‘Awarapan was ahead of its time’: Shriya Saran was ‘disheartened’ after film flopped

Awarapan, the 2007 gangster film starring Emraan Hashmi and Shriya Saran, has found a new generation of admirers nearly two decades after its release. Despite failing to resonate with audiences at the box office, the film has garnered a devoted following over the years. Shriya Saran, who was new to the Hindi film industry at the time, spoke about her experience working on the intense project directed by Mohit Suri.

She praised his unique approach, which involved explaining the meaning behind scenes and scenes, aiming to evoke specific emotions from his actors. Shriya herself appreciated the intensity of Mohit's direction, which she felt encouraged genuine performances. Reflecting on the film's initial failure to connect with viewers, Shriya admitted that its release was "ahead of its time".

Despite the disconnect between the film's critical reception and box office performance, Shriya believed that audiences had deeply connected with its emotional core. Over time, she came to believe that the film's success lay in its story and its lasting impact on viewers, rather than just its theatrical run. Shriya was last seen in the film Mirai.