Film producer Mukesh Bhatt has stepped forward to clear the air regarding the postponed release of the much-anticipated sequel, Awarapan 2. He has firmly dismissed any speculation that the delay is a strategic move to avoid a box office clash with other major releases like Dhurandhar Part 2 or the Yash-starrer Toxic.
The Real Reason Behind the Schedule Shift
In a conversation with PTI, Bhatt revealed that the core reason for pushing the release date is an unfortunate accident involving the film's lead actor, Emraan Hashmi. The incident occurred during filming and necessitated surgical intervention for the actor.
"The release date of Awarapan 2 has been shifted to either May or June because while shooting for the film, Emraan Hashmi met with an accident and he had to go through a surgery," Bhatt explained. He further clarified that Hashmi's doctors have advised a mandatory rest period, prohibiting him from performing action sequences for 45 days.
Pending Work and Final Schedule
As a direct consequence of this unforeseen event, crucial action portions of the film remain incomplete. Bhatt confirmed that only one final shooting schedule is left for Awarapan 2. This pending work, amounting to approximately 20 days of shoot, is planned to be completed in Malaysia in March.
The producer was emphatic in his denial of any fear of competition. "I’m not scared of Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic," he stated, directly addressing the circulating rumours. The original plan was to release the film on April 13, a date that is no longer feasible.
Legacy of Awarapan and Upcoming Competition
Awarapan 2 serves as a sequel to the 2007 cult classic action-romance film, Awarapan, which also starred Emraan Hashmi in the lead role. While the original was directed by Mohit Suri, the sequel is being directed by Nitin Kakkar with a script by Bilal Siddiqui. The cast also reportedly includes Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi.
The clarification from the producer's camp comes amidst a buzz about potential box office clashes. The films being mentioned as competition are significant: Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, is the current highest-grossing Hindi film ever in India. On the other hand, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, featuring Kannada superstar Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas, is one of the most awaited pan-India releases and is scheduled for a March 19, 2026 release.
Bhatt's statement aims to put all such speculation to rest, anchoring the delay solely to the priority of the actor's health and the subsequent completion of filming, ensuring the final product meets expectations.
