With just a few days left before its theatrical release, Cocktail 2 has become one of the most talked-about Bollywood films of 2026. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna, the film is carrying massive expectations thanks to its viral trailer, chartbuster songs, and the excitement surrounding Tum Hi Ho Bandhu 2.0.
Directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the romantic drama aims to recreate the magic of the 2012 cult favorite Cocktail while introducing a fresh story and a new generation of characters.
As anticipation continues to rise, reports regarding the salaries of the lead cast have surfaced online. The numbers reveal just how much the makers invested in bringing together one of the most attractive star casts of the year. So who took home the biggest paycheck? Let’s break it down.
Cocktail 2 Budget
Before looking at the individual salaries, it’s important to understand the scale of the project. According to reports, Cocktail 2 has been mounted on a budget of approximately ₹150 crore. Out of this amount, around ₹35 crore reportedly went toward the remuneration of the three lead actors. Another ₹20 crore was allegedly spent on print and advertising expenses.
The remaining budget was utilized for production costs, location shoots, technical requirements, and supporting cast remuneration. Considering the film’s exotic international locations and large-scale production values, the reported budget doesn’t come as a surprise.
Shahid Kapoor’s Salary For Cocktail 2
If reports of Bollywood Hungama are to be believed, Shahid Kapoor is comfortably the highest-paid actor in Cocktail 2. The actor reportedly charged ₹21 crore for his role in the romantic drama.
That figure accounts for a substantial portion of the lead cast’s combined remuneration and puts him significantly ahead of both his female co-stars. Over the years, Shahid has established himself as one of Bollywood’s most dependable leading men. From romantic dramas to action entertainers and intense character-driven films, he has consistently delivered memorable performances.
The report also claims that while Shahid has earned even bigger paychecks for OTT projects such as Bloody Daddy, Farzi, and Farzi 2, this marks his biggest salary for a theatrical release. However, neither Shahid nor the makers have officially confirmed the figures.
Kriti Sanon’s Salary For Cocktail 2
Kriti Sanon reportedly takes home the second-highest paycheck among the lead cast. According to reports, the actress earned ₹8 crore for her role in Cocktail 2.
Kriti has emerged as one of the most successful actresses of her generation, balancing commercial entertainers with performance-driven projects. Her popularity has grown significantly in recent years, making her one of the industry’s most sought-after female stars. The reported ₹8 crore salary reflects her strong market position and growing box office value. Apart from her performance, fans have also been discussing her glamorous looks and chemistry with the cast, both of which have received positive reactions since the trailer launch.
Rashmika Mandanna’s Salary For Cocktail 2
Rashmika Mandanna reportedly earned ₹6 crore for her role in the film. While her remuneration is lower than Kriti’s and significantly below Shahid’s reported fee, it still places her among the highest-paid actresses currently working in Indian cinema.
Rashmika’s popularity has expanded rapidly over the last few years. Her success across multiple industries, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, has transformed her into a genuine pan-India star. The actress enjoys a massive fan following, and her presence is expected to be one of the film’s biggest attractions. With Cocktail 2, she adds another major commercial project to her growing filmography.
Exotic Locations Add To The Film’s Appeal
One of the most visually appealing aspects of Cocktail 2 is its extensive international shooting schedule. The makers reportedly filmed several sequences in Italy, particularly in Sicily. Beautiful streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque landscapes were used as the backdrop for romantic scenes and a lavish song sequence.
Kriti Sanon even shared glimpses of these stunning locations on social media during production, generating curiosity among fans. The visuals shown in the trailer have already received praise for their rich and vibrant presentation.
While the film boasts luxurious international locations, it also includes sequences shot across Delhi. Several scenes focusing on the dynamics between the three central characters were filmed in Chhatarpur and different parts of South Delhi.
The production team reportedly faced challenges due to high pollution levels during filming. Actors and crew members often relied on masks and air purifiers between takes while continuing the shoot schedule. Despite these difficulties, the makers successfully captured the city’s everyday charm and energy.
Homi Adajania Returns To The Cocktail Universe
One of the biggest reasons behind the excitement surrounding Cocktail 2 is the return of director Homi Adajania. The filmmaker previously directed the original Cocktail in 2012, starring Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, and Diana Penty.
That film eventually became a cult favorite thanks to its modern relationship themes, memorable music, and strong performances. The sequel is expected to retain those emotional themes while introducing an entirely new story and set of characters.
Conclusion
Cocktail 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest Bollywood releases of June 2026. With a reported budget of ₹150 crore, exotic international locations, a popular soundtrack, and a star-studded cast, expectations are understandably high.
According to reports, Shahid Kapoor tops the salary chart with a reported ₹21 crore paycheck, followed by Kriti Sanon at ₹8 crore and Rashmika Mandanna at ₹6 crore. While these figures remain unconfirmed, they highlight the scale of investment behind the film and the growing value of its lead stars.
Now, with the release date approaching rapidly, all eyes are on whether Cocktail 2 can recreate the success and cultural impact of the original while carving out its own identity among audiences.
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