February 15, 2026: Vishal Bhardwaj’s O Romeo brings together a potent mix of gritty crime drama and tragic romance, but while the film’s visuals and performances dazzle, the storytelling leaves much to be desired. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the film transplants the timeless love story to the violent underworld of Mumbai, making the classic tragedy pulse with blood, betrayal, and revenge.
The plot follows Hussain Ustara (Shahid Kapoor), a volatile and charismatic gangster who works as a hitman for intelligence officer Khan (Nana Patekar). Ustara’s life takes a sudden turn when he meets Afshan (Triptii Dimri), a determined woman bent on avenging the death of her lover. Their romance sparks in a world where loyalty and love are constantly threatened by violence, corruption, and betrayal. O’ Romeo is not a literal adaptation of Shakespeare’s play but rather an emotional reimagining, borrowing the key themes of doomed passion and inevitable destruction.
The film’s narrative begins with great promise: a woman seeking revenge and a man, tired of being a pawn in a ruthless game, coming together in a shared pursuit of justice. However, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that while the bones of the story echo the structure of Romeo and Juliet, it doesn’t quite capture the emotional depth or the chaotic intensity that made Bhardwaj’s earlier films (Kaminey, Haider) so compelling.
Bhardwaj’s signature style, a seamless blend of intense action with poetic, emotionally charged dialogue – is present but falters under the weight of an uneven script. The pacing is slow, and the emotional beats often feel forced. Despite the stunning visuals and high-octane action sequences, the film never truly sinks its teeth into the audience. There’s a palpable lack of urgency, especially during the romantic scenes between Shahid and Triptii. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the narrative doesn’t allow for it to flourish in the way it should. The love story, which should be the heart of the film, often takes a backseat to a series of predictable gangster tropes.
O Romeo Review: Shahid Kapoor’s Fiery Performance Lights Up the Uneven Story
Shahid Kapoor delivers an electrifying performance, especially in the action-packed sequences. His intense portrayal of Ustara shows off his versatility and screen presence, adding much-needed gravitas to the film. However, his character is ultimately a product of a script that doesn’t fully explore his potential. The same can be said for Triptii Dimri, who plays Afshan with vulnerability and strength. She gives a heartfelt performance, but the character arc doesn’t quite pay off in the way it could have. Their union is the crux of the story, but their emotional journey doesn’t quite resonate.
The supporting cast, including Nana Patekar as the eccentric Khan and Avinash Tiwary as the villainous Jalal, adds layers to the film but doesn’t fully elevate the material. Tiwary’s performance as the antagonist, while solid, feels underdeveloped, and the motivations behind his character’s actions don’t have the weight they should. Even Tamannah Bhatia’s role, though brief, seems more like a token presence rather than a fully fleshed-out character.
While the film’s action sequences are slick and well-choreographed, they struggle to integrate with the poetic moments that Bhardwaj is known for. The clash between the raw energy of the underworld and the introspective, almost philosophical dialogues often feels disjointed. In moments where the film should build emotional tension, it instead drags, losing its grip on the audience.
One of the film’s most redeeming qualities is its dialogue, with lyrics penned by the legendary Gulzar. Lines like “saans bhi dubli lagti hai, halka halka fever hai” bring the poetic soul of the film to life, but unfortunately, they are few and far between. The poetry doesn’t always land, and the sense of dread and melancholy that should define the story is often diluted by the film’s inconsistent tone.
Despite its shortcomings, O’ Romeo has moments of brilliance, thanks largely to Bhardwaj’s sharp direction and the fantastic performances of its leads. However, the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The underworld setting, which should have been a fertile ground for exploring themes of loyalty, revenge, and love, ends up feeling clichéd and underdeveloped. It’s a story that promises much but doesn’t quite deliver.
In the end, O’ Romeo stands as a film that’s more about style than substance, offering visually striking moments but lacking the emotional depth that would have made it truly unforgettable. It’s an interesting experiment, but one that doesn’t fully come together.
