Maddock Films has recently released another romantic and upbeat track from its upcoming film Cocktail 2, titled Mashooqa. The song features the fresh on-screen chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon and has already started gaining attention across social media platforms. While a large section of fans appreciated the vibrant visuals and the pairing of the lead actors, the track has also sparked discussion online for its catchy tune and presentation.
However, the release has not been free from controversy. A section of internet users has accused the makers of drawing inspiration from a 1993 Italian song titled ‘Se So Arrubate A Nonna’, pointing out alleged similarities in the melody. This has led to a growing debate online, with listeners divided between praising the song’s appeal and questioning its originality.
How did the internet respond
A Reddit user recently shared clips from Mashooqa alongside the 1993 Italian track, highlighting striking similarities between the two tunes. The post quickly gained attention, with several users joining the discussion and claiming that the music sounded almost identical. The conversation soon turned into a heated debate over originality and inspiration in Bollywood music.
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One user commented, “It's still a dull song even after Pritam copied it.” Another wrote, “Fork found in kitchen.” One comment read, “Bollywood copying again?” while another added, “It sounds same.” A user also joked, “Pritam can't stop copying lol.
MASHOOQA BY PRITAM COPIED FROM SE SO ARRUBATA (1993)
byu/Main-hoon-don inBollyBlindsNGossip
Is Mashooqa sampling or direct copying
As per a Hindustan Times report, some users also came forward in support of composer Pritam, arguing that the similarities in Mashooqa may be due to sampling rather than direct copying. According to them, borrowing elements from older music is a common practice in the global music industry and does not always indicate plagiarism. This perspective has added a new layer to the ongoing online debate, dividing listeners into two sides.
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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.”
The original track, Se So Arrubate A Nonna, is a comedic Neapolitan song 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 the Neapolitan dialect. Although it was not a major global hit at the time, the song has continued to enjoy a cult following over the years among niche listeners and music enthusiasts.
Not the first controversy: Past plagiarism claims resurface
This is not the first time Pritam has faced plagiarism allegations, with several past controversies resurfacing online. Over the years, social media users have repeatedly pointed out similarities between some of his compositions and international tracks, sparking debates about originality in Bollywood music. One such instance dates back to 2017, when he was accused of copying the song Bulleya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, with comparisons drawn to music by the band Papa Roach.
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As per Hindustan Times report, in an earlier interview in 2016, Pritam himself addressed such criticisms, admitting to making “mistakes” in the past and stating that he had since become more careful about his work. These remarks have often been revisited in discussions whenever new allegations emerge, adding context to the ongoing debate around his musical style and influences.
Fans love Shahid–Kriti chemistry despite controversy
Despite the ongoing controversy, many fans still enjoyed the chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in Mashooqa. A section of viewers focused on the visuals and energy of the song rather than the online debate, praising the pairing and overall vibe of the track. The song continues to generate mixed but strong engagement on social media platforms.
One fan wrote, “Shahid looks so cute and Kriti looks so hot. Loving the chemistry. Song is fabbb.” Another commented, “Kriti and Shahid have one of the best chemistry. I loved it.” Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 also stars Rashmika Mandanna in a key role. The romantic comedy is a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit Cocktail, featuring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, and is set to release in theatres on June 19.
All about the song Mashooqa
Mashooqa has been composed by Pritam, with lyrics written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, and sung by Raghav Chaitanya along with Mahmood Ruaa Kayy. The Italian portions in the song have been written and performed by Mahmood himself, adding a unique multilingual touch to the track.
The song visually follows Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor’s characters as they travel together, gradually developing feelings for each other. Their journey is shown in a light romantic style, highlighting the growing chemistry between the two leads.
