‘Looks Like An Ad’: Cocktail 2’s Bandhu 2.0 Sparks Debate Online, Viewers Clash Over Remake

Recreating a cult Bollywood song is always a risky move, and cocktail 2 is discovering that firsthand. The release of Bandhu 2.0a refreshed version of the much-loved You are my friend, has sparked a fierce debate online. While some viewers have applauded the makers for preserving the essence of the original, others believe the remake lacks the magic that made the 2012 track unforgettable.

ALSO READ: Haunted 3D Inches Closer To Profit, Recovers 98% Of Budget In 6 Days

Social Media Reacts To Bandhu 2.0

The makers recently released Bandhu 2.0bringing back one of the most recognizable songs from the 2012 hit cocktail. Featuring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, the track arrived with a promotional clip that humorously acknowledged the possibility of online trolling.

In the video, Shahid jokingly questions the idea of ​​recreating an iconic song, suggesting it would inevitably attract criticism on social media. Soon after the song’s release, that prediction appeared to come true as viewers flooded online platforms with sharply divided opinions.

One user writes, “This looks like an ad for Frooti”.

This looks like an ad for Frooti🤣 https://t.co/sOhZMdbwrl

— ARS (@daddyji01) June 17, 2026

another added, “And today we will learn how Bollywood lost its style, depth and soul in the last 14 years. Just look at the colors man”

And today we will learn how Bollywood lost its style, depth and soul in the last 14 years. Just look at the colors man https://t.co/ytLbakeCDh pic.twitter.com/OsFIwCIcua

— Aishwarya Free 🍉 (@Aishworryyaa) June 17, 2026

one more user said, “This might be one of the worst remakes. It looks like a last minute decision & done in a rush!another said, “the original one was all about being in the moment and having fun. this looks so artificial. looking into the camera with forced choreography.”

ALSO READ: Batwara 1947 Teaser Out: Sunny Deol And Rajkumar Santoshi Will Take You Back To Partition Day

Some Fans Defend The Remake

This might be one of the worst remakes. It looks like a last minute decision & done in a rush! https://t.co/vO38TtYKBK

— ANMOL JAMWAL (@jammypants4) June 17, 2026

Despite the criticism, the song also found support among viewers who appreciated its attempt to preserve the spirit of the original rather than dramatically reinvent it.

One user said, “The way they didn’t ruin the OG vibe and recreated it like a fan moment… heart off”.

One more added, “That’s how you remake a song, no funky stuff, just subtle changes while keeping the original spirit alive”.

that’s how you remake a song, no funky stuff, just subtle changes while keeping the original spirit alive #cocktail2 pic.twitter.com/6qTHOXZlxf

— ּ (@lykrits) June 17, 2026

Another user said, “Bandhu 2.0 is exactly how you should remake a song btw”.

Another comment said, “this is just a promotional asset from the movie & not even an original MV can y’ll like calm tf down”.

Why The Song Has Triggered Comparisons

Sung by Neeraj Shridhar and Kavita Seth, the recreated version retains the familiar chorus that audiences instantly recognise. At the same time, it introduces a fresh visual presentation focused on the new lead cast.

The song was conceived as a nostalgic nod to the first film, but comparisons were unavoidable. Many viewers measured it against the iconic sequence featuring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, with some arguing that the spontaneity and warmth of the original proved difficult to recreate.

Others, however, felt the makers struck the right balance by paying tribute to a beloved song without making drastic changes.