The Background
Released on February 13, 2026, O’ Romeo is a romantic revenge drama directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film marks Bhardwaj’s fourth collaboration with Shahid Kapoor, following their acclaimed works Kaminey and Haider.
The Story
Loosely inspired by a chapter from S. Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film is set in 1995 Mumbai. It follows Ustara (Shahid Kapoor), a ruthless contract killer known for his razor weapon. His life takes a turn when Afshan (Triptii Dimri), a grieving widow, seeks his help to avenge her husband Mehboob’s (Vikrant Massey) murder at the hands of a powerful don, Jalal (Avinash Tiwary). Though hesitant at first, Ustara accepts the mission, only to fall in love with Afshan while also confronting his own past enmity with Jalal.
What’s Good
Shahid Kapoor delivers a sincere and commanding performance as Ustara, bringing intensity to the role and holding the audience’s attention throughout. Triptii Dimri adds emotional depth with her convincing portrayal of Afshan, making her character’s grief and resilience feel authentic. Certain emotional sequences, particularly those tied to Afshan’s backstory, resonate well, while the lighter exchanges between Ustara and Khan provide welcome relief from the darker tone of the film. The revelation of Ustara’s backstory with Jalal adds intrigue to the narrative, and the action parts towards the climax manage to engage viewers.
What’s Bad
The film suffers from excessive length and several ineffective scenes that dilute its impact. The nearly three-hour runtime feels stretched, with the screenplay losing focus, especially in the second half. Ustara’s sudden transformation from a cold-blooded killer who lusts after women to a love-struck “Romeo” is abrupt and poorly explained, leaving viewers unconvinced. While the action sequences are stylishly choreographed, most fail to leave a lasting impression, with only the final two fights standing out. Even the much-hyped “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” background during Ustara’s introduction feels overextended and loses its intended punch.
What’s Worse
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, but many of its members are underutilized. Nana Patekar plays a crucial role, yet his character’s plans to dismantle the criminal gang are never given proper weight, reducing his impact. Similarly, Vikrant Massey, Farida Jalal, and Tamannaah are saddled with important roles that ultimately fade into forgettable parts. The villain Jalal, portrayed by Avinash Tiwary, is particularly disappointing. Despite the buildup, he comes across as a routine character who spends most of his time killing aimlessly before being defeated, offering little menace or complexity to the story.
Screentime
At nearly three hours, O’ Romeo tests patience, leaving viewers tempted to check their phones during dull stretches.
The Takeaway
Vishal Bhardwaj deserves credit for attempting a gritty revenge-meets-romance drama set against the dark alleys of 1990s Mumbai. His visual flair and layered character sketches shine occasionally, but the scattered screenplay and uneven pacing dilute the impact.
Bottom Line
An ambitious but mismatched saga that overstays its welcome.
Rating: 2.25/5
