Called back to the party

Shahid Kapoor

Just when Shahid Kapoor thought he had traded the breezy romance of Cocktail 2 for the dark world of Farzi 2, director Homi Adajania's film came calling again. The actor, who had wrapped his portions and moved on to Raj and DK's crime dramedy in March, was summoned back for reshoots and fresh song sequences a month before the film's release on June 19.

(L-R) Shahid Kapoor and Bhuvan Arora in ‘Farzi'

A source close to the production reveals, "Shahid, Kriti [Sanon], and Rashmika [Mandanna] were required to reshoot some scenes and new songs in May." While Sanon and Mandanna could easily return to set, Kapoor's schedule posed a challenge. "Shahid had to negotiate for a few days off from Farzi 2 shoot, and the makers were gracious enough to accommodate," adds the source.

(L-R) Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna in ‘Cocktail 2' Pics/Instagram, AFP

This development explains why the promotions were slowed down after the release of the first track, Jab Talak, on April 8. "Homi, Dino [Dinesh Vijan, producer], and Pritam [composer] are confident that the soundtrack is wholesome enough to appeal to the audience," says an insider.