The romantic drama Cocktail 2, starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna, has made an encouraging start at the box office following its release on June 19.

According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film earned Rs 13.50 crore on its opening day. This makes it the second-biggest opening of Shahid Kapoor’s career, behind the blockbuster Kabir Singh, which debuted with Rs 20 crore and later grossed Rs 279 crore in India.

Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 recorded an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 20.04 percent across 10,458 screenings on Friday. Audience turnout gradually increased throughout the day, with occupancy rising from 11.08 percent during morning shows to 21.38 percent in the afternoon and 23.69 percent in the evening. Night screenings saw the strongest response, reaching 37.62 percent occupancy.

Among major markets, the Delhi-NCR region registered 16.3 percent occupancy across 1,199 shows, while Mumbai reported 19.7 percent occupancy from 745 screenings.

The film entered theatres amid competition from several other releases, including Bandar starring Manoj Bajpayee, Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai featuring Varun Dhawan, the Hollywood horror movie Obsession, Main Vaapas Aaunga by Imtiaz Ali, and Haunted 3D: Echoes Of The Past directed by Vikram Bhatt.

Prior to the release, Shahid Kapoor commented on the decision by the Central Board of Film Certification to award the movie an Adult (A) certificate. Speaking with fans, he expressed surprise at the rating, saying he did not find anything objectionable in the film and believed it was suitable for family viewing.

Describing the movie as a story centered on three individuals, Shahid said he hoped audiences would leave the theatre with a positive outlook on life and an appreciation for its memorable moments.

Cocktail 2 serves as a spiritual successor to the 2012 hit Cocktail. The film is directed by Homi Adajania and written by Luv Ranjan. It also features Pulkit Sharma and Tiku Talsania in supporting roles.

Source NDTV