Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 14: Nineteen years after Awarapan, the franchise returns with Awarapan 2, directed by Nitin Kakkar. However, Mohit Suri, who helmed the 2007 original starring Emraan Hashmi, has not returned for the sequel.

Producer Vishesh Bhatt said Suri's absence was not a decision to replace him but a natural outcome of how the sequel's story developed. Bhatt also clarified that there was no major creative disagreement between them.

Bhatt recalled his own decision not to produce Jannat 2 after working on Jannat, saying he had already given his "heart and soul" to the first film and did not want to repeat the experience. He said a similar situation unfolded with Awarapan 2.

According to Bhatt, Suri was also occupied with another film, while the producer had already been developing the new Awarapan story independently.

The return of Emraan Hashmi was another crucial element in shaping the sequel. Bhatt said considerable preparation was required for Hashmi to return to the mindset of Shivam, the restrained character whose emotions are often expressed through silence.

"Shivam takes a lot of his energy," Bhatt explained, adding that Hashmi needed to fully focus on the character after completing Tiger 3.

The makers also sought to expand the musical identity of the franchise rather than simply recreate the sound of the original. Mithoon, who was associated with the first film, has returned for the sequel, while newer composers and singers have also been brought on board.

Bhatt said he and Hashmi discussed the music and decided to allow newer artists to interpret parts of the material. He praised Mithoon's contribution while also highlighting newer work by Amaal.

The film continues the makers' association with Arijit Singh and introduces new voices to the album. Bhatt said the combination of established collaborators and fresh talent has helped make the Awarapan universe larger.

The expansion also extends to the cast, with Disha Patani joining the franchise. Bhatt said the makers wanted to introduce new faces wherever an opportunity arose.

Bhatt has also emphasised that Awarapan 2 is not a conventional spiritual successor to the original. In an Instagram post released when the teaser arrived on the 19th anniversary of Awarapan, he sought to clarify that the film is a continuation of Shivam's story.

"The whole family of Awarapan has become larger," he said.

The idea of continuing the story began taking shape around the pandemic. Bhatt initially considered making an emotional, music-driven film that would serve as a spiritual successor to Awarapan. He later began exploring what would happen if the story directly returned to Shivam.

He said that approach became more interesting to him as a fan of the original and eventually shaped the sequel.

At the same time, Bhatt wanted the new film to work independently, ensuring that viewers who had not watched Awarapan could also connect with the story.

Awarapan 2 is now in theatres.