Awarapan 2 trailer: Mohit Suri calls sequel 'a long-lost love' 19 years on
Synopsis
Nineteen years after a box-office flop became a cult classic, Mohit Suri is watching someone else carry the Awarapan torch — and he couldn't be more moved. His emotional Instagram tribute to Awarapan 2, praising director Nitin Kakkar and lead Emraan Hashmi, is a rare moment of a filmmaker publicly celebrating a sequel to his own film that he didn't direct.
Key Takeaways
Director Mohit Suri shared an emotional tribute on Instagram after watching the Awarapan 2 trailer on 7 August .
He described the sequel as 'a long-lost love' and 'an old friend,' noting the original still matters to him 19 years later.
The original Awarapan was a box-office failure but became a cult classic driven by its acclaimed soundtrack.
Awarapan 2 is directed by Nitin Kakkar , with Vishesh Bhatt producing — Suri called Bhatt his 'little brother' and said he has 'passed on the baton.' The sequel stars Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani and is set to release in cinemas on 14 August 2025 .
Director Mohit Suri has described the upcoming Awarapan 2 as 'a long-lost love' and 'an old friend you haven't met in years but still deeply miss,' sharing his emotional reaction to the film's trailer on Friday, 7 August. The sequel arrives 19 years after the original, which Suri helmed and which is now widely regarded as a cult classic.
Suri's Emotional Note
Taking to Instagram, Suri shared the Awarapan 2 trailer alongside a heartfelt caption. He credited director Nitin Kakkar for handling the project with 'love, flourish, sensitivity and heart,' and expressed pride in lead actor Emraan Hashmi, calling him 'my hero, and always, always will be.' He also singled out actress Disha Patani and actor Billy Siddiqui for praise.
In his post, Suri wrote: 'This one feels special. Like a long-lost love, like an old friend you haven't met in years but still deeply miss. 19 years later, and this movie still matters so much to me.'
From Box-Office Disaster to Cult Classic
The original Awarapan, directed by Suri, was a commercial failure on release and was pulled from theatres early due to poor box-office performance. However, its soundtrack became a runaway success, giving the film an extended life on home-viewing platforms. Over time, audiences rediscovered it, gradually elevating the film from a commercial disappointment to a beloved cult classic — a trajectory that makes the sequel's arrival particularly significant.
Passing the Baton
Suri noted that Awarapan 2 is directed by his 'little brother' Vishesh Bhatt, to whom he said he has 'passed on the baton.' The original was produced under the Mahesh Bhatt banner, and the franchise remains a family affair. Suri expressed eagerness for audiences to witness 'the magic' Bhatt has created with the sequel.
He also celebrated the 1st anniversary of his own blockbuster Saiyaara recently, underscoring a creatively rich period for the director even as he steps back from the director's chair for this instalment.
Release and What to Expect
Awarapan 2 is set to release in cinemas on 14 August 2025. Suri closed his note with a lyrical flourish, quoting the original's iconic line: 'Toh phir aao… mujhko satao… mujhko rulao' — signalling that the sequel aims to recapture the raw emotional register that made the first film endure.
Point of View
And the sequel's existence is a direct product of that digital redemption arc. What's notable here is Suri's posture: he directed the original, yet he's publicly celebrating a sequel he didn't helm — a generosity that is uncommon in an industry where creative ownership is fiercely guarded. The real question Awarapan 2 must answer is whether the cult affection is for the story itself or for the specific alchemy of Suri, Hashmi, and that 2007 soundtrack. Nitin Kakkar inherits a devoted but demanding fanbase, and nostalgia alone will not be enough.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Awarapan 2 and when does it release?
Awarapan 2 is the sequel to the 2007 Bollywood film Awarapan, directed this time by Nitin Kakkar. It stars Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani and is scheduled to release in cinemas on 14 August 2025.
Why did Mohit Suri not direct Awarapan 2?
Mohit Suri directed the original Awarapan but has passed the directorial baton for the sequel to Nitin Kakkar and producer Vishesh Bhatt. Suri publicly endorsed the project, calling Bhatt his 'little brother' and expressing full confidence in the new team.
Was the original Awarapan a hit?
No — Awarapan was a commercial failure on its theatrical release and was pulled from cinemas early. However, its music became enormously popular, giving the film a long shelf-life on home-viewing platforms and eventually earning it cult-classic status.
What did Mohit Suri say about Emraan Hashmi in his post?
Suri called Emraan Hashmi 'my hero, and always, always will be,' expressing confidence that Hashmi had given the sequel everything he had, just as he did on the original film 18 years ago.
Who is directing and producing Awarapan 2?
Awarapan 2 is directed by Nitin Kakkar and produced by Vishesh Bhatt, who Mohit Suri referred to as his 'little brother.' The film continues the franchise under the Mahesh Bhatt production banner.
