Name: O'Romeo
Genre: Action, Thriller, Romance
Released: 2026-02-13
Rating: 6.2
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Farida Jalal

An action thriller involving intense conflict, though full plot details are still under wraps.

O'Romeo

Bollywood Hungama

Times of India

News18

Pinkvilla

Firstpost

Hussain Zaidi's story is inspired by true events. Vishal Bhardwaj and Rohan Narula's screenplay has strokes of brilliance, but sadly, it isn't without its share of rough edges. Vishal Bhardwaj's dialogues are impactful.

Vishal Bhardwaj's direction is overall supreme. He is known for niche films but went somewhat massy with KAMINEY [2009]. With O'ROMEO, he returns to the genre yet again. Also, he peppers it with heartbreak and excessive bloodshed, which is in trend at present. Visually and artistically, the film scores. The hideout of Ustara on the ship is unique. The idea of him using ‘ustara’ for eliminating goons adds a quirky, distinctive edge to the action. While Ustara’s journey is packed with both eccentricity and pathos, it is Afshan who truly becomes the emotional anchor of the narrative. Interestingly, she is no damsel in distress and can go to any lengths when required. This gives a progressive touch to the story. The other strength of the film is that despite a run time of 178 minutes, the goings-on keep viewers hooked and don’t bore the viewers even for a minute.

On the flipside, the film loses steam in the second half. The love story, which is at the core of O'ROMEO, is underwhelming after a point. A few violent scenes seem to have a hangover of ANIMAL [2023]. The film is supposed to be commercial and hence cinematic liberties are a given. Yet, a few developments are very convenient and even silly. Lastly, the music is not as enticing.
O'Romeo Movie Review Performances:
Despite the blemishes, Vishal Bhardwaj, as expected, extracts bravura performances from his actors. Shahid Kapoor puts his heart and soul into the role. Ustara is a demanding character, and Shahid delivers a powerful, committed performance from start to finish. Triptii Dimri once again proves her talent and, after a while, comes up with a performance that matches her strong work in LAILA MAJNU [2018], BULBBUL [2020] and QALA [2022]. She keeps it subtle and controlled, and that restraint makes her impact even stronger. Avinash Tiwary has a late entry and he makes up for it with his power-packed performance. Nana Patekar is dependable as always and also raises laughs. Farida Jalal and Hussain Dalal (Chhotu) deliver adorable performances. Vikrant Massey (Mehboob) and Tamannaah Bhatia (Rabiya) do well in cameos. Disha Patani (Julie) adds to the glam quotient. Resh Lamba doesn’t get much scope. Rahul Deshpande is too good as the cop who is also into classical singing. Anubha Fathpuria (Chachi; Biryani eatery owner) and Kashyap Shangari (Mohsin) are okay. Natasha Bharadwaj (Nargis) leaves a mark.
O'Romeo Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, O'ROMEO delivers several well-made moments and strong performances from the lead cast. However, the uneven writing and the ordinary soundtrack prevent it from creating the kind of impact it aims for. At the box office, it is likely to take an average opening, and it will need a solid jump from tomorrow to stay in the race and recover its high costs

