Producer Vishesh Bhatt recently made a surprising revelation about Emraan Hashmi‘s latest film Awarapan 2. The movie hit theatres on August 14, 2026 and has been performing exceptionally well at the box office. Despite earning over ₹55 crore in India within just two days, Bhatt disclosed that no distributor initially showed interest in buying the film.
The producer shared these details during an interview with Zoom before the film’s release. He explained that the team had to put their own money into the project because the market showed no interest at first.
Distributors Refused to Buy Awarapan 2
Vishesh Bhatt made it clear that Awarapan 2 was never planned as a quick money-making project. In his conversation with Zoom, he said:
“If you want to watch films like Awarapan, you will have to support it in cinemas. Otherwise, how would I know that you are interested in that? If I know, I will put in my hard-earned money to cash-grab it. Let me tell you, Awarapan 2 is not a cash grab film.”
Bhatt further explained that the film’s success came as a surprise given the initial rejection from distributors. He stated:
“If it was a cash grab, distributors would have shown interest in it, and I would have been sitting on table profit today. Nobody in the market came to buy the film. We put our own money into it. Yes, the market did wake up when the film was ready. If audiences show love for films like these, Awarapan kind of films can be made.”
The producer’s honesty about the film’s journey has caught attention, especially since the movie is now performing better than many expected.
Box Office Numbers Cross ₹55 Crore Mark
Awarapan 2 has shown impressive numbers at the domestic box office. The film earned ₹33.75 crore on its second day, taking the total India net collection to ₹55.75 crore. The worldwide gross collection stands at ₹72.90 crore.
The film opened with ₹22 crore on day one, marking Emraan Hashmi‘s biggest opening as a lead actor. The action drama quickly surpassed the lifetime collection of the original Awarapan, which had earned only ₹7.75 crore net back in 2007.
The movie also crossed the final collections of several of Hashmi’s successful films, including Jannat (₹30 crore), Raaz 2 (₹25.50 crore), and Ek Thi Daayan (₹26 crore).
The Clash with Batwara 1947
Awarapan 2 released alongside Sunny Deol‘s film Batwara 1947 on the same day. However, Vishesh Bhatt clarified that this was not a planned box office clash.
Speaking to ANI, Bhatt explained that the film was originally scheduled for an April release. But Emraan Hashmi got injured during shooting in December, which forced the team to delay production.
“No, actually, we didn’t plan it as a clash,” Bhatt said. “We felt that our film was going to be released in April, but during December, Emraan got injured during the shooting, so we had to hold back the shoot.”
Bhatt admitted he had concerns about releasing alongside another major film. He recalled how the original Awarapan struggled for attention when it released with two other films in 2007.
“We came from a time when nobody noticed us. So I had this trauma that I was going to make Awarapan again. I was afraid that nobody would notice our film again.”
Despite his worries, distributors and cinema owners assured him that the market had enough capacity for both films, especially during the holiday period.
Why Mohit Suri Didn’t Direct the Sequel
Fans noticed that Mohit Suri, who directed the original Awarapan, did not return for the sequel. Vishesh Bhatt addressed this, explaining that there was no creative disagreement.
Bhatt told India Today that Suri was busy with another film, and the sequel’s story was already being developed. He compared it to his experience with the Jannat franchise.
“I was part of Jannat 1, and very quickly Jannat 2 was being made. I had given my heart and soul to it, so I said, ‘I don’t want to.’ I was part of other films in the producing capacity, but I was not up for doing it again.”
Bhatt added that the decision happened naturally, and there was no major fallout between him and Suri.
Emraan Hashmi Hints at Awarapan 3
During a Mumbai screening, Emraan Hashmi surprised fans by hinting at a possible third film. He visited a theatre with co-star Disha Patani during the interval and spoke to the audience.
Addressing the crowd, Hashmi said:
“This is a film which belongs to fans more than the makers isiliye hum wapis aaye abhi, is journey ko humne aur thrilling banaya with more action and more emotions.”
When a fan predicted the film would become a super-hit, Hashmi responded, “Movie baaki hai, second half better hai (The movie is not over yet; the second half is better)”. He then added, “Hopefully, Awarapan 3 very soon”.
What Awarapan 2 Is About
The film continues the story of Shivam Pandit, played by Emraan Hashmi, after he survives six bullets in the first film. He rescues a baby named Aliyah and grows attached to her. When Interpol informs him that she has been pushed into a child trafficking racket, Shivam goes undercover to save her.
Directed by Nitin Kakkar and produced by Vishesh Bhatt, the film also stars Shabana Azmi, Disha Patani, and Suvinder Vicky in important roles.
The movie has received mixed-to-positive reviews, with critics praising Emraan Hashmi‘s performance.
Related:
Vishesh Bhatt Confirms Work on Jannat 3
After the success of Awarapan 2, Vishesh Bhatt confirmed that he is working on Jannat 3. In an exclusive interview with Zoom, he shared that the script is currently in development.
“Awarapan ke baad mein, I am definitely looking into Jannat 3,” Bhatt said. When asked if the script was locked, he replied, “Vahi cheez pe kaam chal raha hain” (Work is ongoing on that).
The Jannat franchise began in 2008 with Emraan Hashmi playing Arjun Dixit and Sonal Chauhan as Zoya.
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