The much-anticipated first track from Cocktail 2, titled “Jab Talak,” was released on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, to a wave of polarized reactions from fans. While the film’s cast Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna stunned in high-fashion summer looks against the picturesque backdrop of Sicily, the song itself has been labeled “cringe” and “artificial” by a vocal section of social media users.
Produced by Maddock Films and directed by Homi Adajania, the sequel aims to capture the same urban, breezy energy that made the 2012 original a cult favorite. However, “Jab Talak,” composed by Pritam and sung by Arijit Singh and Akasa, is being compared unfavorably to the iconic soundtrack of its predecessor. Netizens on platforms like Reddit and X have been particularly harsh, claiming the track lacks the soul of hits like “Tum Hi Ho Bandhu” and “Daaru Desi.”
Netizens React
The criticism centered largely on what fans called a “template-based” approach to the music video, featuring shots of beach parties and stylized dancing.
“Meaningless lyrics, no sync… the whole song felt artificial,” commented one user. Another added, “It’s so sad that cinema is now in this wannabe stage desperately trying to recreate classics. Kriti can do so much better.”
Interestingly, some eagle-eyed fans pointed out that the melody felt “eerily similar” to AI-generated music, while others noted that the “vibe” felt forced. The song had already received a lukewarm reception when a snippet was previewed during the theatrical run of Aditya Dhar’s spy-thriller Dhurandhar: The Revenge on March 19.
Comparison with the 2012 Original
The 2012 Cocktail, starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty, set a high bar for Bollywood rom-com music. Fans noted that while the visual appeal of Shahid, Kriti, and Rashmika is undeniable—with Shahid playing Kunal, Rashmika as Diya, and Kriti as Ally the music hasn’t yet struck the same chord.
Despite the initial backlash, some supporters have defended the track, calling it a “chill, breezy summer anthem” that might grow on listeners. Cocktail 2 is slated to hit theaters on June 19, 2026, and the makers are hoping the subsequent tracks can turn the tide in their favor.