Vishal Bhardwaj has repeatedly proven his grip on the Indian noir genre with Maqbool, Omkara, Haider, and more. Here, he attempts a gritty crime drama steeped in grime and gore, while weaving in romance and rage in equal measure, and largely succeeds. At the centre are Ustara, a local gangster, and Afsha, who is avenging the death of her husband, Mehboob Qureshi (Vikrant Massey), killed by underworld kingpin Jalal. This is not merely a revenge saga; as their paths collide, the narrative spirals into chaos and carnage.
The film plods in the first half, but Bhardwaj’s signature cinematic flair is visible throughout. The narrative gains momentum after the interval, and at nearly three hours, the film feels overlong. The pace slackens too often, with certain stretches feeling indulgent and testing the viewer’s patience. Some sequences overstretch, causing the narrative to lose steam. That said, the story eventually regains its footing, and the action sequences (by Dani Del Rasario and Vikram Dahiya) are mounted with precision. The twists keep the viewer invested, even through the slower patches. The world Bhardwaj creates is dreamy, chaotic, and dark all at once.
Ben Bernhard showcases his cinematographic finesse early on with an elaborate action sequence set to Madhuri Dixit-starrer Dhak Dhak. The track that unfolds in Nepal, the bullfight in Spain, and the masquerade sequence are visually arresting. Bhardwaj’s music adds a rich texture. Hum To Tere Hi Liye The reunites Gulzar, Bhardwaj, and Arijit Singh for a haunting melody. Ishq Ka Fever is catchy, while Aashiqon Ki Colony and Paan Ki Dukaan, despite their rooted energy, do not leave a lasting impression. Bhardwaj’s background score, however, stands out.
Shahid Kapoor is in top form, reuniting with Bhardwaj after Kaminey and Haider, and once again proving their creative synergy. Kapoor handles emotional scenes as smoothly as slick stunts, and his comic timing lands well. He brings intensity to Ustara, balancing menace with vulnerability. Triptii Dimri delivers a competent performance, portraying a woman torn between grief, love, and vengeance. Avinash Tiwary is effective as the menacing Jalal, even in a limited role. Nana Patekar as Inspector Ismail Khan and Tamannaah Bhatia as Rabia leave a strong impression in brief appearances, while Vikrant Massey feels underutilised. Even the minor characters deliver solid performances, and the camaraderie between the gangsters feels organic, providing some of the film’s funniest moments.
Despite frequent pacing issues that demand patience, O’Romeo is worth watching for its performances, atmosphere, and cinematic brilliance.

Vishal Bhardwaj's cinematic world has always been one of paths where love crosses violence. He once again showcases his masterclass with 'O Romeo,' where Shahid Kapoor, as 'Ustra,' appears in the most aggressive and passionate avatar of his career. This film is not just a gangster drama, but a complex web woven between the silence of crime and the depth of spiritual love. Shahid's chemistry with Tripti Dimri and Nana Patekar's powerful presence have earned this film cult classic status.
The story
centers on Ustra (Shahid Kapoor), a dangerous underworld gangster and contract killer. Ustra's world is filled with violence, bloodshed, and darkness. His life takes a new turn when he meets Afshan (Tripti Dimri). Afshan approaches Ustra with a special plea for help. From here, the film departs from the tropes of a typical gangster film and embarks on a heart-warming journey. Vishal Bhardwaj has intricately woven this relationship. This isn't a story of love at first sight, but rather of two broken individuals trying to find solace in each other. Ustra and Afshan's relationship is like a rose blooming on a powder keg—beautiful yet dangerous. There's romance, but more importantly, pain and the shadow of impending danger. Underworld politics and gang rivalries intertwine this love story, making it a compelling thriller.
Shahid Kapoor's acting
is the film's strongest backbone. The intensity he displays in the role of Ustra will be considered one of the best of his career. Shahid portrays a criminal who is stone-hearted on the outside, but internally grappling with an emotional tsunami. His angry scenes are as powerful as his silent ones, leaving the audience shaken on many occasions. Tripti Dimri, on the other hand, strikes a perfect balance in the role of Afshan. She isn't just a troubled girl; her character possesses a hidden courage. Tripti's screen presence has a simplicity that balances Shahid's angry character. The chemistry between the two is so natural that you forget you're watching a movie—it feels like you're witnessing their personal lives.
Supporting Cast Collaboration
A major strength of Vishal Bhardwaj's films is his supporting cast. The fear Avinash Tiwari instills in the role of Jalal is commendable. He emerges as a villain who terrifies not only with his physical strength but also with his mental cunning. What can be said about Nana Patekar? His resonant voice and screen presence enhance his every frame. The film also stars Vikrant Massey and Tamannaah Bhatia. Although their roles are small, they bring significant twists to the story. Disha Patani's songs and visuals infuse the film with a unique energy and glamour, mitigating the heaviness of the story. Veteran actors Farida Jalal and Aruna Irani infuse the film with emotional warmth, making a gangster drama feel human.
Direction/Cinematography
Vishal Bhardwaj maintains his signature style as a director. He has an uncanny ability to keep even large stories grounded. The film's dialogue is sharp, and every word carries weight. The screenplay has numerous subplots, but precise editing keeps the audience from getting lost. Technically, the film is a visual treat. The vintage color tones used to depict the 90s atmosphere give it a classic look. The play of light and shadow in the cinematography reflects the duality of Ushtra's life. The stylish action sequences are shot in a way that makes them feel real, not exaggerated stunts.
Music and Background Score
A Vishal Bhardwaj film is incomplete without its music. The film's music album not only propels the story forward but also tells a unique tale. While romantic songs soothe the soul, the background score in action sequences gives you goosebumps. The proper use of music adds to the thrill of the film.foldIt increases it.
Like every masterpiece, "O Romeo" also has its flaws
. The film's biggest challenge is its length. Some scenes seem overly stretched, slowing the narrative's pace. A little more rigor on the editing table could have improved the film. Furthermore, the second half becomes quite heavy and complicated, with multiple subplots running simultaneously, leaving the audience feeling a bit confused. Disha Patani and some of the supporting cast could have been given more depth, as they seem merely tools to move the story forward. Furthermore, the film's excessive violence and dark tone may not appeal to all audiences.
Final Verdict
'O Romeo' isn't just a tale of revenge, but also a story of the search for lost innocence in a world of crime. It has the potential to become a modern cult classic. Overall, it's a value-for-money film.

