“COCKTAIL” Has Real Cool Romantic Moments

Pluses:

Deepika's best performance till date, Saif is at his natural best, Pritam is back with a bang, Director Homi keeps things real, top notch cinematography by Anil Mehta

Minuses:

Diana Penty has same expression throughout, climax is bit messed up, 15 minutes too long

Critic Rating:

3.5/5

Business Rating:

3.5/5

Verdict:

Watch it for real treatment of cool urban romance

Detail Analysis:

“Cocktail” has arrived riding on immense hype created by chartbuster music and fun chemistry among lead trio. Film is directed by Homi Adajania who debut with Saif starrer dark film "Being Cyrus". And it is written by Imtiaz Ali so one expects a cracker of a story.

First of all, this is neither path breaking cinema nor it has anything new to offer in terms of plot. It is same age old triangular love story but it does not mean that it has nothing new to offer. Film's strength lies in its fresh treatment which provides ample real moments of friendship and love.

First half takes time to settle in but  once it does then it just outstanding. It has humor and sizzling chemistry between Saif and Deepika. 2nd half starts sluggishly after love comes in between friendship at interval point. But again film keeps emotional quotient high in 2nd half to keep you interested. Climax comes as a bit of disappointment with few conventional dialogues and stretched scenes. 10-15 minutes shorter and this would had become a neo classic.

Performance wise, without doubt Deepika's best work till date. She is sexy, she is fun and she acts with authority. Her portrayal of Veronica is real and spicy. Much talked about debutant Diana Penty fails to emote and does not do much besides looking pretty and cute. Saif Ali Khan again looks effortless in this kind of rom-com after "Hum Tum", "Salaam Namaste" and "Kal Ho Na Ho". He is really funny in few scenes in 1st half and changes gear easily in 2nd half in emotional scenes. Dimple Kapadia adda humor to proceedings and Boman Irani as dependable as always. 

Director Homi Adajania deserves full point for such a real treatment and barring climax, he keeps story devoid of any Bollywood cliches. Cinematography is top notch with Anil Mehta at his best but editing falters especially at the later part of the film. Music is highlight of the film and songs just take your breath away. But at times after fabulous song, there are lags especially with lengthy dialogues which could had been avoided or edited.

Overall film has its moments and will be liked by young audience especially film should do brisk business in multiplexes and metros. But too urban settings and "hinglish" dialogues might deter audience in smaller towns and single screens. Few minutes of editing and a better climax would had made it a perfect one but nevertheless this one is easily an one time watch. 

Go enjoy this cocktail of varied emotions of friendship and love and you will feel high but don't expect any hangover, a passing enjoyable affair!