Actor Shabana Azmi boards 'Awarapan 2' cast as antagonist
Mumbai, June 11
Shabana Azmi has boarded the cast of Emraan Hashmi starrer 'Awarapan 2' as an antagonist in the film.
Taking to their Instagram, Vishesh Films, the official production banner of the movie, shared the announcement, igniting the excitement among the fans of the actress. She will play the role of the character Nafisa in the film.
Vishesh Films wrote, "Nafisa could only ever be Shabana ji... She came home on her birthday last year, and everything found its place. We are deeply honored to welcome the National Award-winning legend Shabana Azmi to the franchise, marking the first antagonist role of her monumental career! She brings an unmatched impact and presence that will reframe the story completely. Awarapan 2 in cinemas 14 August 2026."
Recently, the makers of Emraan Hashmi's much-awaited upcoming film 'Awarapan 2' announced the wrap of the film's shooting.
Vishesh Films took to their Instagram to announce the film's wrap, a moment fans had been looking forward to, as the journey towards the sequel to one of Bollywood's romantic thrillers draws closer. In the photo, Emraan Hashmi was seen holding the film's clapboard, announcing the production phase of the movie.
Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the sequel aims to build on the emotional depth of the original while introducing a fresh cinematic approach. Disha Patani will also play a prominent role in the film.
Producer Vishesh Bhatt underlined the scale and emotional core of the project, stating, "Awarapan is an emotion so large that it's meant for the big screen. It also presents exotic settings and large-scale sequences but fundamentally it's built on our core principles of layered storytelling with powerful characters and rich music. Emraan felt the angst of Shivam so deeply that he stepped into character in a heartbeat. And with Disha Patani joining us, the world of the film opened up to new possibilities," in a press note by the makers.
The sequel continues Vishesh Films' collaboration with Sony Music India. The original 'Awarapan', released nearly 19 years ago, remains widely regarded for its tragic narrative and memorable soundtrack.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Emraan Hashmi back in a Vishesh Films project? That's the real news here. The original Awarapan was such a cult classic, I hope they don't mess it up. But Shabana Azmi as antagonist is definitely intriguing.
First antagonist role of her career? That's massive! Shabana ji is a legend, and seeing her explore a negative character will be interesting. But I'm a bit concerned about Disha Patani's role—hope she's given something substantial and not just eye candy.
Waited 19 years for a sequel, and now we get it with Shabana Azmi as the villain? That's some serious casting. Hope the music lives up to the original—the songs from Awarapan are still on my playlist! 🎵
Vishesh Films and Emraan Hashmi together again—this has the potential to be special. But I wish they'd let newer actors headline these sequels instead of relying on the same faces. Still, Shabana Azmi's presence elevates the project massively.
I'm cautiously optimistic. The original was raw and emotional, and Shabana ji as Nafisa sounds promising. But Bollywood has a habit of diluting sequels with over-the-top action and forced romance. Hope Nitin Kakkar keeps it grounded.
K