As Pride Month begins, many celebrities and companies across the world are showing support for the LGBTQ+ community through campaigns, events and Pride marches. Amid this backdrop, the trailer of Cocktail 2, starring Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna and Shahid Kapoor, sparked speculation online about the nature of the relationship between the film's female leads.
Soon after the trailer dropped on Tuesday, social media users began suggesting that the film featured a romantic relationship between Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna's characters. Some even claimed that the two actresses were portraying a lesbian couple in the upcoming romantic drama.
However, the cast and makers of Cocktail 2 have firmly denied these rumours.
Kriti Sanon shuts down lesbian romantic angle in the film
Addressing the reports during the film's trailer launch event on June 2, Kriti Sanon expressed disappointment over the assumptions being made about female friendships.
"It is really sad because, as Dinesh Vijan said, when there are two men together, people call it a bromance. But when there are two women together, people somehow don't want to believe they can just be friends. Either there has to be rivalry or something else going on," Kriti said.
Director Homi Adajania also clarified that there is no lesbian storyline in the film. He explained that Kriti and Rashmika share a warm friendship off-screen and often appear affectionate with each other, which may have contributed to the speculation.
He added that he had jokingly imagined a scenario where Kriti and Rashmika were the central pair and Shahid's character became the third wheel, but stressed that this is not the story of Cocktail 2.
Producer Dinesh Vijan further put the rumours to rest, saying, "There are only two love stories in the film, an old love and a new love. Nothing more."
Shahid Kapoor also dismissed the online chatter, describing Cocktail 2 as a film that audiences of all ages can enjoy. "This is a family film," he said.
Cocktail, starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, is still one of the most loved and watched films. And now in 2026, Cocktail 2 will set the screen ablaze; the film isn't a direct sequel but simply debles depper into complicated relationship between Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna's characters.
The trailer opens with Shahid's character reflecting on love, friendship and modern relationships. Through a voiceover, he talks about his take on relationships these days. The emotional monologue is interrupted by Kriti's character, who jokingly suggests, "Like a threesome?"
The story then moves to picturesque locations across Italy, where the three characters are seen spending time together. While Shahid and Rashmika appear to share a romantic connection, Kriti plays Shahid's close friend who gradually develops feelings for him.
The trailer also features the iconic song Tum Hi Ho Bandhu from the 2012 film. However, the recreation has received mixed reactions online, with many viewers criticising the trend of remaking popular Bollywood tracks.
Many called the trailer disappointing and bland.
About Cocktail 2
Cocktail 2 serves as a spiritual successor to the 2012 hit Cocktail, which starred Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty. Directed by Homi Adajania, the original film was both a critical and commercial success, earning over ₹121 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹45 crore.
The sequel is produced by Dinesh Vijan, Luv Ranjan, Pramita R. Vijan and Ankur Garg, with music composed by Pritam.
Cocktail 2 is scheduled to release in theatres on June 12, 2026.
