Mumbai, India – February 13, 2026
After months of anticipation, O Romeo has finally arrived in theaters. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film marks his fourth collaboration with Shahid Kapoor after acclaimed projects like Kaminey, Haider, and Rangoon.
Set in 1995 Mumbai, the film blends gangster warfare, romance, betrayal, and revenge into a nearly three-hour cinematic experience. While Shahid Kapoor delivers a strong performance, it is Nana Patekar who ultimately dominates the screen.
Story: A Tale of Loyalty, Love, and Revenge
O Romeo unfolds against the gritty underworld of 1990s Mumbai. Ustra (Shahid Kapoor), a contract killer, works for IB officer Khan (Nana Patekar), eliminating gangsters on command. Bound by loyalty after Khan once saved his life from Jalal (Avinash Tiwary), Ustra follows orders without question.
His world shifts when Afsha (Triptii Dimri) enters with a vendetta against four powerful figures tied to Jalal. What begins as a professional refusal gradually turns into a deeply personal mission. Ustra not only protects Afsha but trains her, and eventually falls for her.
The second half pivots from a crime thriller into an intense love story layered with revenge. Meanwhile, Jalal—operating from Spain with his wife Rabia (Tamannaah Bhatia)—emerges as a ruthless antagonist controlling Mumbai’s drug empire from afar.
Each central character carries a backstory that unfolds in layers, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
Performances: Nana Patekar Commands Authority
Shahid Kapoor once again steps away from his romantic-hero image, much like he did in Haider and Kaminey. His portrayal of Ustra balances brutality and vulnerability. The intense gaze, controlled aggression, and emotional breakdowns are among his strongest elements.
However, Nana Patekar’s portrayal of Officer Khan steals the spotlight. His wit, unpredictability, and commanding presence elevate every scene he appears in. His dynamic exchanges with Shahid add both tension and subtle humor.
Triptii Dimri impresses in a performance that blends emotional depth with action credibility. Unlike traditional romantic roles, her character is central to the narrative’s progression.
Avinash Tiwary delivers a chilling performance as Jalal. His late entry before the interval builds anticipation, and his close-up shots radiate menace. His emotional range further establishes him as a versatile performer.
Supporting roles by Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, and Farida Jalal are brief but impactful. Farida Jalal, at 76, surprises with an unusually bold character portrayal.
Direction & Music: Strengths with Minor Flaws
Vishal Bhardwaj’s direction maintains stylistic finesse but does not fully recreate the magic of Maqbool or Haider. The blend of gangster drama and romance occasionally weakens narrative tightness, particularly in the second half.
The film runs for 2 hours and 59 minutes, which feels excessive. Some sequences, especially the climax, raise logical questions.
Musically, the film excels. With lyrics by Gulzar and vocals by Arijit Singh, the soundtrack integrates seamlessly into the narrative. Songs like “O Romeo” and “Hum To Tere Hi Liye The” enhance emotional depth rather than interrupt the flow.
The background score and the strategic use of 90s tracks during action sequences strengthen the cinematic atmosphere.
Verdict: 4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
O Romeo delivers a compelling mix of crime, passion, and revenge. While its length and slight narrative drift in the second half hold it back from greatness, the performances—especially Nana Patekar’s—make it worth watching.
For fans of intense gangster dramas layered with romance, this Vishal Bhardwaj film is a strong theatrical experience.
