A comedy drama about a trio navigating through modern relationships – Cocktail (2012) is THE movie that was way ahead of its time. With an ensemble cast of Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty, the movie has managed to be one of the most cherished films from the 2010s. And now that it is re-releasing in theaters, we thought of unveiling Cocktail filming locations. So, sit back, book your tickets, and keep reading about the beautiful locations where this film was shot.
Cocktail Filming Locations Revealed!
The Clapham Grand, London
Veronica, played by Deepika Padukone, is shown to be a hardcore party girl who won’t take a no for a party. An important party sequence featuring her character has been shot in The Clapham Grand, London. This is a Victorian-era music hall that has been refurbished to host weekly club nights, standup shows, and other events and has served as a major cultural center since 1900.
For this party sequence, Deepika Padukone had to dance on a table as her character leads everyone in the club. About 300 extras were in this sequence to recreate a club setting. In fact, the producers also hired a DJ for the music and employed lights in a way that’d create the ambience of a bustling club. During the shoot, The Clapham Grand was given tight security to prevent the mob from intruding the shoot venue.
Leicester Square, London
The movie was majorly shot in London, including some montages being shot in the iconic Leicester Square. This historic London landmark opened in 1670, almost 400 years ago. However, its appeal hasn’t died down – in fact, it is one of London’s most visited landmarks.
Today, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, statues, and entertainment hubs around Leicester Square. The square has been historically associated with drama and cinema. In fact, in February 2020, eight sculptures depicting characters from the last 100 years were installed here. These included Batman, Don Lockwood, and Mary Poppins among others. The following year, the famous Iron Throne from the HBO show Game of Thrones was unveiled here to mark 10 years since the release of the pilot episode. If you’re a cinephile, we highly recommend visiting Leicester Square in London.
Piccadilly Circus
No, it’s not New York’s Times Square, even though it might look very similar! The Piccadilly Circus gets its distinct identity thanks to the giant Piccadilly screens and the Statue of Eros. The square (or circle?) connects two of London’s most affluent neighborhoods, Soho and St. James. Not just that, this neon-lit intersection has become a tourist hub itself over the years. This intersection has been featured in the movie, especially noticeable in the party song marking Deepika Padukone’s entry.
The first electric advertisements showed up in 1910 and it was in 1923 that the intersection saw huge electric billboards. Today, they’ve been swapped with ultra-modern curved billboards that feature commercials and live shows on their bright screens. The intersection is also within easy walking of Regent Street and the famous theaters of the West End.
Borough Market, London
From one iconic London location to another – we’ve reached Borough Market. It is one of the oldest food markets in London, with some claiming that it dates back to the 12th century. Borough Market is best known for its wide variety of specialty foods. There are plenty of restaurants in Borough Market that offer everything from Middle Eastern delicacies to Greek cuisine.
The market was extensively featured in the song Daaru Desi where the leading trio is shown to be bonding well with each other. The melodious track featuring the three actors shows them exploring the city and having quite the blast while doing so! If you too visit London with your friends, you must definitely recreate the montage in Borough Market. However, remember that the market is closed on Mondays!
Maidens Cove Beach, Cape Town
The plot of the movie takes a dramatic turn when the leading trio decides to go for a vacation in Cape Town, South Africa. It is here that Saif Ali Khan’s character (Gautam) realizes that he has feelings for Diana Penty’s character (Meera) and not for the character essayed by Deepika Padukone (Veronica). It happens when the three of them decide to party at the Maidens Cove Beach – the venue where the iconic Tumhi Ho Bandhu was shot.
Maidens Cove Beach is known for its pristine white sand, crystal clear water, and scintillating parties. It is from here that you get stunning views of the vistas of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles as well as the Atlantic Ocean. If you venture a little further towards the sea, you’ll spot a tidal pool that’s best explored during a low tide. If you visit Cape Town, make sure to visit this beach that was witness to one of the most dramatic (and iconic) twists we’ve seen in a recent Hindi movie.
Summing Up
The Homi Adajania directorial was a smash hit in India and globally, grossing about INR 122 crores. Cocktail is a movie that beautifully captures the intricacies of modern relationships, especially the complications that arise when friendship and love collide head-on. While the movie’s portrayal of the male protagonist has received significant criticism, the female characters have received immense love and appreciation by fans, especially Veronica. Now that the movie is returning to theaters, make sure to watch it with your friends and try your best to spot these Cocktail movie locations!
