Is 'Mashooqa' a Copy? Pritam Responds to Plagiarism Claims Amidst 'Cocktail 2' Buzz

The release of the song 'Mashooqa' from the upcoming film 'Cocktail 2' has ignited a debate over alleged plagiarism, with composer Pritam firmly denying the claims. The track, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, has garnered attention for its vibrant visuals and chemistry between the stars. Pritam addressed the accusations on social media, expressing frustration over the comparisons to an older Italian song. As excitement builds for the film's release, the ongoing discussions about originality in music composition continue to unfold.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 12:21 IST

Controversy Surrounds 'Mashooqa' from 'Cocktail 2'

The recent unveiling of the song "Mashooqa" from the anticipated film "Cocktail 2" has sparked intense discussions online. Many social media users have pointed out that the new track closely resembles the 1993 Italian song "Se So Arrubate A Nonna." Despite these allegations, composer Pritam has categorically denied any claims of plagiarism. The song has also attracted attention for the chemistry between lead actors Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, alongside Sanon's daring fashion choices in the music video.

Featuring vocals by Mahmood, Raghav Chaitanya, and Ruaa Kayy, "Mashooqa" includes an energetic dance sequence with Kapoor and Sanon, quickly becoming a hit on various platforms. However, the similarities to the older Italian piece have led to debates about the originality of music in the industry.

In light of the accusations, Pritam took to Instagram to address the situation, stating, "Every release of mine attracts a group of self-proclaimed music detectives who have invented a new genre called imaginary similarities." He expressed his annoyance, suggesting that those making these claims are acting as his "unpaid PR team" and encouraged them to rethink their assertions, labeling the accusations as baseless.

Before the official release of "Mashooqa" on Tuesday, the "Cocktail 2" team organized a special event on Sunday to preview two songs, including "Mashooqa" and another track named "Tujhko." Although actress Rashmika briefly shared a post about "Tujhko" on social media, it was later deleted without explanation, adding to the film's musical intrigue.

Additionally, the song "Tujhko" provided fans with a crucial update on the film's promotional schedule, announcing that the trailer for "Cocktail 2" will debut on May 29, 2026, following the release of three songs. Directed by Homi Adajania, "Cocktail 2" serves as a spiritual sequel to the hit 2012 film "Cocktail," which featured Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. As excitement builds for the film's release on June 19, 2026, the reception of "Mashooqa" and the film itself will be closely monitored amid ongoing discussions about plagiarism.