Veteran film producer Mukesh Bhatt has addressed concerns regarding the delayed release of Awarapan 2, the sequel to the 2007 action-romance drama Awarapan starring Emraan Hashmi. Initially slated for an April release, the film is now expected to hit theaters in May or June 2026. Bhatt clarified that the postponement is due to production realities and not fear of competition from other major film releases like Dhurandhar 2 and Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.
Speaking to PTI, Bhatt explained that Emraan Hashmi suffered an accident during the film's shooting, requiring surgery. As a result, Hashmi is restricted from performing action sequences for 45 days, necessitating the delay of action-heavy portions of the shoot. Bhatt emphasized that the decision to postpone was purely logistical, prioritizing the actor's recovery and the quality of the film.
“The release date of Awarapan 2 has been shifted to either in May or June because while shooting for the film, Emraan Hashmi met with an accident and he had to go through surgery," Bhatt stated. "As a result, he isn't allowed to do action for 45 days. So, all the action sequences will be performed later. I'm not scared of Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic,”.
Bhatt revealed that only one shooting schedule, approximately 20 days in Malaysia, remains to be completed. This schedule includes key action sequences that will be filmed after Hashmi's medical rest period concludes. By March, the crew intends to travel to Malaysia to finish the final phase of production.
The original Awarapan, directed by Mohit Suri, gained a cult following for its intense storyline and Emraan Hashmi's performance. The sequel reunites Hashmi with director Nitin Kakkar and writer Bilal Siddiqui. The film also stars Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi in prominent roles.
Bhatt’s production company, Vishesh Films, has a dedicated audience that remains loyal regardless of market trends. He conveyed confidence in the Awarapan brand and a "quality over speed" approach.
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has become the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time, earning over Rs 840 crore in India. Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, starring Kannada superstar Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas, is among the most anticipated pan-India films of 2026.
Apart from Awarapan 2, Emraan Hashmi has several other projects in the pipeline, including Haq, They Call Him OG, and Ground Zero, all slated for release in 2025. He will also be seen in the television series Showtime, and the film Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web.
