Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone are a safe bet: 'Cocktail' producer

Mumbai: After their chemistry clicked with the audience in 'Love Aaj Kal' and 'Aarakshan', actors Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone were cast together for the third time in 'Cocktail' as the makers felt that their pairing was 'safe'.

"In a way to have Saif and Deepika was a safe bet. Deepika has grown as an actor and Saif is amazing in this genre. People love to see him this way. After 'Love Aaj Kal', people like to see Saif and Deepika on screen," producer Dinesh Vijan told PTI.

The Homi Adajania-directed romantic comedy stars Saif, Deepika and debutante Diana Penty besides Dimple Kapadia and Boman Irani. The first look of the film was released three days ago and it has already crossed one million views on You Tube.

The first look of 'Cocktail' starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty was out on May 21.
Deepika has earlier donned a bikini for her films.
Deepika in a still from Cocktail. It is made under the banner of Saif's Illuminati Films and Eros International.
Saif and Diana in a still from Cocktail. The film has been directed by Homi Adajania.
This is Saif and Deepika's third film together after Love Aaj Kal and Aarakshan.
The film is produced by Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan.
The film is co-produced by Sunil Lulla and Andrew Heffernan.
Cocktail is written by Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali.
Cocktail is being released on July 13, 2012.
Boman Irani and Dimple Kapadia are also playing roles in the film.
Saif in a drag act in the film.
Diana Penty is debuting in Cocktail.
The film is a love triangle between three friends.
Earlier, Imran Khan was signed on to play the lead opposite Deepika in the film.
After Aarakshan and Race 2, Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan will work together again for the latter's home production.
Saif said three things with Deepika was not something he planned.
"Now we have to make an effort to look different and act differently in each movie, which is a challenge and interesting in itself," Saif told reporters.
Made under Illuminati Films, Homi Adajania held the megaphone for the love story.
The film was partly shot in London.
Deepika and Saif's chemistry was really appreciated in Imtiaz Ali-directed 2009 hit movie Love Aaj Kal, which was produced by Illuminati Films.
The music for the film has been scored by Pritam.
The cinematography is by Anil Mehta.
The editing is by Sreekar Prasad.
Neeraj Shridhar has sung for the film.
There is peppy music also by Gippy Grewal and Yo Yo Honey Singh.
The film was shot at London's Borough High Street, Borough market, Portobello Road and Leicester Square.
Scenes were also shot at the famous Piccadilly Circus, Mayfair, Clapham Junction and Colville Gardens (Notting Hill Gate).
Deepika looks gorgeous in the film.
Diana Penty is a 25-year-old model and a regular on the Lakme Fashion Week ramp.
Penty has endorsed brands such as Maybelline.
Homi Adjania has earlier directed Being Cyrus.
Agent Vinod was Saif's previous film where he played a RAW agent.
Saif plays Gautam, a freewheeling casanova in this film.
Penty brings a certain freshness to the screen.
Saif's debut home production Agent Vinod failed to create magic at the Box Office.
Saif, 41, has produced Agent Vinod through his Illuminati Films banner besides playing the central character of a RAW agent in the movie, which hit the screens on March 23.
Both Saif and Deepika have a busy year ahead.
He will begin shooting the Judwaa sequel. The actor, who turned producer with Love Aaj Kal, says he wants to improve the quality of films by producing interesting stories.

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$Saif, Deepika are a safe bet: \'Cocktail\' producer$

Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone

"The response has been great. We thought of releasing it on the internet because the reach is wider and it then goes viral," Vijan said. The promos of the film show Deepika, who plays Veronica, mouthing some bold dialogues.

"The film is for people aged between 12 and 50. It is about friendship, love, romance and has something for all kinds of audience. It is a love story. The designing of the three characters Gautam (Saif), Veronica (Deepika), Meera

(Diana)... the cool and contemporary look of the film and its music are its USP," Dinesh said.

Releasing on July 13, 'Cocktail' is made under Saif's banner Illuminati Films. When asked why the film is titled 'Cocktail', Dinesh said, "Its an English title but from an auto-driver to a person staying in a pent house, the meaning of cocktail is same for everyone - mix.

"We were earlier thinking of calling it 'Love Aaj Kal 2', but the only similarity is Saif, Deepika and Imtiaz (screenplay). We could have done that, as sequels help the prospects of a film. But this film having all necessary ingredients demanded a title like 'Cocktail'."