Awara Paagal Deewana was released on 20 June 2002 to a global audience. It received mixed reviews from critics. The film was notable for lavish and exotic song images, action scenes by Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and performances by Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever.[4][5]
In 2023, a sequel, Awara Paagal Deewana 2, was in development.[6]
Plot
The MacGuffin is the $200 million of diamonds in a New York bank, left in the will of Indian underworld don, Baba Baldev Prasad (Om Puri). His bequest is to be distributed equally between his son, Vikrant (Rahul Dev), his daughter, Preeti (Preeti Jhangiani), and Preeti's husband, Guru Gulab Khatri (Akshay Kumar). To claim the diamonds, all three beneficiaries must present to the bank.
Shortly after the don's death, Vikrant plots to disguise himself as Guru and assassinate the Indian home minister while he is live on television. Guru is falsely accused and evades prosecution by fleeing to the United States under an assumed identity.
In the United States, Guru is identified by Anmol (Aftab Shivadasani), a dentist. Anmol's mother-in-law sends Anmol and her husband, Manilal (Paresh Rawal) to India, to collect a reward for finding Guru. However, Vikrant reneges and sends Anmol and Manilal back to the United States. They are accompanied by Vikrant's henchmen, Yeda Anna (Sunil Shetty) and Chota Chathri (Johnny Lever) who must kill Guru. It is later revealed that Yeda Anna is a double agent working for Guru.
Vikrant and Preeti arrive in the United States to receive their inheritance of diamonds. At their hotel, Vikrant is kidnapped and killed by a mysterious group of Chinese thugs. However, Yeda Anna discovers that the kidnapped Vikrant is an imposter.
With Vikrant apparently dead, Preeti and Guru claim one half of the diamonds each. As they leave the bank, a group of policemen apprehend them and take them to a remote location. Then, the real Vikrant appears. In a confrontation with Guru, Vikrant is killed by Guru.
In the aftermath, Anmol, who wishes to marry Preeti, asks Guru to divorce Preeti in exchange for her portion of the diamonds. Yeda Anna double-crosses Guru, and tries, in vain, to steal the diamonds from him.
In the end, Anmol and Preeti return to India together. Guru gives them some of his diamonds and Preeti is grateful.
Production
This film was shot principally in New York, Oman, and some scenes in Mumbai. Filming wrapped on 10 July 2001.
Cast
Akshay Kumar as Guru Gulab Khatri, an underworld don.
Aftab Shivdasani as Dr. Anmol Acharya, a dentist who worries about family issues.
Suniel Shetty as Yeda Anna, a double agent working for Guru Gulab and Vikrant Prasad.
Paresh Rawal as Manilal Patel, Anmol's ex-father-in-law, Paramjeet's husband, and Mona's father. He forgets the names of the people around him and also forgets his own name.
Johnny Lever as Chhota Chhatri, a stammering goon, who is working for Yeda Anna.
Preeti Jhangiani as Preeti Acharya, Baldev's daughter, Vikrant's sister, Guru Gulab's ex-wife, and Anmol's wife.
Aarti Chabria as Tina, Anmol's secretary, Guru’s love interest.[7]
Amrita Arora as Mona Patel, Manilal and Paramjeet's daughter, and Anmol's ex-wife, whom she pesters.
Rahul Dev as Vikrant Prasad, Baldev's son, Preeti's brother, and Guru Gulab's ex-brother-in-law.
Supriya Pilgaonkar as Paramjeet Patel, Manilal's wife, Anmol's ex-mother-in-law, and Mona's mother.
Taran Adarsh of IndiaFM gave the film 2 stars out of 5, writing on 21 June 2002, on Bollywood Hungama, "On the whole, Awara Paagal Deewana has an excellent first half, but a just-about-okay second half. From the box-office point of view, the fabulous stunts, excellent music, and an aggressive promotion will help the film reach the safety mark. Business in metros should prove to be the best. Well worth a watch!" [8] Also on 21 June 2002, Anjum N of Rediff.com wrote, ″Director Bhatt should concentrate on what he does best - making small budget, non-star cast films (Ghulam being an exception). Here, he shows his capability in handling the comic scenes well - there weren't many light scenes in his earlier films. But overall, he fails to hold the audience's attention. See the film only if you are a diehard fan of Rawal's comic talent or Akshay's action scenes."[9]
