The much-awaited collaboration of Shahid Kapoor and director Vishal Bhardwaj is finally here! O Romeo hit the theatres on February 13, 2026 , bringing together the powerhouse director-actor duo after hits like Kaminey and Haider. Adding to the excitement is the “National Crush” Triptii Dimri in the lead role.
But does this film live up to the massive hype? Let’s break it down in simple, reader-friendly terms.
Quick Movie Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | O Romeo |
| Release Date | 13 February 2026 |
| Director | Vishal Bhardwaj |
| Cast | Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Vikrant Massey (cameo) |
| Genre | Action, Crime, Romance |
| Runtime | 2 hours 58 minutes (178 minutes) |
| Language | Hindi |
| CBFC Rating | A (Adult) – contains violence and gore |
Story Summary: What’s O Romeo About?
O Romeo is inspired by a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s famous book Mafia Queens of Mumbai .
The story follows Ustara (Shahid Kapoor), a ruthless contract killer covered in tattoos who works as an informant for a tough cop (Nana Patekar). His life turns upside down when a young widow named Afshan (Triptii Dimri) approaches him with a supari (contract kill) to murder the gangster Jalal (Avinash Tiwary)—the man who killed her husband.
Ustara initially refuses but eventually agrees, drawn by Afshan’s fierce determination. As they spend time together planning the revenge, he falls deeply in love with her. What follows is a violent, bloody journey through the Mumbai underworld and the bullfighting rings of Spain, where love and revenge become dangerously intertwined .
Star Performance Analysis: Who Stands Out?
Shahid Kapoor as Ustara
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Shahid Kapoor delivers a power-packed performance as the tattooed, razor-wielding gangster. He brings immense swag and intensity to the role, balancing machismo with vulnerable moments—he takes punches, breaks down, and isn’t shown as an invincible hero . Critics note that he commands the screen throughout, though some felt shades of Kabir Singh and Kaminey in his characterization . His wife Mira Rajput called it his “best yet” on social media .
Triptii Dimri as Afshan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
This is NOT a typical “hero’s girlfriend” role. Afshan is the driving force behind the entire plot . Triptii brings a perfect mix of ferocity and innocence to the screen, holding her own against Shahid in every scene . Many reviews suggest this might be her finest mainstream performance yet, proving she’s much more than just the ‘National Crush’ tag .
Avinash Tiwary as Jalal (The Villain)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Avinash plays the main antagonist—a don based in Spain who fights bulls. He looks the part and tries hard to be menacing . However, some critics felt his character succumbs to the hero too quickly and doesn’t leave as strong an impact as expected .
Supporting Cast
- Nana Patekar: Absolutely brilliant and dependable as the no-nonsense cop who controls Ustara .
- Vikrant Massey: In a special appearance as Afshan’s murdered husband Mehboob. He leaves a strong mark despite limited screen time .
- Farida Jalal: Plays Ustara’s grandmother with a salty tongue—lovely to watch but sadly underused .
- Tamannaah Bhatia & Disha Patani: Both have smaller roles that don’t significantly impact the main story .
O Romeo Movie Rating: What Critics Say
Critics are divided, but the overall consensus is that it’s a stylish film that could have had more emotional depth.
| Publication | Rating (Out of 5) | Critic’s Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| News18 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | Brilliantly helms Vishal Bhardwaj’s vision; Shahid in top form . |
| NDTV | ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) | Vivid, visceral, and visually varied; little is predictable . |
| The Indian Express | ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5) | High on style and swag, low on substance . |
| Cinema Express | ⭐⭐ (2/5) | Falters at being both poetic and pandering . |
| Hindustan Times | Mixed | Watchable and fun in parts, but rarely affecting . |
Average Critic Rating: 3/5 Stars
The Good: Why You Might Love O Romeo
1. Shahid-Triptii Chemistry 🔥
Their pairing is convincing and provides the film’s most engaging moments . They also ace a shooting-and-scooting action sequence together .
