Movie Review: Cocktail

If ever there was a movie true to its name, it has to be Cocktail.

A heady mix of passion, spice and sweetness, enjoyable with every sip, and a beautiful hangover that lasts long after the last drops have been greedily licked off...

Cocktail is a simple love triangle, the story is straight forward, and you could say, almost predictable. But Cocktail isn't about a story. It's about a wonderful exposition of modern relationships, it's about friends and lovers, it's about characters as simple and complicated as you and me.


Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) is a software engineer and a compulsive flirt. Veronica (Deepika Padukone) is a very attractive, rich brat, with no qualms about enjoying her life - discs, drinks and dudes. Meera (Diana Penty) is a simple, angelic married desi girl, with a husband who wants to have nothing to do with her.

Veronica meets Meera in a restroom, crying and with nowhere to go. The golden hearted Veronica readily shares her apartment with Meera, and soon after, her bed with Gautam. The three quickly become best friends, sharing some wonderful moments together. Veronica's no-obligations-only-sex rule doesn't really serve her, and she falls madly in love. But Gautam is drawn to Meera's simple and beautiful ways, a longing that's matched only by the love she feels for him. Gautam puts it plain and simple to Veronica - "You love me. I love her", so let's talk and sort this out. But if only life was that simple. Veronica tries hard to gulp down her feelings and party her heart out, but it's a losing cause. While she breaks down, Meera walks out of Gautam's life, knowing she will never be able to forgive herself for hurting Veronica. Best friends quickly tear apart.


The characters stand out, unravelling their inner selves through amazing layers.

Veronica's vulnerable, insecure avataar is beautifully exposed when she realises Gautam loves the demure, desi Meera. She effortlessly portrays the care-a-damn Veronica's quick descent into a spiral of despair, heartache, and grief, as she tries desperately to be the Meera that Gautam loves. It's a stand out performance and worthy of an award. And of course, Deepika looks sizzling hot, the bikini scene sure to burn a hole on your screen and make you beg for more.


Saif displays a brand of charm and wit which we have witnessed many times before, and is equally effective. He's also looking better with each movie! He's also extremely comfortable dropping his pants, and performing an outrageous and hilarious drag act, dancing to Sheela ki Jawani in a way that's sure to make Kat feel insecure!

But for me, the other DP, Diana, takes the glory. She more than holds her own, her sweet, simple, understated beauty easily overshadowing the long legs of the dusky Deepika. Her innocence and vulnerability makes you want to protect her and love her, her simple Indianness captures your heart, and you desperately want her to win her love. And for effervescence and charm, watch her closely in the Tum Hi Ho Bandhu song, and you will be mesmerized.

Randeep is wasted in a very short cameo role. Boman is amazing as usual, and Dimple also adds some serious value.

To great characters, add some very well executed scenes and beautiful on screen chemistry. Some of my favourites:
1) Gautam and Meera bond on the pier - Gautam making her feel beautiful to be alive
2) Veronica hugs Meera and assures her Gautam can never take her place - on the park bench
3) Veronica vents out on Meera at night - you are the best!
4) Meera prays while Veronica and Gautam lovingly look at her
5) Veronica tries to be Meera with Gautam, cooking Biryani with Raita for him, while he desperately seeks out Meera
6) Meera gets milk for Veronica and gets admonished for it

I could go on and on...

Imtiaz Ali does a great job with the story and the dialogues, although parental guidance is highly recommended for the liberal doses of friendships with benefits, wild nights in discos and "awesome threesomes". Cocktail will resonate with today's urban youth, and is reflective of changing Indian society.
Tum Hi Ho Bandhu and Daru Desi are absolute chart busters, and after you see the movie, you will love them even more. These are beautifully woven into the story. Some of the other tracks are good too, but the flashing disco lights in 2-3 songs are disturbing, and can be fatal for epilepsy patients - a serious warning at the beginning of the movie was a must.

This is one Cocktail I highly recommend.

And once more, I have to say this - Diany Penty, in me, you have a fan for life!