Awarapan 2: Will it be 2026's biggest romantic opening?

Emraan Hashmi's "Awarapan 2" is poised for a strong box office debut, potentially achieving the biggest romantic opening of 2026. Advance booking trends and digital engagement suggest a significant audience turnout, echoing the historical success of "Saiyaara." The film's musical strategy, featuring a refurbished soundtrack that is climbing streaming charts, is expected to drive footfalls, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Much like "Saiyaara" resonated with audiences seeking raw, emotional romance, "Awarapan 2" arrives at a time when millennials are reportedly more drawn to tragic love stories than conventional happy endings. This thematic appeal, combined with the absence of similar romantic narratives in recent box office hits, positions "Awarapan 2" to tap into a deep-seated nostalgia for brooding, unfulfilled love stories. The film's momentum is building across various cinema chains and single screens, indicating a promising double-digit opening on its first day.