Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Vishesh Bhatt Revisits Awarapan’s Failure With Long-Awaited Sequel
Awarapan 2 continues the story of Shivam Pandit, a character played by Emraan Hashmi.
The first Awarapan film came out in 2007 but did not do well at the box office.
Producer Vishesh Bhatt believed the story deserved another chance.
In the sequel, Shivam’s relationship with God becomes an important part of the story.
Nitin Kakkar directs the new film instead of Mohit Suri.
Bilal Siddiqi writes the screenplay.
Shabana Azmi appears as a character named Nafisa.
Bhatt says the film was not made only to make money.
He is asking fans to watch and support it if they want more films like Awarapan.
Producer Vishesh Bhatt says Awarapan 2 seeks to reclaim the commercial failure of the 2007 original.
Emraan Hashmi returns as Shivam Pandit, while Nitin Kakkar directs and Bilal Siddiqi writes the sequel.
Bhatt says Mohit Suri did not direct because he was committed to Saiyaara and discussions around Aashiqui 3.
The sequel expands Shivam’s spiritual journey and features Shabana Azmi in a special appearance as Nafisa.
Bhatt says he invested his own money again and wants fans to support the film rather than merely discuss it online.
- Who
- Producer Vishesh Bhatt, actor Emraan Hashmi, director Nitin Kakkar and writer Bilal Siddiqi are central to Awarapan 2; Shabana Azmi also makes a special appearance.
- What
- Awarapan 2 continues the story of Shivam Pandit and attempts to give the commercially unsuccessful Awarapan a second chance.
- When
- The sequel was released 19 years after the 2007 original; the interview refers to the film’s 2026 presentation.
- Why
- Bhatt says he wanted to reclaim the original film’s market and business performance and respond to the continuing affection of its fans.
Sequel skeptics
Sequel supporters
Commercial justification
Sequel skeptics
The market questioned why a sequel was being made from a film that had been unsuccessful at the box office.
Sequel supporters
Vishesh Bhatt says he and the team believed Awarapan was a good story and wanted to reclaim its market and business performance.
Creative direction
Sequel skeptics
Some may view changing the director and writer as a departure from the original film’s creative team.
Sequel supporters
Bhatt says Mohit Suri’s commitments and creative focus were elsewhere, while new collaborators brought fresh energy to the sequel.
Fan support
Sequel skeptics
Bhatt warns that affection expressed online may not be enough if fans do not attend the film in cinemas.
Sequel supporters
Bhatt argues that strong audience support could demonstrate that viewers want more films like Awarapan.
- Original film
- Awarapan was released in 2007 and failed to make a significant impact at the box office.
- Sequel
- Awarapan 2 continues the journey of Shivam Pandit.
- Returning lead
- Emraan Hashmi reprises the role of Shivam Pandit.
- Director
- Nitin Kakkar directs the sequel, replacing Mohit Suri.
- Writer
- Bilal Siddiqi writes Awarapan 2, replacing Shagufta Rafique.
- Special appearance
- Shabana Azmi appears as Nafisa.
- Producer’s rationale
- Vishesh Bhatt says the sequel was not a cash grab and that he invested his own money in it.