Shahid, Kriti, Rashmika Unite for 'Cocktail 2' - Get Ready for 2026!

Mumbai, India: Get ready for a fresh dose of romance, drama, and perhaps a touch of chaos! In an exciting development for Bollywood fans, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna are all set to headline the much-anticipated sequel to the 2012 hit, 'Cocktail'. Sources close to the production confirm that the trio will kickstart filming for 'Cocktail 2' in August 2025, with makers eyeing a late 2026 theatrical release.

This highly anticipated sequel is being produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films in collaboration with Luv Ranjan, who is also reportedly penning the script. The original 'Cocktail', starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty, redefined modern romance with its unconventional love triangle and memorable music. Now, over a decade later, the franchise is set to return with a fresh cast and a contemporary narrative.

A Power-Packed Trio for 'Cocktail 2'

The casting of Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna brings together a compelling mix of established talent and fresh appeal.

• Shahid Kapoor, known for his versatility in films ranging from intense dramas like 'Haider' to romantic comedies like 'Jab We Met', is expected to bring his signature charm and depth to the male lead. His recent successful pairing with Kriti Sanon in 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' only adds to the excitement.

• Kriti Sanon, a powerhouse performer with a strong track record in both commercial and critically acclaimed films, is poised to deliver another impactful performance. Her ability to balance glamour with substance makes her a perfect fit for the 'Cocktail' universe.

• Rashmika Mandanna, who has rapidly garnered a massive fan base across India with her captivating screen presence and strong performances in both South Indian and Hindi cinema, is a fantastic addition to this dynamic trio. Her inclusion promises to bring a fresh energy and widen the film's appeal.

Homi Adajania Returns to the Helm

Adding to the excitement, Homi Adajania, who masterfully directed the original 'Cocktail', is reportedly returning to direct the sequel. Adajania's unique directorial vision, coupled with Luv Ranjan's knack for crafting engaging romantic narratives, sets a promising stage for 'Cocktail 2'. Fans can expect the film to retain the essence of its predecessor – a blend of humor, emotion, and complicated modern relationships – while offering a fresh perspective.

Filming Locations and Release Strategy

The makers are planning extensive shooting schedules, with filming commencing in August 2025. The production is expected to take place across various locations in India and some picturesque European locales, mirroring the international flavour of the original film. The team aims to wrap up filming by January 2026, allowing ample time for post-production before targeting a release in the second half of 2026.

This exclusive update signals a significant move for Maddock Films and the 'Cocktail' franchise. With a stellar cast, a proven director, and a fresh script, 'Cocktail 2' is undoubtedly shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romantic comedies of the coming years. 

Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project takes shape!

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Alia Bhatt's Dark Transformation in Chamunda!

Alia Bhatt is one of the most well-known personalities in modern Hindi cinema, with an unparalleled record. The actress starred alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War after wrapping up filming Alpha, a film about the YRF Spy Universe. Alia Bhatt has begun searching for a film to release after providing SLB with bulk dates through November 2025. Dinesh Vijan and Alia Bhatt are reportedly discussing a feature project.

According to people with knowledge of the matter, Alia Bhatt has been stopping by Maddock's workplace to discuss a spooky horror movie. "Alia and Dinesh Vijan have always talked about a number of feature films, and they are currently about to work together. Following Love And for the big screen, the actress may pursue a career in psychological supernatural thrillers. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, "the discussions are underway, and by the first quarter of 2025, things should be on paper."

The film has been tentatively titled Chamunda since the name has connotations related to the plot, which is currently in the scripting phases. In addition to the horror comedy universe starring Stree, Bhediya, Munjya, and Thamma, Alia is thrilled to collaborate with Maddock on this feature picture, which has the potential to launch a parallel universe. Among many others, Kiara Advani and Alia Bhatt will appear in the new realm, the source disclosed.

Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt is discussing a romantic tale with a producer of a 2022 film that made 200 crores.

Ayushmann Khurrana to become a vampire for Dinesh Vijan?

After doing numerous genre of social comedies, now the National Award-winning actor Ayushmann Khurrana is set to try a hand at action movies with the highly awaited project, An Action Hero. In a latest media chat, Ayushmann Khurrana confirmed that he is trying to move out of his comfort zone with some 'genre breaker' movies. Now, the talented actor has confirmed that he is joining producer Dinesh Vijan's horror comedy universe.

