With ‘Cocktail 2’ set to release on June 19, the film has been making headlines for reasons beyond its trailer. A viral clip from the music launch event sparked debate over an awkward moment between leads Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, but the two have now put all speculation to rest with a light-hearted exchange caught on camera.
Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna’s viral clip from the trailer launch event
At the ‘Cocktail 2’ music launch in Mumbai, a brief moment during a paparazzi pose set social media ablaze. Shahid was seen placing his hand on Rashmika’s shoulder, after which she quickly stepped back. The clip spread rapidly online, with many viewers debating whether Rashmika appeared uncomfortable. Neither actor addressed the moment publicly at the time.
Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna clear the air over viral shoulder moment
On Friday, May 29, the ‘Cocktail 2’ trio reunited for promotional duties, and Shahid wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room, in the most playful way possible. While posing together, he took a mock step back, mirroring what had been made of the original incident, leaving co-star Kriti Sanon in splits. Rashmika took it in good spirit, responding with a smile, and could also be heard telling him that she did not mean anything by it, putting to rest any notion of tension between the two. The moment has since become one of the most talked-about highlights from the promotional circuit, reflecting the easy, friendly dynamic the two share on and off screen.
Pritam on ‘Mashooqa’ plagiarism allegations
In a separate controversy, the film’s recently released track ‘Mashooqa’ came under fire from netizens who alleged its melody was lifted from a 1993 Italian song, ‘Se So Arrubate A Nonna’. Composer Pritam addressed the claims head-on via Instagram, and he was not amused.“Every single one of my song releases comes with a set of self-appointed music detectives, who have created a new genre called ‘imaginary similarities’. Same people, same ‘inspired by’ thesis…Boss, at this point, you are my unpaid PR team…I just want to say, guys, NOT NICE,” he wrote.
More about ‘Cocktail 2’
Directed by Homi Adajania, ‘Cocktail 2’ is the sequel to the beloved 2012 film that starred Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. The new instalment features Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon and arrives in cinemas on June 19, 2026.
