Emraan Hashmi’s Awarapan 2 and Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947 have opened on the same day. Here’s how the two Bollywood releases are performing at the box office and which film has the stronger audience buzz.

The Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947 box-office clash is finally underway.
Both Bollywood films released in theatres on August 14, 2026, just ahead of Independence Day. While Awarapan 2 brings back Emraan Hashmi in a sequel built around nostalgia, Batwara 1947 takes Sunny Deol into a completely different space with a Partition-era drama.
And if the early numbers are anything to go by, Awarapan 2 has started ahead.
The biggest advantage for Awarapan 2 is its strong pre-release demand.
Reported advance-booking figures put the film at around ₹11.36 crore, while Batwara 1947 was at approximately ₹4.21 crore. That gives Emraan Hashmi’s film a sizeable lead before the complete opening-day numbers are counted.
The sequel is clearly benefiting from the popularity of the original Awarapan, which developed a strong following over the years despite not being a major theatrical hit when it first arrived.
This time, fans have returned to theatres to see Emraan Hashmi back as Shivam Pandit.
There’s a simple reason behind the excitement: nostalgia.
The original Awarapan is remembered for its emotional story, music and Emraan Hashmi’s performance. Almost two decades later, the sequel is giving that audience another reason to return.
Early audience reactions have also highlighted Hashmi’s presence and the film’s music, although opinions aren’t completely unanimous.
That combination of an established fan base and a familiar character has given Awarapan 2 a strong start.
Batwara 1947 isn’t trying to compete with Awarapan 2 on the same terms.
The Sunny Deol-led film is a historical drama set around the Partition of India, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan.
Its cast includes Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi, giving the movie plenty of star power of its own.
The film’s biggest strength could be its emotional subject.
While Awarapan 2 is attracting viewers through nostalgia, Batwara 1947 is looking towards audiences interested in history, family drama and Partition stories.
This is what makes the clash interesting.
Emraan Hashmi has the advantage of a returning franchise and a younger audience looking for the next chapter of Awarapan.
Sunny Deol, meanwhile, brings decades of popularity and a strong connection with patriotic and historical cinema.
Interestingly, Shabana Azmi appears in both films, making this clash even more unusual. She is playing roles in two major releases arriving on the same day.
Based on the available opening-day data, Awarapan 2 is clearly ahead.
Its advance booking is substantially stronger, and early reports suggest heavier audience interest at shows compared with Batwara 1947.
But that doesn’t automatically mean it will win the entire weekend.
The real test will be Saturday and Sunday, when word of mouth and the Independence Day holiday can change the momentum.
Batwara 1947 could still benefit if audiences respond strongly to the film and recommend it to others.
| Awarapan 2 | Batwara 1947 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Emraan Hashmi | Sunny Deol |
| Genre | Action/Romantic Drama | Historical Drama |
| Main Advantage | Nostalgia & franchise | Star cast & historical subject |
| Release | August 14, 2026 | August 14, 2026 |
| Early Booking | Ahead | Behind |
For now, Awarapan 2 has the upper hand in the Independence Day box-office battle.
The film has stronger advance bookings, franchise nostalgia and a noticeable opening-day buzz. Batwara 1947, however, has a completely different audience and could gain momentum through reviews and word of mouth.
So, if you’re choosing between the two this weekend:
For Emraan Hashmi, music and nostalgia → Awarapan 2.
For Sunny Deol, history and an emotional Partition story → Batwara 1947.
The opening numbers currently favour Awarapan 2, but the weekend race is still wide open.
When did Awarapan 2 release?
Awarapan 2 released in theatres on August 14, 2026.
When did Batwara 1947 release?
Batwara 1947 also released on August 14, 2026.
Which movie has better advance booking?
Current reported figures show Awarapan 2 comfortably ahead of Batwara 1947.
Who stars in Awarapan 2?
Emraan Hashmi leads the film, with Disha Patani among the principal cast.
Who stars in Batwara 1947?
Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi are among the key cast members.
Which movie is winning right now?
Based on early booking and opening-day buzz, Awarapan 2 is currently ahead.