The makers of Cocktail 2 have dropped their latest track, and it is already generating massive buzz—both for its vibrant energy and a brewing online controversy. Titled ‘Mashooqa’, the romantic, peppy number places the sizzling on-screen chemistry of Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon front and center.
However, shortly after its digital release, a section of internet users began pointing out glaring similarities between the new track and a 1993 Italian song titled ‘Se So Arrubate A Nonna’, sparking an intense plagiarism debate across social media.
Netizens Compare ‘Mashooqa’ to Neapolitan Cult Track
The controversy gained traction on Reddit after a user shared a side-by-side video clip comparing the audio structures of both songs. The post quickly went viral, with critics taking aim at the track’s composer, Pritam.
Comments ranged from direct accusations to weary sarcasm about Bollywood’s history with track inspiration. One user remarked, “It’s still a dull song even after Pritam copied it,” while another simply wrote, “Fork found in kitchen,” hinting that finding a copied tune in Bollywood is entirely expected. Other comments included, “Bollywood copying again?” and “Pritam can’t stop copying lol.”
Track Comparison Snapshot
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• New Release: 'Mashooqa' (Cocktail 2)
• Credits: Composed by Pritam; Vocals by Raghav Chaitanya & Mahmood Ruaa Kayy
• Alleged Source: 'Se So Arrubate A Nonna' (1993) by Bibi & Coco
• Track Context: A comedic Neapolitan song meaning "The Kidnapped Grandma"
The Defense: Sampling vs. Stealing
Amid the backlash, a segment of music enthusiasts stepped up to defend the composition, arguing that the track is a legitimate case of musical sampling rather than theft.
“This is called sampling, not stealing/copying. It’s when you take the main beat of a song and layer other instruments over it with changed lyrics. It’s a very popular concept in the music industry. Pitbull, Taylor Swift, Kanye and many more artists also sample songs.” — Reddit user in defense of the track
The History Behind the 1993 Track and Pritam’s Past Rows
The track in question, ‘Se So Arrubate A Nonna’ (loosely translating to “The Kidnapped Grandma”), was released in 1993 by the Italian comedic duo Bibi & Coco as part of their album Le Origini Vol. 2. Sung in a distinct Neapolitan dialect, the song never achieved global mainstream success but maintained a dedicated cult following over the decades.
For Pritam, facing plagiarism allegations is familiar territory. The music director has frequently found his work compared to international tracks throughout his career.
- The ‘Bulleya’ Controversy (2017): One of his most high-profile rows occurred when the hit song ‘Bulleya’ from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil faced severe scrutiny for its introductory guitar riff, which listeners noted sounded remarkably similar to a track by the American rock band Papa Roach.
- Pritam’s Stance: Addressing the recurring criticism in a 2016 interview, Pritam candidly acknowledged making “mistakes” early on in his career, stating that the continuous scrutiny had made him significantly more cautious and deliberate with his contemporary compositions.
About ‘Mashooqa’ and Cocktail 2
Musically, ‘Mashooqa’ features lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. It is performed by Raghav Chaitanya alongside Mahmood Ruaa Kayy, with Mahmood specifically writing and performing the Italian vocal segments integrated into the song. Visually, the music video chronicles a scenic road trip where Shahid and Kriti’s characters gradually fall in love.
Cocktail 2 Movie Details
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• Director: Homi Adajania
• Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna
• Franchise: Spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit 'Cocktail'
• Theatrical Release Date: June 19
Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 serves as a spiritual successor to the beloved 2012 romantic comedy-drama Cocktail, which famously starred Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. The upcoming film, which also features Rashmika Mandanna in a pivotal role, is scheduled to hit theaters globally on June 19.