The film follows a familiar formula, hero, heroine and villain, but with the right intent, casting, screenplay and direction, it manages to win hearts. If you are a lover of the Vishal Bhardwaj cinematic universe, you will feel right at home.

The dialogues are sharp and memorable. The recreation of old South Bombay evokes nostalgia. The action choreography is gripping, and the climactic face-off between Ustara and Jalal is particularly noteworthy.
- Triptii Dimri feels redeemed under Vishal Bhardwaj’s direction. After films like Animal and Bad Newz, audiences finally get to see the Triptii who captivated everyone in Qala, Bulbbul and Laila Majnu through a nuanced and fine performance.

- Shahid Kapoor excels as Ustara and completely immerses himself in the character, owning every frame he steps into. There are moments where you may feel you’ve seen him in similar territory before, but perhaps that’s the price of delivering performances so powerful that you become your own benchmark.

- Nana Patekar as Inspector Ismail Khan plays an extremely layered character, and his camaraderie with Shahid’s Ustara is heartening to watch. 

- Avinash Tiwary, as the antagonist, will make you hate him, and that’s a compliment. His body language, minute nuances and voice modulation make Jalal truly menacing. He is that good.

- Vikrant Massey and Tamannaah Bhatia make the most of their limited screen time.
- Aruna Irani is a delight to watch and remains unforgettable despite minimal screen presence.

Final Verdict
If you are a sucker for complex love stories layered with passion, betrayal and violence, this Vishal Bhardwaj rendition is for you. This Valentine’s, it’s all red, not hearts, but blood and gore.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity.

Not just one star, but plenty of stars!  And thankfully for a change that didn’t make O’ Romeo confusing, but kept us glued to the screen. The Vishal Bhardwaj directorial brought together a fantastic ensemble cast starring Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, Disha Patani. Both Tamannaah Bhatia and Vikrant Massey had a special appearance which was indeed one of the surprise elements of the film.
Not only Shahid Kapoor, but Avinash Tiwary’s look in the film grabbed all the attention. His menacing, nerve-shredding look, marked by an enigmatic head tattoo, makes Avinash truly stand out in the new poster, presenting him in an exceptionally fierce and never-seen-before avatar.
O’ Romeo is not just about love, but lust and revenge too. The film shows how a person transforms when he falls in love. This movie is inspired by the 1990s Mumbai underworld, specifically based on stories from S. Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. It features a fictionalised, romantic action-drama plot loosely based on the life of gangster Hussain Ustara and his alliance with Ashraf Khan (Sapna Didi) to target Dawood Ibrahim. 

