Starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptti Dimri in the lead roles, Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo (2026) is a Mumbai-set crime thriller that was released in February 2026. It is a cinematic ride full of violence, twists, and heartbreaks.
If I were to sum up what the film is about, I would say it’s a story about people being stuck in their ways. These characters didn’t exactly choose those lives, but have gotten quite comfortable at it. The film’s greatest achievement is that it makes you feel for these flawed characters, even though you might not agree with their choices or with the film’s pacing.
Plot Overview: Razors, Revenge and the Longing for a Different Life
O’Romeo follows Ustara (Shahid Kapoor), a ruthless Mumbai hitman known for killing his enemies with razors. He has been working for DCP Ismail Khan (Nana Patekar) ever since Khan saved him from a Spain-based gangster, Jalal (Avinash Tiwary), after Usatra killed his brother.
While Ustara is a master of his craft, he isn’t fond of being a pawn for Khan. He eventually plans to escape to Fiji. One day, a widow named Afshan Qureshi (Triptii Dimri) tries to pay him to kill Jalal and three other men for her husband Mehboob’s (played by Vikrant Massey) murder. He refuses and tells her to leave, which she obliges.
Later, she manages to steal his gun when he comes to dine at a restaurant where she works. She tries to use it to kill one of the four men involved in her husband’s murder, but fails miserably. Instead, the man grabs her gun and shoots her. Just as he is about to kill her, Ustara arrives in the nick of time and slits his throat.
That eventually leads to a cautious yet intense romance. The rest of the movie explores whether she manages to claim her revenge and how Ustara’s conflicting loyalty to Khan & his past with Jalal all culminate in a violent showdown.
O’Romeo Songs Review: Do They Work?
It’s unfair to put the film’s entire album in one bracket. So, I will try to be really specific here. First of all, Arijit Singh’s “Romeo, O, Romeo… Jaan ke liye jaan dijiyo” plays at different points in the film and elevates the scenes every time. “Vaada Hai” seemed fine purely because it covered Ahshan’s background story.
As for “Asshiqon KI Colony”, I felt it was unnecessary and only dragged the story. “Paan ki Dukaan” was a completely different beast, though. I thought the song didn’t feel like part of the same universe due to the choreography style, and again stretched the runtime. But I have been humming the song for the last few days.
With that realization, among others, it seems like the song, much like the film, will age well. “Ishq Ka Fever”, though, felt like an appropriate addition. Just like the film, the song is broody and poetic.
Cinematography and Visual Style in O’Romeo
The entire film can be divided into two categories: the scenes of Mumbai and the ones in Spain. Its biggest visual achievement is that while the Spain based scenes look like a different world altogether and justifiably so, it still feels like it is part of the same realm..
O’Romeo used sepia and muted tones throughout the movie. That makes the film appear lived-in and weary, instead of glamorous, especially when it comes to the characters of Ustara and Afshan Qureshi. The team deserves special praise for the climax that looks like it belongs in a mega Hollywood blockbuster.
Vishal Bharadwaj’s Direction in O’Romeo
Vishal Bhardwaj’s direction is almost flawless. He presents a clear story about rigid characters. You feel for the characters, especially for the leads. However, I struggled with the tonal switches in Shahid Kapoor’s character. Seeing a dangerous hitman shift into the funny guy territory hurt my experience.
I would have preferred a consistently serious tone throughout and a tighter runtime. But I understand the need to cater to commercial appeal, as well. Despite the imperfections, I believe he has created a notable product.
O’Romeo Cast Performances: Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, and More
This is one department where everyone involved has killed it. Nana Patekar’s character is arrogant, egoistic, harsh, yet strangely noble. Every time he appears on the screen, you can’t take your eyes off him. He looks badass, and this performance is a wonderful reminder of his greatness. Personally, the only film I ever saw of him was “Welcome” (2007), and now looking at “O’Romeo”, I realize just how talented and versatile the guy is.
Avinash Tiwary plays a serious and intense villain, and full marks to the guy for sculpting his physique to fit the character. However, I felt that the film spent a lot of time building him up only to be defeated, a little too easily. Nevertheless, I thought he did the best with what he was given. Similar is the story with Shahid Kapoor, who did a phenomenal job, but was hurt by his character’s tone switching between serious and funny.
However, a common criticism I read online was that his transition from a womanizer to a hopeless romantic was unearned. I didn’t feel that, though, and I think a major reason for that is Triptii Dimri’s splendid performance. She gets to play a woman who is grief-stricken with a tragic past and eventually becomes a trained shooter. No matter the emotion she is trying to convey, she has succeeded with flying colors.
Vikrant Massey has an extended appearance in the film, and his work is exceptional. One scene that has especially stuck with me was how he acted as an injured person. In that scene, when he screams with pain, he instinctively holds on to the bed frame.
That small detail alone brought a sublime level of realism to the scene. I knew he was a talented guy ever since I first saw him in Channel V’s “The Serial” in 2012, where he played a fictionalized version of himself. But never did I think he would become the kind of actor to make such an impact with little screentime.
Final Verdict: Is O’Romeo Worth Watching?
O’Romeo isn’t a perfect film; it drags at times and could have benefited from a sharper edit. Yet, the story it tells and the atmosphere it creates are worthy of your time. But be warned: if you aren’t a fan of violence or bloodshed, this might not be the right fit for you. Watch this for the amazing performances and visuals that are among the best in recent Bollywood outings.
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