O Romeo First Reviews: Shahid-Vishal’s Another Hit or Miss?
Vishal Bhardwaj’s much-anticipated gangster romance O Romeo has finally arrived in cinemas, and the first wave of reactions suggests the film is already stirring intense debate. Headlined by Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, the underworld love saga blends obsession, heartbreak and violence in signature Bhardwaj style. With early screenings drawing Bollywood insiders and social media lighting up within hours of release, O Romeo has quickly positioned itself as one of the most talked-about releases of the season.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the first reviews, celebrity reactions, storyline, runtime, cast and audience buzz.
O Romeo hit theatres on February 13, strategically timed for the Valentine’s Day weekend. The gangster romance opened with strong advance bookings in metro cities, driven largely by Shahid Kapoor’s star power and the curiosity surrounding his collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj.
The film received its censor certificate on February 11 with a runtime of 178 minutes and 41 seconds, just under three hours, signalling an expansive, layered narrative typical of Bhardwaj’s storytelling style.
Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film promises a stylised blend of romance and brutal underworld drama.
About the Film: O Romeo
Genre: Gangster Romance / Crime Drama
Release Date: February 13, 2026
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Producers: Sajid Nadiadwala
Production House: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment
Inspired By: A chapter from Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi
Lead Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri
Supporting Cast: Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia
Runtime: 178 minutes 41 seconds
Now playing in theatres worldwide, O Romeo has ignited intense debate for its powerful performances, layered storytelling and emotionally charged climax.
Storyline: A Violent Love Saga Rooted in Reality
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, O Romeo reportedly draws inspiration from a chapter in Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi. The narrative centres on gangster Hussain Ustara and Sapna Didi, weaving a fictionalised yet emotionally charged take on their story.
Bhardwaj has described the film as deeply personal, revealing that themes of rage, revenge and love dominate the narrative. In an emotional note shared before release, the filmmaker reflected on how the film explores two extremes that define him: anger against injustice and enduring compassion for humanity.
The result is said to be a cinematic experience that oscillates between tenderness and brutality, romance and retribution.
Shahid Kapoor’s Career-Best Performance?
The strongest praise in early reactions is reserved for Shahid Kapoor. Several first-day-first-show viewers called it his “best yet,” applauding his physical transformation, aggressive body language and emotionally layered performance.
At a special screening, filmmaker Homi Adajania, who is currently collaborating with Shahid, wrote, “Love and gore galore! Vishal Bhardwaj, your storytelling. Shahid Kapoor, so good brotherman.”
Shahid’s wife, Mira Rajput, also took to Instagram, calling his portrayal flawless and writing, “My Romeo, your best yet. Not a beat that missed.” She praised the film’s emotional depth and urged audiences to experience it in theatres.
Many social media reactions highlight Shahid’s ability to balance intensity with vulnerability, particularly in scenes that explore heartbreak and obsession.
Triptii Dimri Wins Praise for ‘Ferocity and Innocence’
While Shahid commands the screen, Triptii Dimri has emerged as one of the film’s biggest talking points. Viewers and industry insiders alike praised her nuanced portrayal, describing her performance as a rare mix of grace and rawness.
Mira Rajput lauded the actor for embodying her character with “ferocity and innocence,” while online users described her as magnetic and emotionally compelling.
The film reportedly gives Triptii significant dramatic space, allowing her to anchor the emotional core of the story. Her chemistry with Shahid Kapoor is being widely discussed as one of the film’s highlights
Supporting Cast Adds Power and Gravitas
The ensemble cast strengthens the film’s layered narrative. Nana Patekar has been praised for bringing unpredictability and gravitas to the story, with some viewers noting his quirky yet commanding presence.
Avinash Tiwary and Vikrant Massey reportedly make impactful appearances, while Tamannaah Bhatia has been described as “ethereal” in her role.
The layered character arcs, especially in the second half, are said to intensify the emotional and action-driven stakes of the narrative.
Vishal Bhardwaj’s Signature Blend of Love and Violence
Vishal Bhardwaj is known for adapting Shakespearean themes and blending poetic romance with crime and revenge. With O Romeo, he appears to revisit his fascination with morally complex characters and tragic love stories.
Industry observers note that the film’s visual tone, background score and stylised action sequences bear Bhardwaj’s unmistakable stamp. The climax reportedly combines emotional devastation with high-octane confrontations, reinforcing themes of sacrifice and vengeance.
In his pre-release note, Bhardwaj emphasised that the film is cathartic and deeply personal, suggesting it is less about commercial metrics and more about artistic expression.
Social Media Reviews: Blockbuster or Disappointment?
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been sharply divided, with some viewers calling O Romeo a “blockbuster in the making” and rating it as high as 4.5/5 for its high-energy action, stylised storytelling and emotionally charged climax, while others offered a more moderate 3/5, describing it as an intense yet slightly stretched gangster romance where the first half focuses on character-building and the second half delivers heavier action and drama. A section of users criticised the screenplay and pacing, labelling it among the weaker films of the year, suggesting that although performances have been widely praised, the narrative structure may split audience opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is O Romeo inspired by a true story?
The film draws inspiration from a chapter in Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi.
2. What rating has O Romeo received?
Based on early audience reactions, the film currently stands at around 3.5 out of 5 stars.
3. How long is the first half of O Romeo?
The first half primarily focuses on character establishment and relationship dynamics before escalating in the second half.
4. When was O Romeo released in theatres?
O Romeo released in cinemas on February 13, 2026.
Final Verdict: Storm in the Making?
O Romeo has undeniably sparked conversation. From glowing praise calling it Shahid Kapoor’s finest performance to critiques targeting its script and pacing, the film has triggered strong emotions on both sides.
What remains consistent across reviews is the admiration for the lead performances, particularly Shahid Kapoor’s intensity and Triptii Dimri’s compelling screen presence. Vishal Bhardwaj’s storytelling once again delves into the darker corridors of love and revenge, offering a cinematic experience that is bold, layered and emotionally charged.
Whether O Romeo emerges as a box office triumph or a polarising cult favourite will depend on how audiences respond beyond the opening weekend. For now, it stands as one of the year’s most explosive and debated releases.
Rating: 3.5/5