Previously, Stree actor Rajkummar Rao had disclosed that he will team up with Ayushmann Khurrana and Varun Dhawan for more installments in Dinesh Vijan's horror comedy universe. Now, Ayushmann reveled about the development and specified that he is planning to join the next installment of the horror comedy universe, after Stree, Roohi, and Bhediya. "Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik are trying to build a horror universe. It is very interesting and intriguing, and it is very new for the Indian audience. So, let’s see when it happens and we will have an official announcement soon," said the National award-winning actor while talking to a media source.

As per media updates, Dinesh Vijan’s next horror comedy is based on the world of vampires. It may be possible that Ayushmann Khurrana can play the vampire in his next with Stree’s filmmaker Dinesh Vijan.

 

Shahid Kapoor and Dinesh Vijan team up first time for a love story!

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor has already finished shooting for an action thriller with Ali Abbas Zafar and Farzi with Raj and DK for OTT.  Now, the Kabir Singh has locked his next movie. As per a media source, Shahid Kapoor is teaming up with Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Production for the first time.

"Shahid Kapoor has been discussing a probable collaboration with Dinesh Vijan for a while now and the things have finally fallen in place. The actor has loved a subject and already signed the dotted lines. It's slated to go on floors in the last quarter of 2022" disclosed a source close to the development.

"It's Maddock's biggest love story till date. The yet untitled film will be shot in India and abroad. The makers are looking to shoot in Mumbai, Delhi and multiple European countries. The pre-production work has already begun, with multiple teams going on a recce," the source further added. The director's name has been kept under wraps for now.

The Badlapur team join hands for for Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal!

Varun Dhawan, Sriram Raghavan and Dinesh Vijan are reuniting for another project.

The Badlapur boys have joined hands for a biopic about Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was killed in action during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Varun is honoured to be playing the Param Vir Chakra-awardee on screen, and he understands that Sriram and Dinoo are placing a lot of trust in him to do justice to the martyr’s life. I’m sure the trio will make every effort to ensure Arun’s story is told correctly.

Dinesh Vijan’s Shiddat with Diana Penty, Sunny Kaushal, Radhika Madan and Mohit Raina!

Dinesh Vijan has announced a new project titled Shiddat starring Diana Penty, Sunny Kaushal, Radhika Madan and Mohit Raina.

The romantic drama that’ll be directed by Kunal Deshmukh of the Jannat films fame will follow the parallel journeys of two couples. Shiddat will be filmed in London, Paris and Punjab, and I’ve heard its plot will have long distance relationships at the heart of it all. Dinu has been on a winning run at the BO with hits like Stree and Luka Chuppi, so I expect big things from Shiddat too!

Rajkummar Rao and Dinesh Vijan join hands for a horror-comedy?

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao had a fruitful 2017 as his movies Trapped, Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Newton received a lot of admiration. Now, Rajkummar has been getting some exciting projects in his kitty.

As informed by a daily, Rajkummar Rao might be working with Dinesh Vijan in a horror comedy. The untitled movie is written by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK.

The news was also verified by Dinesh Vijan's representative. A source close to the project revealed, "Rajkummar has heard the story and liked it. The makers are currently in the pre-production stage and scouting for apt locations. They will zero in on a director and the lead actress soon. It will roll in January."

Rajkummar did a cameo in Dinesh's directorial debut Raabta this year. 

Kriti Sanon’s romance with Diljit Dosanjh in Dinesh Vijan's next!

Filmmaker Dinesh Vijan's directorial debut this year with Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon's Raabta. Now, he is all set for his second film as a director.

As per reports in a daily, the film will star Kriti opposite Punjabi megastar Diljit Dosanjh. Speaking about it, a source specified to the daily, "Kriti plays a journalist while Diljit in the titular role is a quirky, small-town guy. It's a character-driven comedy and will roll in February 2018. It will be shot in Punjab, the makers are leaving for a recce soon and hopes to zero in on a director shortly."

When Dinesh was questioned about the project, he confirmed the news and revealed, "The Hindi film audience has already experienced Diljit's intensity, now it's time to laugh with him. Kriti is moving from Bareilly to Patiala to deliver another small town surprise and this time she is holding a pen."

While Kriti told, "I love watching good comedies and while shooting for Bareilly Ki Barfi I realised that I enjoyed being a part of this world too. I'm looking forward to shooting with Diljit."

And Diljit further added, "Dino's team is a set of young, talented and creative minds who I am really excited to work with."

This will be the first film of Kriti and Diljit while the actress is working with Dinesh for the second time after Raabta. In the meantime, Kriti will next be seen in Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.'s next directorial tentatively titled Farzi.