzed Mumbai on July 26, 2005. Emraan Hashmi played a struggling artist grappling with personal artistic ambitions and the complexities of his relationship. Supported by a widely popular soundtrack, Hashmi brought genuine emotional depth to the screen, though the film did not achieve the commercial landmark many expected.
Ek Thi Daayan (2013): Supernatural Mystery and Illusion
In the 2013 horror thriller Ek Thi Daayan, Emraan Hashmi stepped into the shoes of Bobo, a renowned illusionist haunted by dark memories of his childhood and supernatural forces. The movie blended eerie atmospheric tension, strong background scoring, and folklore elements. Hashmi anchored the narrative with a calm, grounded performance, making it one of the most intriguing yet underrated horror-mystery ventures in modern Hindi cinema.
