Kriti Sanon has finally opened up about the ongoing chatter around her latest film Cocktail 2, where her character Ally has been drawing constant comparisons with Deepika Padukone's iconic role Veronica from the 2012 film Cocktail. The conversation has been active ever since the trailer release, as fans noticed similar traits between the two characters—both being free-spirited, disruptive, and unhinged. With Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna also playing key roles, the film has already sparked strong discussions online about whether it can recreate the magic of the original or stand on its own identity.
In a recent interview, Kriti revealed that she was fully prepared for the comparisons even before signing the film. She explained that such discussions are inevitable when a new film connects to an older and much-loved title. “Do I expect it? Yes, I do. It’s kind of obvious, as I’m doing a film which is a franchise to the film that she's done before. The characters, somewhere, have a similar energy of being slightly disruptive, unhinged and free-spirited. But Ally and Veronica are so different, and I'm glad that they're different. Why would I play the same character that Deepika has already done? That doesn't make sense. That's what's fresh about Cocktail 2. It's a completely different story with completely different conflicts and different characters. Ally has her own personality, even though it may seem like it's coinciding somewhere. She's a completely different person from Veronica,” Kriti said.
The actress, who has carved a niche for herself with versatile performances in films like Mimi, Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Adipurush, added that she does not let comparisons affect her work or confidence. According to her, every actor brings something unique to the screen, and cinema should not be reduced to constant comparisons between female leads. She believes growth comes from focusing on personal performance rather than external opinions. “I think it's important to remember that we are all different artists with different journeys. Deepika has done a phenomenal job with Veronica, and I respect that. But my Ally is not a copy; she's her own woman with her own set of vulnerabilities, strengths, and a completely different background story. The writing team and Homi sir have crafted something fresh, and I'm proud of that,” she elaborated.
To give context, Cocktail (2012) starred Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty in lead roles. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film became a defining modern romantic drama known for its bold storytelling, memorable performances, and chartbuster music. Deepika's portrayal of Veronica, a wild, party-loving, emotionally complex woman, earned her widespread acclaim and remains one of her most iconic roles. The film's success was largely driven by the chemistry between the lead trio and its exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery in a contemporary urban setting.
Now, more than a decade later, Cocktail 2 arrives as a spiritual sequel. While it shares the same director and thematic fascination with modern relationships, the narrative is set in a completely new milieu. Shahid Kapoor steps into the male lead role, playing a character that is reportedly more grounded and introspective compared to Saif Ali Khan's eccentric Gautam in the first film. Rashmika Mandanna plays the third key character, adding a fresh dynamic to the love triangle. Kriti's Ally, meanwhile, is described as a free-spirited artist with a hidden past, distinctly different from Veronica's outwardly rebellious but internally conflicted personality.
The film has drawn mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. Some have praised its bold narrative choices and the performances of the lead cast, while others have pointed out the inevitable comparisons with the original. Despite the divided opinions, Cocktail 2 has managed a steady run at the box office and has entered the Rs 100 crore club within six days of its release. Trade analysts attribute this success to the star power of Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, as well as the nostalgic pull of the franchise name.
Industry experts have noted that comparisons between Kriti and Deepika are not just limited to this film but are part of a larger trend in Bollywood where new actresses are often measured against established stars. Deepika Padukone, who has been in the industry for over a decade, has set high benchmarks with her choice of roles and consistent performances. Kriti, who started her career with Heropanti in 2014, has steadily risen through the ranks and earned a National Award for Mimi. Both actresses have a strong fan following, but their personal styles and acting sensibilities are quite different.
In her interview, Kriti also spoke about her collaboration with Homi Adajania. She revealed that the director encouraged her to bring her own interpretation to the character rather than mimic any previous performance. “Homi sir was very clear from the beginning. He said, 'This is Ally. She's not Veronica. So don't try to be Deepika. Be Kriti playing Ally.' That was liberating. It allowed me to explore the character without any pressure. I did my own research, my own prep, and I think that shows on screen,” she said.
The actress further elaborated on the emotional journey of Ally, who, like Veronica, goes through a transformation but in a different context. “Veronica's journey was about finding love and stability amidst chaos. Ally's journey is about healing and self-acceptance. She carries a lot of trauma from her past, which slowly unravels as the story progresses. There are layers to her that I hope audiences will connect with. It's a more internal performance, whereas Veronica was more external and dramatic. The energy might seem similar on the surface, but the core is completely different,” Kriti explained.
Shahid Kapoor, who previously worked with Kriti in Kabir Singh, also expressed his faith in the project. At the film's promotional event, he said, “Kriti is one of the most dedicated actresses I've worked with. She approaches every role with such sincerity. For Cocktail 2, she was completely immersed in Ally's world. I think audiences will appreciate the freshness she brings to the character.”
The film's music, composed by a mix of new and veteran artists, has also generated buzz. While the original Cocktail had iconic tracks like “Angreji Beat” and “Tumhi Ho Bandhu”, the sequel’s soundtrack attempts to strike a balance between catchy numbers and soulful melodies. The songs have been well-received on streaming platforms, adding to the film's overall reception.
Despite the success, comparisons to the original remain a dominant topic on social media. Fans of Deepika's Veronica have been vocal about their love for the character, while Kriti's supporters argue that Ally deserves her own space. The debate reflects a broader conversation in Indian cinema about how sequels and spiritual successors should be approached. Should they try to replicate the magic of the original, or should they carve their own path? For Kriti, the answer is clear.
“If we had tried to make the same film again, it would have been boring for everyone. Cinema evolves, and storytelling should evolve with it. Cocktail was a product of its time. Cocktail 2 is a product of today. There are more complex relationships, more nuanced conversations about mental health, and different social dynamics at play. I think that's what makes it interesting. We aren't just rehashing old ideas; we are building on them,” she concluded.
As the film continues its run in theatres, it remains to be seen whether it will achieve the cult status of the original or stand firmly as a successful independent film. For now, Kriti Sanon seems unfazed by the comparisons and focused on her craft—a mindset that has already helped her win over audiences and critics alike.
Source:MSN News