Vishal Bhradwaj is indeed the king of Indian noir genre. The background music is quirky and matches with the genre of the film. The plot is based around Sapna Didi’s, though here in the film O’ Romeo, Sapna’s name is changed to Afsha (Tripti Dimri) who is on a mission to avenge her husband’s (Vikrant Massey) death, allegedly at the hands of Dawood Ibrahim’s gang, by seeking help from Hussain Ustara (Shahid Kapoor) to train her in combat.
Triptii Dimri play the role of a vengeful widow with absolute brilliance. She is ready to learn how to be a lady hitman to take revenge on her husband’s murderers. The film clearly shows that every underworld don has a backstory too. O’ Romeo is undoubtedly a complete massy entertainer. A big shout out to Vishal Bharadwaj for giving such a solid film with quirky dialogues, brilliant music and engaging performances by each of the actors. A salute to the captain of the ship of O’ Romeo!



Son of veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor & celebrated dancer Neelima Azeem, Shahid Kapoor started his career as a background dancer for Hindi films. Popular for his charming looks & dancing skills, Shahid made his acting debut with Ishq Vishk in 2004 for which he also won the Filmfare Award for Best Debut- Male. He has appeared in popular movies like Jab We Met (2007), Vivah (2006), Haider (2014), Udta Punjab (2016) & Padmaavat (2018).

Shahid Kapoor

Tripti Dimri is a hindi film actor. She made her acting debut with Bobby Deol and Sunny Deol in the movie Poster Boys.

Tripti Dimri

The Padma Shree awardee, Nana Patekar is a celebrated actor & philanthropist. Born in Raigarh, Maharashtra, Nana is renowned for his brilliant performances in movies like Natsamrat (2016), Parinda (1989), Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991), Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Wajood (1998) & Shagird (2011). He is the only actor who has won the Filmfare award for Best Villain, Best Supporting Actor & Best Actor.

Nana Patekar

Avinash Tiwary is a hindi film actor. An alumnus of the New York Film Academy and the Barry John Acting Studio, Avinash started his acting career with television. He made his big screen debut with the critically acclaimed comedy drama Tu Hai Mera Sunday. Avinash has appeared in many popular short films like Anamika: Her Glorious Past (2006), The Pauses of a Stand-up Comedian (2014) and Boring: A Day in the Life (2015).

Avinash Tiwary

Farida Jalal is an Indian actress who primarily worked in Hindi films. In a film career spanning almost fifty years, Jalal appeared in over 200 films

Farida Jalal

After making her acting debut at the age of 15, Tamannaah Bhatia went on to become a big name in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil cinema. She rose to fame with Entertainment (2014) opposite Akshay Kumar. Tamannaah has acted in nearly 50 films in three different languages. Her best movies include Himmatwala (2013), Ayan (2009), Paiyaa (2010), Siruthai (2011), Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Oopiri (2016).

Tamannaah Bhatia

Disha Patani is a model and actor who appears in Hindi and Telugu films. She began her career with the Telugu film Loafer (2015). However, she rose to fame when she appeared in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story in 2016. After that, she appeared in a music video titled “Befikra” opposite Tiger Shroff. Disha was also seen in the Indo-Chinese trilingual movie Kung Fu Yoga (2017), where she shared screen space with Jackie Chan.

Disha Patani

Aruna Irani is an Indian actress, who has acted in over 500 films throughout Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and Gujarati cinema, playing mostly supporting and character roles.

Aruna Irani

Hussain Dalal

Vikrant Massey is an Indian actor who appears in Hindi television, Hindi films and web series. He made his acting debut with the role of Aamir Hassan in Dhoom Machaao Dhoom and became a household name with his roles of Dharam in Dharam Veer, Murli Laal in Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo and Ayaan Ahmed Khan in Qubool Hai.

O'Romeo(2026)