‘I Knew It Was Coming’: Kriti Sanon Breaks Silence on Deepika Padukone Comparisons in Cocktail 2

Ever since Cocktail 2 hit theatres, audiences have been asking one thing — can anyone match the magic of Deepika Padukone’s Veronica?

And now, actor Kriti Sanon, who plays Ally in the sequel, has finally addressed the comparisons that have dominated conversations around the film.

Six days into its theatrical run, Cocktail 2 continues to maintain a steady pace at the box office. But alongside its earnings, social media has been buzzing with debates over Kriti’s performance and how it stacks up against Deepika’s unforgettable role from the 2012 original.

Kriti, however, says none of this has surprised her.

“I expected the comparisons. I knew they were coming,” the actress said candidly, adding that she had mentally prepared herself long before the film’s release.

Her reaction reflects the pressure of stepping into a franchise where one character, Veronica, remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated modern female roles.

When Cocktail first released in 2012, Deepika’s portrayal of the wild, vulnerable, and emotionally layered Veronica became a turning point in her career. The role not only earned critical praise but also built a cult following over the years.

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So naturally, expectations from Cocktail 2 were always going to be high.

But Kriti believes comparisons are part of the game.

Industry insiders say her role as Ally was written differently, with its own emotional journey rather than being a direct replica of Veronica. Still, fans have found parallels between the two characters, especially in the film’s complex love triangle setup.

Despite the inevitable debate, Kriti has received appreciation from many viewers for bringing her own style and emotional depth to the character.

The actress has had a strong few years, balancing commercial hits with performance-driven roles, and Cocktail 2 adds another major title to her growing filmography.

Meanwhile, the film — directed by Homi Adajania and starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna — has already crossed the ₹100 crore mark globally, proving that the sequel has struck a chord with audiences.

Whether Ally will achieve the cult status Veronica enjoys remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain — Kriti Sanon knew the challenge, accepted it, and walked into it fully prepared.