'Cocktail 2' with Shahid, Kriti & Rashmika happening: Fear of another 'Love Aaj Kal 2020' disaster?

The wait is over and the rumours can take a backseat. Cocktail 2 is officially happening. Thirteen years after the original film stirred up conversations around love, friendship, and messy emotional equations, director Homi Adajania is returning to direct a brand-new trio in a fresh romantic drama that starts rolling this August.

Headlining the sequel are Kriti Sanon, Shahid Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna. Backed by Maddock Films and written by Luv Ranjan, Cocktail 2 is targeting a theatrical release in the latter half of 2026. While plot details are under wraps, the casting alone has sparked enough curiosity. Kriti and Shahid, who were last seen together in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, reunite for their second outing. Rashmika joins them, creating a new triangle that promises to explore modern love with its own set of complexities.

The first Cocktail arrived in 2012 with Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. It played out as an urban tale of entanglements, where fun turned into heartbreak and identities were tested in the name of love. It also served as a pivotal film in Deepika’s career, marking a shift in how she was perceived on screen.

This time around, the narrative is expected to reinvent rather than revisit. Much like what Imtiaz Ali attempted with Love Aaj Kal in 2020, which reimagined his own 2009 original without directly continuing the story. However, that version failed to recreate the magic and was criticised for losing the balance between concept and execution.

With Cocktail 2, the makers seem to be aware of the risk. The new project is likely a thematic sequel rather than a continuation, aiming to bring in fresh characters and modern-day scenarios. The challenge lies in avoiding comparisons. If Kriti or Rashmika’s characters land too close to those previously played by Deepika or Diana, the audience may draw quick parallels, making it hard for the sequel to stand on its own feet.

Shahid stepping into the mix is another intriguing factor. While Saif Ali Khan brought a certain breezy charm to the original, Shahid will need to bring a different energy to the screen. His romantic outings in recent years have leaned more towards intense or dramatic, and less toward comedic. To capture the spirit of Cocktail, that tonal switch may be crucial.

Behind the scenes, action has already begun. Homi’s wife and stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania added fuel to the excitement by sharing a glimpse of the script on social media. Around the same time, Kriti was spotted at the Maddock Films office, suggesting that pre-production is well underway.

The cast is balancing multiple projects while preparing for this one. Kriti recently wrapped Tere Ishk Mein with Dhanush, which releases in November. There’s also talk of her being roped in for Don 3 opposite Ranveer Singh. Shahid, on the other hand, is busy filming a period piece directed by Arjun Ustara, alongside Triptii Dimri and Randeep Hooda. Rashmika, fresh off Kuberaa, is shooting for several titles including Mysaa, Thama, The Girlfriend, and Animal Park.

Given the ensemble, the backing, and the legacy of the original, Cocktail 2 arrives with high expectations. The makers have the advantage of a recognisable brand, a bankable cast, and an audience already familiar with the flavour. The real test will be whether the sequel can mix those ingredients without repeating the same notes or leaning on nostalgia.

In a market where sequels are either surprise successes or spectacular misfires, Cocktail 2 walks a fine line. For now, fans can only hope this blend of old sentiment and new storytelling hits the right emotional buzz.

What do you think about the sequel in the works and the casting? Let us know in the comments below.