2. Stunning Cinematography
Cinematographer Ben Bernhard creates breathtaking frames. The color palette—shifting from bright yellows to cool blues—becomes a character in itself .
3. Vishal Bhardwaj’s Music
With lyrics by Gulzar and music by Vishal Bhardwaj, the album is being praised. Songs like ‘Ishq Ka Fever’ add tremendous atmosphere to the film .
4. Signature “Vishal-isms”
Fans of the director will enjoy his trademark touches—quirky characters (like a classical music-obsessed cop), dark humour, and clever storytelling devices like using newspaper headlines to establish the era .
The Bad: Points to Consider Before Watching
1. Splintered Storyline
The film struggles to decide whether it wants to be a mass actioner, a doomed romance, or a gritty crime drama . This makes the narrative feel uneven at times.
2. Lack of Emotional Connection
While stylish, many critics felt the film doesn’t make you feel deeply. You walk out entertained in flashes but strangely unmoved .
3. Underdeveloped Romance
Despite the title, the romantic angle between Ustara and Afshan doesn’t get enough time to grow organically .
4. Length & Pacing Issues
With a runtime of nearly 3 hours (178 minutes) , the film feels stretched—especially when the villain isn’t menacing enough to justify the buildup .
O Romeo Box Office Collection Day 1
The film opened to a steady, modest start at the box office.
- Day 1 India Net Collection: ₹8.25 crore (approx)
- Comparison: Better than Shahid’s recent films like Deva (₹5.5 Cr) and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (₹6.7 Cr), but less than half of his blockbuster Kabir Singh (₹20 Cr) .
- Occupancy Rate: The film saw an overall occupancy of 14.86% , with night shows performing best at nearly 25% .
- Weekend Boost: The Valentine’s Day weekend is expected to give collections a significant push .
Public Review: What Audiences Are Saying
Early audience reactions are mixed but leaning positive for the performances:
Positive Tweets:
“ST: #ORomeo The first half is too good when it comes to characterization. Stylish action, well-paced and usual dark humour. Enjoyable till now.”
“#ORomeo second half going better and better and better… @shahidkapoor 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥”
Mixed Reactions:
“Album is one of his best. But dialogues are boring.”
“It’s a love letter to cinema… but the heart doesn’t bleed like his earlier films.”
Final Verdict: Should You Watch O Romeo?
WATCH IT IF:
- You are a Shahid Kapoor or Vishal Bhardwaj fan and want to see their latest collaboration
- You love stylish, well-shot action sequences with great cinematography
- You want to see Triptii Dimri in a powerful, author-backed role beyond glamour
SKIP IT IF:
- You expect the emotional depth of Maqool or the raw energy of Kaminey
- You are sensitive to gore and violence (the film has plenty of razor-blade action)
- A 3-hour runtime feels like too much of a commitment
One-Line Verdict:
“O Romeo is a visually stunning, fiercely performed, but emotionally hollow gangster drama—worth a watch for the lead pair and the style, even if it doesn’t touch your heart.”
Our Rating: 3/5 Stars
| Parameter | Rating |
|---|---|
| Story & Screenplay | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Music | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Visuals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is O Romeo worth watching in theatres?
Yes, if you enjoy stylish action and strong performances. The cinematography and music deserve the big-screen experience.
Q2: What is the runtime of O Romeo?
The film runs for 2 hours and 58 minutes (178 minutes).
Q3: Is O Romeo a remake?
No, it’s an original story inspired by a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai .
Q4: Does O Romeo have a post-credit scene?
No, there is no post-credit scene. The film ends conclusively.
Q5: What is the CBFC rating and why?
The film is rated A (Adult) due to violence, gore, and intense scenes.
Q6: Where can I watch O Romeo after theatres?
The digital rights are expected to be acquired by a major OTT platform (likely Netflix or Amazon Prime), but no official announcement has been made yet.