COCKTAIL 2 PROMOTIONAL TOUR SPARKS VIRAL MOMENT CONTROVERSY AND MUSIC COPYRIGHT DEBATE

During the “Cocktail 2” music launch event in Mumbai, a brief moment captured by photographers showed Shahid Kapoor placing his hand on Rashmika Mandanna’s shoulder, after which the actress immediately stepped back. The footage rapidly circulated across social media platforms, prompting speculation among viewers regarding her comfort during the interaction. At the time, neither Shahid Kapoor nor Rashmika Mandanna issued any public clarification regarding the incident.

The matter resurfaced during a later promotional appearance on Friday, May 29, when the lead cast reunited for film promotions. Shahid Kapoor addressed the widely discussed moment in a playful manner while posing for cameras, briefly stepping back to recreate the gesture that had gone viral. The act drew laughter from co-star Kriti Sanon, while Rashmika Mandanna responded with a smile and stated that no misunderstanding had been intended, effectively dismissing any perception of tension between the actors. The interaction has since been widely shared, highlighting a cordial and cooperative dynamic among the cast members during the film’s promotional circuit.

In a separate development surrounding the film, the recently released track “Mashooqa” faced allegations from social media users who claimed that its melody bore similarities to the 1993 Italian song “Se So Arrubate A Nonna.” Responding to the controversy, music composer Pritam addressed the accusations through a public statement on Instagram, expressing strong dissatisfaction with recurring claims of alleged musical resemblance. He remarked that repeated comparisons and accusations of inspiration had become a pattern, describing such interpretations as unfounded and dismissing them in a pointed response.

Directed by Homi Adajania, “Cocktail 2” serves as a sequel to the 2012 film “Cocktail,” which featured Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. The new installment stars Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon, and is slated for release in cinemas on June 19, 2026. The film’s promotional journey has thus far been marked by viral social media attention, public clarifications, and music-related controversy, collectively amplifying anticipation ahead of its release.

The events surrounding the film’s promotions underline the heightened scrutiny of celebrity interactions and creative output in the digital era, where brief public moments and artistic releases quickly evolve into widespread discussion across audiences and social platforms.