O’Romeo Movie Review: 3.8 / 5 Stars
A gripping romantic gangster drama with strong performances, stylish direction, and emotional intensity. It delivers an engaging cinematic experience for fans of romance-crime thrillers.
O’Romeo Movie Review: Shahid Kapoor Unleashes Raw Intensity in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Dark Thriller
O’Romeo hit theatres on February 13, 2026, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, the film is a gritty romantic thriller blending love, crime, obsession, and emotional drama. The movie stars Shahid Kapoor as gangster Hussain Ustara and Triptii Dimri as Sapna Didi, supported by seasoned actors like Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, and Tamannaah Bhatia.
Inspired by Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film mixes romance with gangster politics, giving it both mass appeal and artistic depth. Early screenings, critic reactions, and social media buzz suggest strong audience interest, especially for Shahid Kapoor’s intense performance.
Table of Contents
Story Overview
At its core, O’Romeo tells the story of love caught in a violent world. Hussain Ustara is a feared gangster whose life changes when he falls deeply in love with Sapna Didi. Their relationship brings emotional warmth but also fuels dangerous consequences.
The narrative explores themes of:
- Obsessive love
- Power struggles in the underworld
- Emotional vulnerability behind violent personalities
The film gradually shifts from romance to high-stakes crime drama. While the first half sets the emotional base, the second half dives deeper into action, revenge, and emotional conflict.
Importantly, the film avoids major clichés by focusing more on character psychology rather than just action spectacle.
Performances: Shahid Kapoor Leads Strongly
Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor delivers what many early viewers are calling one of his finest performances. His portrayal of Hussain Ustara balances intensity, vulnerability, and raw aggression.
From romantic moments to explosive action scenes, he maintains strong screen presence. His performance feels layered rather than overdramatic, which helps the character stay believable.
Several early reactions have highlighted:
- Powerful emotional scenes
- Convincing gangster persona
- Excellent action energy
Triptii Dimri
Triptii Dimri impresses with emotional depth and strength. Her character isn’t just a romantic interest — she adds emotional grounding to the narrative.
Her expressions, dialogue delivery, and chemistry with Shahid Kapoor enhance the film’s romantic core. Critics especially praise her ferocity in emotional sequences.
Avinash Tiwary
Avinash Tiwary’s portrayal of Jalal is a masterclass in “silent intensity.” While the film around him may lean into the suspense genre, Avinash anchors every scene he is in with a grounded, watchful presence. He has this unique ability to say more with a look than most actors do with a page of dialogue.
Avinash plays the character with a perfect balance of mystery and empathy, making the audience constantly question his motives while remaining deeply invested in his journey.
He possesses a natural gravity; even when he isn’t the focal point of a scene, your eyes gravitate toward him because of the sheer “accountability” he brings to his craft. He doesn’t just play a part; he inhabits the skin of the character.
Avinash Tiwary proves once again that he is one of the most versatile actors in the industry today. He brings a level of sophistication to Jalal that elevates the entire narrative.
Supporting Cast
Nana Patekar bring credibility, while Tamannaah Bhatia adds glamour and energy. Overall, the supporting cast complements the lead performances well.
Direction & Screenplay: Vishal Bhardwaj’s Signature Style
Vishal Bhardwaj is known for complex storytelling, and O’Romeo continues that tradition. His direction blends romance, crime, and emotional drama smoothly.
Strengths of direction:
- Strong character focus
- Stylish yet grounded storytelling
- Emotional depth in romantic scenes
Minor challenges:
- Slightly slow first-half pacing
- The nearly three-hour runtime may feel long to some viewers
However, once the story gains momentum, it becomes engaging and emotionally impactful.
Music, Background Score & Visuals
Music and background score play a crucial role in enhancing the film’s mood.
Music Highlights:
- Romantic songs add emotional connection
- The background score builds tension effectively
- Action sequences supported by impactful sound design
Visual Appeal:
- Cinematography captures both glamour and grit
- Stylish action sequences
- Strong use of lighting and color tones
Visually, the film looks polished and cinematic, making it suitable for big-screen viewing.
What Works Well
Emotional Romantic Core
The love story adds heart to the crime drama.
Strong Direction
Vishal Bhardwaj’s storytelling keeps the narrative layered.
Stylish Action & Visuals
Action scenes feel engaging without overshadowing the story.
What Could Be Better
Slow First Half
Some viewers may find the initial buildup lengthy.
Long Runtime
Close to three hours may affect repeat viewing.
Familiar Gangster Tropes
Certain moments feel predictable within the genre.
Also Read: Tu Yaa Main Movie Review: Adarsh & Shanaya Deliver a Thrilling Survival Romance
Audience Reaction & Social Media Buzz
Early audience response has been largely positive:
- Many viewers call it a “mass entertainer with emotional depth.”
- Social media reactions praise Shahid Kapoor’s intensity.
- Industry screenings reportedly received encouraging feedback.
- Some tweets rate it between 4 and 5 stars, especially appreciating the romantic-action balance.
There is also strong box office curiosity, driven by Valentine’s Day release timing and positive word-of-mouth.
O’Romeo Movie Review: Overall Verdict
O’Romeo is an engaging romantic gangster thriller that balances emotion, action, and storytelling effectively. While not flawless, it delivers strong performances, stylish direction, and emotional intensity.
It works best for audiences who enjoy:
- Romantic crime dramas
- Character-driven storytelling
- Intense performances
Should You Watch It?
With powerful performances, a respected director, and a compelling mix of romance and crime, O’Romeo stands out among recent Bollywood releases. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers enough emotion, action, and cinematic appeal to make it a worthwhile theatre watch. If you enjoy intense love stories set against dramatic backdrops, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist.