The wait is over. Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj’s much-awaited collaboration O Romeo released in theatres today, and early word suggests it might just rescue your Valentine’s Day plans. The film marks the duo’s fourth project together after Kaminey, Haider, and Rangoon—a reunion that’s had cinephiles buzzing for months.
Set in post-independence Mumbai, O Romeo dives into the murky origins of the city’s underworld. Shahid Kapoor sports a rugged new avatar, leading an ensemble that includes Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Aruna Irani, and Farida Jalal. The story tracks a young man caught in the violent power shifts of a city reinventing itself—where ambition meets survival on shadowy streets.
This also marks Vishal Bhardwaj’s first collaboration with producer Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. With a director known for layered storytelling and a producer with blockbuster instincts, expectations were sky-high.
Social Media Erupts With Mixed Reactions
Is O Romeo worth watching? If Twitter and Reddit are any indication, opinions are split—but passionate.
One early reviewer gave it a solid 4/5, calling it “a powerful cinematic experience” with “gripping plot twists and emotional depth.” The ending? Impactful, though “slightly predictable.”
Another fan didn’t hold back: “If you’re planning to skip O Romeo, DON’T!!! This one deserves true cinema lovers.” Someone else declared, “Shahid Kapoor really said ‘fine, I’ll do it myself’ and carried the entire theatre on his shoulders. PEAK performance.”
The ensemble also earned praise. “Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary and Nana Patekar — Maze aa gaye yaar… O Romeo is such a solid watch. Deserves massive word-of-mouth. Blockbuster guarantee,” one user tweeted.
A detailed Reddit review went deeper, defending the film’s slow-burn approach: “That first half was complete perfection! It built the stage for the second half to dominate perfectly.” The user ranked it among Shahid’s finest work, alongside Haider and Kabir Singh, adding, “Tripti was so amazing too, she isn’t just eye candy, she has talent.”
Not Everyone’s Convinced
But here’s the thing—not all viewers left impressed.
Some found the narrative lacking. “The storyline is CRAP. No flow, no grip. What went wrong, Vishal Bhardwaj?” one disappointed viewer wrote, adding that only Shahid Kapoor’s “top-notch performance” saved the film.
Another labeled it “underwhelming,” saying the second half “falls apart with weak writing and a dragged screenplay” despite a promising start.
The recurring theme? Even critics admit Shahid Kapoor delivers. His performance seems to be the film’s anchor, holding together a story that divides audiences.
A Crime Saga With Ambition
O Romeo isn’t playing it safe. The film reconstructs a pivotal era—when Mumbai’s underworld was still finding its feet, and the city itself was navigating newfound independence. Vishal Bhardwaj has always excelled at adapting complex narratives to Indian contexts, and this time he’s tackling original material rooted in historical transformation.
The cast’s range adds texture. From Nana Patekar’s gravitas to Triptii Dimri’s rising star power, the ensemble brings weight to a story about ambition, betrayal, and survival. Whether the screenplay matches that potential? Audiences will decide over the weekend.
Can It Win Over The Box Office?
O Romeo landed on Valentine’s Day—a calculated gamble. Romantic dramas usually dominate this date, but a gritty crime thriller? That’s bold. Early buzz suggests strong word-of-mouth could drive footfalls, especially among fans who’ve waited years for Shahid and Vishal to reunite.
The film needs to hold steady through the weekend to capitalize on curiosity. With mixed reviews but unanimous praise for Shahid Kapoor, it’s shaping up to be one of those films people need to judge for themselves.
One thing’s certain: O Romeo has people talking. And in an era where films disappear within days, that’s already a win.
