Shahid Kapoor's Bold Shift in Script Selection Ahead of Cocktail 2 Release
Shahid Kapoor's New Approach to Film Selection
Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor is actively promoting his forthcoming movie, Cocktail 2, following the underwhelming performances of his last two films, Deva and O Romeo. Despite the initial excitement surrounding these projects, both failed to connect with viewers, leading Kapoor to rethink his strategy regarding script choices. In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, he shared that he now prefers to have his team present during script readings, a notable change from his earlier practice of evaluating scripts solo.
Reflecting on the disappointing results of Deva and O Romeo, Shahid acknowledged the emotional impact such failures can have on an actor. He remarked, “When you invest so much time, you hope for better outcomes. However, that’s not always the reality. The number of years you’ve worked doesn’t guarantee success. Films are highly unpredictable.” He recognized that while actors can influence their performances, the overall success of a film often lies beyond their control, highlighting the crucial role of the director in the filmmaking process.
In light of his recent experiences, Shahid has made a pivotal change in how he approaches script decisions. He confessed, “Perhaps I shouldn’t be the one deciding on my scripts. I might know how to perform in front of the camera, but I may not be the best judge of which films to select.” This insight has prompted him to request the presence of three additional individuals during script narrations, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of potential projects.
Shahid's recent films, Deva and O Romeo, both encountered difficulties at the box office. Deva, which premiered in 2025 under the direction of Rosshan Andrrews, had a production budget of ₹50 crore but only grossed ₹40.82 crore net in India and ₹56.32 crore globally. Similarly, O Romeo, released in 2026 and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, had a budget of ₹150 crore yet managed to earn only ₹110 crore worldwide, despite the initial buzz surrounding its launch.
As Shahid anticipates the release of Cocktail 2, he remains optimistic about its reception. Directed by Homi Adajania and featuring co-stars Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, the film will delve into a love triangle, echoing the themes of the 2012 success Cocktail. Set to hit theaters on June 19, this film marks a new phase in Shahid's career as he navigates the intricacies of the film industry and his evolving perspective on acting and script selection.