'I would work with Emraan Hashmi at the drop of a hat': Mohit Suri opens up on 'not being offered' 'Awarapan 2' for direction

‘Awarapan’ continues to enjoy enduring popularity, which has fueled excitement for its sequel, ‘Awarapan 2’, with Vishesh Films recently announcing the release date. While Emraan Hashmi is set to return in the lead role, Mohit Suri will not be directing the film. In a recent interview, the filmmaker opened up about why he is not helming the sequel.

Mohit Suri on why he is not directing ‘Awarapan 2’

Mohit explained why he isn’t directing ‘Awarapan 2’, telling NDTV, “I was never actually offered it before, that’s all. I think they wanted to work, but it’s not that. I would work with Emraan at the drop of a hat. The problem with him is that I’ve done eight films with him. He knows me so well. I have to give him a role; I can’t just hustle him into doing some part. But I think it will be more beneficial for me than for him.”

Mohit Suri reacts to Emraan Hashmi dialogue in ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’

Suri also reacted to ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ line, “Akkha Bollywood ek taraf aur Emraan Hashmi ek taraf (Entire Bollywood one side and Emraan Hashmi on one side),” and said, “That scene was kickass. I think what Raghav was actually doing is what I’ve accomplished all my life. It just happened 20 years later; it’s exactly that only. Emraan is my elder brother. We actually grew up together watching the same films. That’s how I think we got educated in the kind of sensitivity, the kind of films we like, the music we like. And in the end, he was my first hero and my hero for eight films. So I’m the one who can actually say that puri industry ek taraf and Emraan bhai ek taraf.”

Mohit Suri and Emraan Hashmi’s long collaboration over the years

Mohit and Emraan’s professional partnership spans many years. The filmmaker made his Bollywood debut with ‘Zeher’ (2005), starring Emraan in the lead. The duo went on to collaborate on multiple projects, several of which achieved box office success, including ‘Murder 2’, ‘Awarapan’, and ‘Raaz: The Mystery Continues’.

‘Awarapan 2’ release date and cast details revealed

The original film, directed by Mohit Suri, hit screens nearly 19 years ago. Its sequel, now helmed by Nitin Kakkar, also features Disha Patani in a significant role and is set for an August 14 release. Sharing the announcement on Instagram, the production house wrote, “Producer Vishesh Bhatt invites you to explore the world of Awarapan 2. Keep yourself free this Independence Day weekend and join us on 14 Aug 2026, Awarapan 2 in cinemas.”Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”