As Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna‘s ‘Cocktail 2’ opens in theatres today, conversations around the film have extended beyond its music and storyline. One aspect that has generated curiosity among fans is the dynamic between the film’s two leading ladies. While the industry has often been associated with stories of competition between actresses, Rashmika Mandanna says her experience with Kriti Sanon was the exact opposite.
Rashmika Mandanna on friendship over rivalry
The actress dismissed the long-standing belief that female co-stars cannot be friends and revealed that filming ‘Cocktail 2’ helped her develop a genuine bond with Kriti. According to Rashmika, the connection they built during the shoot became one of the most memorable parts of the project.Talking to Variety India, the actress shared, “Honestly, I think that myth is so outdated and it’s high time we completely throw it out the window. Working with Kritzu has been absolutely special, and if anything, this film has given me a friend more than anything else.”Rashmika explained that the atmosphere on set was filled with encouragement rather than competition. She believes that successful women supporting one another creates a far healthier and more productive work environment.
The bond that developed on set between Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon
Sharing details about their off-camera equation, Rashmika said she and Kriti spent much of their downtime together between scenes. From sharing meals to celebrating each other’s performances, the actresses built a rapport that naturally reflected in their work.“We were constantly cheering each other on, sharing food, and laughing between shots. I truly believe there is enough room under the sun for all of us to shine. When women support women, the energy on set becomes magical.”The actress added that audiences will be able to sense that authenticity when they watch the film on the big screen. For her, real friendships often bring an added layer of comfort and honesty to performances. “I think genuine warmth and sisterhood will be reflected beautifully on screen for everyone to see.”
Rashmika Mandanna on working in ‘Cocktail 2’
Apart from the friendships she gained during the making of ‘Cocktail 2’, Rashmika believes the film also gave her an opportunity to step away from the kind of characters audiences have recently associated her with. After appearing in films such as ‘Pushpa’, ‘Animal’, ‘Chhaava’ and ‘The Girlfriend’, she was eager to explore something that felt contemporary and urban.“This is definitely the most urban role I’ve played, and it honestly feels so incredibly refreshing. I’ve been so fortunate to play characters that are deeply rooted, rustic, or intensely emotional in my recent films. But as an actor, the last thing I want is to get too comfortable or boxed into a specific image.”She further noted that every aspect of the role felt new and exciting. “When this project came my way, the vibe, the styling, the slick body language, everything was a complete 180 from what people are used to seeing me do. It felt like the perfect opportunity to stretch my wings and try a totally different flavor.”
Why light-hearted films matter for Rashmika Mandanna
While Rashmika has earned acclaim for emotionally intense performances, she admitted that projects like ‘Cocktail 2’ offer a different kind of satisfaction. The actress said lighter entertainers bring a positive energy to the workplace and allow actors to enjoy the process while creating something fun for audiences.“I genuinely cannot choose between the two because they feed entirely different parts of my soul as an actor. Lighter projects like ‘Cocktail 2’ are so therapeutic. You go to work, work hard, you laugh, you bounce off the incredible energy of your co-stars, and the ultimate goal is just to bring a smile to the audience’s faces.”At the same time, she acknowledged the thrill that comes with more demanding roles and believes a healthy balance between commercial entertainers and emotionally charged dramas is essential for an actor’s growth.“On the other hand, doing intensely dramatic or emotionally heavy films is deeply fulfilling in a completely different way. It pushes you to your absolute boundaries, forces you to dig into raw, vulnerable emotions, and tests your grit. It’s exhausting, but there’s a unique thrill in nailing a high-stakes dramatic scene. I truly believe a healthy mix of both is what keeps an actor thriving.”Directed by Homi Adajania, ‘Cocktail 2’ stars Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles and released in theatres on June 19.
