The makers of 'Cocktail 2' have released another track from the film, a romantic and upbeat number titled 'Mashooqa'. The song showcases the sizzling chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon and has already generated significant buzz online. However, it has also stirred controversy, with some internet users alleging that its tune was lifted from a 1993 Italian song called 'Se So Arrubate A Nonna'.
Netizens Compare 'Mashooqa' to 1993 Italian Track
A Reddit user sparked a debate by sharing side-by-side clips of 'Mashooqa' and the 1993 Italian track, highlighting what they believed were striking similarities. The post quickly gained traction, with many users agreeing that the tunes sounded nearly identical. One user commented, "It's still a dull song even after Pritam copied it." Another wrote, "Fork found in kitchen." Others remarked, "Bollywood copying again?" and "It sounds same." A user also joked, "Pritam can't stop copying lol."
Some Users Defend Pritam
However, a section of users came to the defense of composer Pritam, arguing that the similarity might be a case of sampling rather than outright copying. One Reddit user explained, "This is called sampling, not stealing/copying. It's when you take the main beat of a song and layer other instruments over it with changed lyrics. It's a very popular concept in the music industry. Pitbull, Taylor Swift, Kanye and many more artists also sample songs."
About the 1993 Italian Track
'Se So Arrubate A Nonna' is a comedic track in the Neapolitan dialect by Italian duo Bibi & Coco, released in 1993 as part of their album 'Le Origini Vol. 2'. The title roughly translates to "The Kidnapped Grandma" in Neapolitan. While the song never achieved global mainstream success, it has developed a loyal cult following over the years.
Pritam Has Faced Plagiarism Allegations Before
Plagiarism accusations are not new for Pritam. The composer has often been criticized for allegedly copying international tracks. One notable instance was in 2017, when 'Bulleya' from 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' was compared to a Papa Roach song, with many claiming they sounded strikingly similar. In a 2016 interview, Pritam addressed such criticism, admitting to past "mistakes" and stating that the experience made him more cautious about his work.
'Mashooqa' Credits
'Mashooqa' is composed by Pritam, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The song is sung by Raghav Chaitanya and Mahmood Ruaa Kayy, with Mahmood also writing and performing the Italian parts. The visuals depict Kriti and Shahid's characters on a trip together, gradually falling in love.
'Cocktail 2' Release Date
'Cocktail 2', directed by Homi Adajania, stars Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna in a key role. The film is a spiritual sequel to the 2012 romantic hit 'Cocktail', which featured Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. The movie is scheduled for theatrical release on June 19.
