By Bollywood BTown DeskPublished: August 25, 2026
The success of Awarapan 2 brought together several people connected to the franchise, but one reunion stood out for fans.
At the film’s success party in Mumbai, Emraan Hashmi reunited with Mohit Suri, the director of the original 2007 filmAwarapan.
A picture from the celebration was shared by actor Salil Acharya, who was also part of the first film. The photograph captured Emraan and Mohit together, giving fans a nostalgic reminder of the team behind the original Awarapan.
Emraan Hashmi and Mohit Suri Share a Special Reunion
The reunion holds significance because Emraan Hashmi and Mohit Suri have a long professional association. Suri directed the original Awarapan, which featured Emraan as Shivam Pandit, a character that gradually developed a strong following among audiences.
Nearly two decades later, Emraan has returned to the role in Awarapan 2. However, Mohit Suri is not the director of the sequel. The new film has been directed by Nitin Kakkar.
That made their appearance together at the success celebration particularly nostalgic for people who remember the first film.
Salil Acharya Shares the Special Picture
The reunion came to public attention after Salil Acharya shared a photograph from the success party.
Salil, who played Ronnie in the original Awarapan, celebrated the occasion on social media and described the meeting between Emraan and Mohit as an “epic reunion.” He also expressed his gratitude towards Mohit Suri for giving him an opportunity in the original film.
His post captured the nostalgic mood surrounding the celebrations, especially with Awarapan 2 bringing the franchise back into the spotlight.
Awarapan 2 Has Given the Franchise a New Life
The reunion comes at a significant time for theAwarapan franchise.
The original film was released in 2007 and did not make a major impact at the box office during its theatrical run. However, over the years, it developed a loyal audience through television, music and word of mouth.
Its songs, emotional storyline and Emraan’s performance as Shivam Pandit helped the film gain a cult following. When Awarapan 2 was announced, that existing connection became an important part of the excitement surrounding the sequel.
The sequel has now managed to turn that nostalgia into a strong theatrical response.
Emraan Hashmi Returns as Shivam Pandit
One of the biggest reasons for the interest in Awarapan 2 has been Emraan Hashmi’s return as Shivam Pandit.
The character remains closely associated with Emraan’s image among fans who grew up watching the original film. Bringing him back after 19 years created curiosity about how the story would continue.
Producer Vishesh Bhatt has previously spoken about the emotional connection behind making the sequel. He explained that the intention was not simply to make a commercial follow-up but to revisit the story and reclaim the legacy of the original film.
Why Mohit Suri Did Not Direct Awarapan 2
Although Mohit Suri directed the original Awarapan, he did not return behind the camera for the sequel.
According to producer Vishesh Bhatt, the decision was related to timing and the natural evolution of the project. Suri was involved with other projects, including Saiyaara, and the makers ultimately chose to bring a new creative perspective to Awarapan 2.
Mohit Suri himself has also said that he was not offered the opportunity to direct the sequel. At the same time, he has spoken warmly about his long-standing bond with Emraan and indicated that he would be open to working with the actor again.
Emraan and Mohit Have Worked Together Several Times
Their connection goes beyond Awarapan.
Emraan Hashmi and Mohit Suri have collaborated on several films, including Zeher, Kalyug, Awarapan and Murder 2.
Their creative association became one of the recognised actor-director partnerships in Hindi cinema during that period.
Because of this history, their reunion at the Awarapan 2 success party carries an added emotional value for longtime Bollywood fans.
It also serves as a reminder of the creative partnership that helped shape some of Emraan’s most memorable performances.
Awarapan 2 Continues Its Strong Box Office Run
The success party was held as Awarapan 2 continued its theatrical run.
According to the latest figures reported by Bollywood BTown the film collected ₹2.75 crore net in India on Day 11, taking its India net total to approximately ₹139 crore. Its worldwide gross had reached around ₹196.55 crore at that stage.
The numbers represent a major turnaround for the franchise. The first Awarapan was not a theatrical success when it was released, while the sequel has found a much larger audience.
For Emraan, the performance is also an important career milestone. The sequel became his first solo film in 18 years to cross the ₹100-crore mark in India, according to reported trade figures.
The Nostalgia Around Awarapan Continues
The success of Awarapan 2 has demonstrated the lasting connection audiences can have with a film even years after its original release.
The first Awarapan may not have succeeded commercially in 2007, but its music and emotional storytelling continued to keep the film alive among viewers. That long-term audience interest eventually helped create curiosity around a second chapter.
The reunion of Emraan and Mohit at the success party therefore feels symbolic. While the sequel has a new director and a new creative team, the presence of people associated with the original film connects the two eras of the franchise.
Fans Get a Nostalgic Moment
For fans of the original Awarapan, seeing Emraan Hashmi and Mohit Suri together again is more than just another celebrity photograph.
It brings back memories of the 2007 film and the period when the two worked together on emotionally intense stories supported by memorable music.
With Awarapan 2 now enjoying a strong theatrical run, the reunion also reflects how far the franchise has travelled—from an underperforming first film to a sequel that has become a major box-office talking point
Final Takeaway
Emraan Hashmi’s reunion with Mohit Suri at the Awarapan 2 success party gave fans a memorable dose of nostalgia.
Mohit directed the original 2007Awarapan, while Emraan returns as Shivam Pandit in the successful sequel directed by Nitin Kakkar.
The reunion is particularly meaningful because of the long creative association between Emraan and Mohit. Although Suri did not direct the sequel, their appearance together shows that the connection surrounding the original film remains strong.
As Awarapan 2 continues its successful theatrical journey, the franchise has once again brought Emraan Hashmi, its memorable music and the legacy of the original film into the centre of Bollywood conversation.
