Cocktail 2 Announced! Meet The Stunning New Cast Taking Over The Franchise News24 –

The 2012 romantic comedy Cocktail remains a beloved gem in Bollywood’s rom-com catalogue. Now, over a decade later, the film is officially getting a sequel. According to Pinkvilla’s exclusive report, producer Dinesh Vijan has joined hands with Luv Ranjan to revive the charm of Cocktail as a franchise, with a fresh spin on the storyline and cast.

The sequel will see Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna step into the lead roles, forming a new-age trio. The film marks a reunion of Shahid and Kriti post their successful collaboration in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Rashmika joins as the third lead, promising an exciting new dynamic.

According to sources close to the development, Cocktail 2 will go on floors in August 2025. The team is planning to shoot extensively in India and across exotic locations in Europe, with a wrap-up scheduled for January 2026. The film is targeting a theatrical release in the second half of 2026.

While the original film was directed by Homi Adajania and co-written by Imtiaz Ali, the sequel retains Adajania at the helm. This time, however, Luv Ranjan steps in as the writer, bringing his signature mix of humor, emotion, and relationship drama to the narrative. Ranjan’s recent successes in this genre make him a fitting choice to shape the story of Cocktail 2.

• Meanwhile on the work front, Shahid is working on Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming film Arjun Ustara (tentative title), and Kriti is wrapping Aanand L Rai’s Tere Ishk Mein, co-starring Dhanush. Whereas, Rashmika is working on Thama, with Ayushmann Khurrana.

The 2012 cult classic stars Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, and Diana Penty in a tangled tale of love, friendship, and identity and known for its take on modern relationships and emotional messiness.

Directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Maddock Films, Cocktail follows the story of three very different individuals whose lives collide in unexpected ways. At the centre is Veronica played by Deepika Padukone who is a wild, carefree party girl whose emotionally chaotic world begins to shift when she befriends the quiet and traditional Meera played by Diana Penty and falls for the same man Gautam portrayed by Saif Ali Khan.

It was re-released in theatres on May 30, 2025.