Shahid Kapoor's Cocktail 2: A Surprising A-Certificate and Promising Box Office Opening

Shahid Kapoor returns to the big screen in Cocktail 2, a romantic film that has stirred controversy with its A-certificate rating. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film features Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. Kapoor expressed confusion over the rating, believing the film is suitable for family viewing. As it hits theatres, early box office projections are promising, with expectations of strong earnings. Read on to find out more about the film's reception and its potential impact on Bollywood's 2026 landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 16:43 IST

Shahid Kapoor Returns with Cocktail 2

Shahid Kapoor makes his second appearance on the big screen this year with the much-anticipated romantic film, Cocktail 2, set to release in 2026. Directed by Homi Adajania, the movie features Shahid alongside Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, serving as a spiritual sequel to the original Cocktail, which starred Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. However, the film stirred up discussions prior to its release due to an unexpected A (Adults Only) rating from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), catching even the actor off guard.

Shahid Kapoor's Thoughts on the A-Certificate

Shahid Kapoor shared his bewilderment regarding the film's A-certificate from the CBFC. According to reports, he expressed that there is nothing in the film that could be deemed offensive or inappropriate for family viewing. He mentioned that he is still trying to comprehend the reasoning behind the rating, emphasizing that Cocktail 2 is a narrative about three individuals that families can enjoy together without any concerns.

He expressed hope that viewers would leave the cinema with smiles, reflecting on the special moments life offers. Cocktail 2 aims to evoke such sentiments. The film received its A rating on June 16, with only minor audio modifications made. Interestingly, the original Cocktail, released in 2012, was rated U/A.

Cocktail 2 Hits Theatres with Strong Anticipation

Cocktail 2 premiered in theatres on June 19, and early indicators suggest a positive reception at the box office. The film has garnered decent to favorable reviews from critics, and initial audience feedback appears encouraging. The advance booking phase concluded with a total gross of Rs 8.83 crore, including reserved seats. Major cinema chains reported Rs 3.25 crore from around 76,000 ticket sales, with PVR leading at Rs 1.9 crore.

Projections for the opening day suggest the film could earn between Rs 12 crore and Rs 14 crore, positioning it as one of the top Bollywood openers of 2026. Produced by Maddock Films and Luv Films, Cocktail 2 has a runtime of 150 minutes and is anticipated to perform well in urban markets.