Cult Classic Sequel Goes on Floors as Emraan Hashmi and Producer Vishesh Bhatt Reunite; Nitin Kakkar Directs for April 2026 Release
The long-awaited sequel to the 2007 cult classic, ‘Awarapan 2,’ has officially begun filming, with the team, led by returning star Emraan Hashmi and producer Vishesh Bhatt, starting an intense month-long schedule in the bustling city of Bangkok. This highly anticipated project, which pairs Hashmi with new female lead Disha Patani, marks the revival of one of Bollywood’s most beloved emotional sagas.
Director Nitin Kakkar takes the helm for the sequel, working from a script written by Bilal Siddiqui. The production is moving swiftly to meet its already announced theatrical release date of 3 April 2026.
Emraan Hashmi steps back into the iconic role of Shivam Pandit, the brooding gangster with a conscience, a character that resonated deeply with audiences and cemented the original film’s cult status. Fans have long campaigned for a continuation of the story, and the official start of production confirms the character’s return nearly two decades later.
The partnership between Hashmi and Vishesh Films, the banner responsible for their numerous box office hits including Jannat and Murder, is a core strength of this sequel. Producer Vishesh Bhatt is personally overseeing the project, ensuring the sequel maintains the raw emotion and gripping narrative that defined the first instalment.
The initial shooting schedule for Awarapan 2 has been strategically set in Bangkok, Thailand. Sources close to the production indicate that the city will serve as a crucial backdrop for the film’s conflict.
The cast and crew are scheduled for a marathon one-month shoot in Bangkok, where they plan to capture over 50 percent of the film’s narrative. Director Nitin Kakkar will leverage the city’s unique locales to create an expansive yet intense cinematic world, mirroring the original’s balance of grand-scale setting and intimate emotional drama. The team plans to wrap the entire film by January 2026, keeping the release timeline on track.
Adding a new dynamic to the franchise is actress Disha Patani, who officially joins the cast as the female lead opposite Emraan Hashmi. Patani’s character details remain tightly under wraps, but her casting signals the makers’ intent to present a fresh on-screen pairing while upholding the film’s foundation as an intense love story set against a volatile gangster backdrop.
Patani reportedly loved the script’s emotional arc for her character, making her an immediate choice for the production house.
The original Awarapan gained immense popularity not just for its story, but for its blockbuster soundtrack. Recognizing the vital role music plays in the franchise, producer Vishesh Bhatt is placing immense focus on curating a new chartbuster music album. The team is actively working with composers to ensure the sequel delivers a soulful and memorable set of songs, promising to honor the legacy of tracks like ’Tera Mera Rishta Purana’ while creating new melodies for the modern audience.
With a firm release date of 3 April 2026, the makers successfully tap into a lucrative holiday window, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the biggest emotional action dramas of the year.
