Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has joined the cast of "Awarapan 2," the sequel to the 2007 film "Awarapan," starring Emraan Hashmi. Azmi's addition to the cast is expected to significantly enhance the film's emotional depth. This marks Azmi's first collaboration with Vishesh Films and her first on-screen pairing with Emraan Hashmi.

According to a source, Shabana Azmi was happy to take on the role, which is perfect for her. The source also revealed that Azmi's on-screen pairing with Hashmi would create a new and formidable dramatic tension for audiences. The casting aligns with the trademark Bhatt storytelling ethos, which is anchored in strong performances, morally complex characters, and emotionally charged drama. While details about Azmi's character are currently under wraps, the makers are expected to reveal more information in the coming weeks.

"Awarapan 2" boasts a unique star combination of Emraan Hashmi, Shabana Azmi, and Disha Patani, with more cast additions expected to surprise audiences. The film is directed by Nitin Kakkar, known for "Filmistaan" (2014).

The film had a long shooting schedule in Bangkok, Thailand, and the makers plan to wrap up the shoot by January 2026. "Awarapan 2" is on track for its release on April 3, 2026.

Emraan Hashmi returns as Shivam in "Awarapan 2," which delves deeper into his past and present struggles. The original "Awarapan" was directed by Mohit Suri and starred Emraan Hashmi and Shriya Saran. The sequel is produced by Vishesh Bhatt and written by Bilal Siddiqi.

With Shabana Azmi joining the cast, "Awarapan 2" is positioned as a prestige thriller that blends scale with soul and solid performances. The film is expected to compete with big-budget releases and is targeting a significant box office collection.