May 19, 2026 12:31pm IST
‘Cocktail 2’ Writer Tarun Jain on the Sequel Trend in Hindi Films: ‘Producers Get Free Marketing’
In 2012, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty charmed the audiences in “Cocktail” with their chemistry, chart-topping music, and a relatable take on modern relationships. Now, over a decade later, the franchise returns with Cocktail 2. Featuring an all-new star cast — Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna — this new chapter introduces a completely fresh story while promising to retain the signature charm, humor, and emotional depth that made the original a crowd-puller. Interestingly, both films are directed by Homi Adjania.
Tarun Jain, who has co-written “Cocktail 2” with his cousin and filmmaker Luv Ranjan, reveals that the audiences can expect familiar themes of friendship, conflicts, messy romance, and mischief — all reimagined for current times. The original “Cocktail” was written by Imtiaz Ali, who is widely regarded for redefining romance in Hindi cinema through films like “Jab We Met,” “Love Aaj Kal,” “Rockstar” and “Tamasha.” Jain admits that taking over the writing responsibilities for the sequel was challenging, though he never viewed it as "baggage or pressure".
“Was I scared? At the cost of sounding vain, I’d say no,” Tarun says. “The fact that one of my favourite filmmakers wrote the original only helped me to focus on the job and not be complacent. The challenge was to find characters and their conflicts which reflect the contemporary world while sticking to the spirit of the original. It’s the challenge anyone would naturally feel when they are a part of such a franchise. But it was quite fun and exciting,” he explains.
Related Stories
Romance Works Best When It Feels Real
From "Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2" to the "De De Pyaar De" franchise, and now "Cocktail 2", Tarun has largely worked within the space of romantic comedies. However, the genre itself has evolved significantly over the years, largely due to changing audience sensibilities and the impact of digital culture. He agrees, “The audience is exposed to so much content these days. They are interested in a much wider spectrum of offerings now than they were earlier. The exposure has had another impact. Earlier, the film stars and their lives were inaccessible and, as a result, aspirational. That reflected in the films, which usually worked by being larger-than-life.”
Now that fans have access to stars' lives through social media, they want relatability. 'Stars, they are just like us' has taken on a whole new meaning. Tarun adds, “Audiences want to see themselves in the characters; they want to feel being in situations in which the actors find themselves. The challenge in romantic comedies is to make people laugh at the absurdity of modern relationships while making them say, 'Yeh to mere saath bhi hua hai!’.
On Sequels and Franchises
Hindi films are increasingly relying on sequels and nostalgia. At least half-a-dozen sequels are scheduled for release in the next seven months. Whether this trend stems from audience demand or box-office pressure is debatable. Jain believes the issue is more layered. “With a well-established and successful IP, producers get free marketing, a brand that the audiences recognise and associate with a film they enjoyed watching. That’s why you see a lot of ‘franchise films', which are not necessarily true sequels. So, while it might seem like producers are running to safety, or running out of ‘fresh ideas’, the reality is more nuanced."
One of his most successful films, “Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2", became hugely popular but was also widely criticised for normalising misogyny under the guise of humour. While the writer calls the criticism a misinterpretation of the characters. “Saying that these characters also exist is not the same as saying everyone is like these characters. Clearly there are some people who resemble those characters, which is why the audience found the films entertaining. There are both good and bad men and women." He wants to remind his detractors that his second film was “Akaash Vani,” adding that one of his projects slated to go on the floors soon, is a social dramedy about the plight of homemakers.
Can ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’ Be Made Today?
In today’s climate, when audiences are more socially aware and critical online, is making a film like “Pyaar Ka Punchnama” even possible? “It is not that people complain because they are more aware,” Tarun explains. “It is a problem of virtue signalling, of online faceless criticism, putting out an opinion on social media and agreeing with voices that support your opinion rather than being open to changing your opinion when presented with persuasive arguments.”
He states that the 'backlash' won't deter him to make a similar film because he is aware that his film would be an entertaining story about some characters and not a documentary endorsing his views on women. “The people who think ‘Punchnama’ 'advocates misogyny' – would they call ‘Punchnama’ from the perspective of women, misandry?" he questions. “Because we see a lot of potential in that idea!”
While there seems to be no immediate plan for “Pyaar Ka Punchnama 3”, Tarun has several projects lined up, “I have recently finished a social dramedy, a romantic drama with action, and am close to finishing a children’s film. I would also love to write a superhero movie soon and maybe a political satire as well,” he reveals.
For now, however, his focus remains on “Cocktail 2", which is scheduled to release in theatres on June 19. “Hopefully, audiences will connect with our take on love and commitment,” he signs off.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.