Released today, February 13, 2026 just in time for Valentine’s weekend O’ Romeo (directed by Vishal Bhardwaj) is a brooding, bloody romantic action thriller that blends revenge, obsession, and forbidden love in the gritty underbelly of post-independence Mumbai. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and loosely inspired by Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film reunites Bhardwaj with Shahid Kapoor (after Kaminey and Haider) for a stylized saga that’s high on swag, violence, and visual flair but often low on consistent substance. Clocking in at around 178-179 minutes, it’s a mixed bag: vivid and visceral in parts, meandering and burdened by expectations in others. I’d rate it 3 out of 5 worth a theatrical watch for Shahid’s powerhouse performance and the electric chemistry, but it doesn’t fully recapture Bhardwaj’s past brilliance.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Ustara (Shahid Kapoor), a razor-sharp contract killer and notorious womanizer in Mumbai’s underworld, who works for IB officer Ismail Khan (Nana Patekar). Ustara’s life of casual conquests and cold-blooded hits changes when Afshan (Triptii Dimri), a determined widow from a musical gharana background, approaches him with a dangerous contract: eliminate four men responsible for her husband’s brutal murder, including underworld figures like Jalal (Avinash Tiwary) and others tied to powerful dons. What begins as a paid job spirals into an intense, turbulent romance as Ustara falls deeply for the noble yet vengeful Afshan. The narrative weaves revenge, heartbreak, obsession, and violent consequences against a backdrop of Mumbai’s changing criminal landscape, with Shakespearean nods (hence the title) and Bhardwaj’s signature poetic darkness. It’s brooding and beautiful in flashes, but the pacing drags in the second half, and the script sometimes prioritizes style over deeper emotional payoff.
Star Cast and Performances
The ensemble is stacked, but the film lives and dies by its leads and key supports.
- Shahid Kapoor as Ustara: This is easily one of Shahid’s strongest outings yet he commands every frame with magnetic intensity, balancing ruthless menace, vulnerability, and charm. Whether in razor-sharp action sequences, emotional breakdowns, or sizzling romantic moments, his natural yet fierce energy carries the film. Critics are calling it his “best performance” in years, with honest depth that makes the anti-hero impossible to look away from. He soars here, proving his synergy with Bhardwaj remains electric.
- Triptii Dimri as Afshan: Triptii delivers a first-rate, emotionally layered turn as the grieving yet fierce widow-turned-avenger. She brings quiet strength, beauty, and complexity to a “timorous femme fatale” who refuses to back down showcasing her acting chops beyond her breakout roles. Her chemistry with Shahid is palpable and charged, adding real emotional weight to their doomed romance. Some note her dialogue delivery feels a bit thin in spots, but overall, it’s one of her most watchable and powerful performances.
- Supporting Standouts:
- Nana Patekar as Ismail Khan: Brings his trademark intensity and gravitas to the manipulative IB officer solid and commanding in a pivotal role.
- Avinash Tiwary as Jalal: Stands out with a menacing, intense portrayal of one of the key antagonists; his performance adds real edge and surprise depth to the revenge arc.
- Others like Vikrant Massey (in a cameo/special appearance as Afshan’s husband), Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal, and more add texture and flair, though some roles feel underutilized amid the focus on the central duo.
Final Thoughts
O’ Romeo is a visually striking, gory Valentine that’s more unsettling than sweet think dark red shades of romance amid bloodshed. Bhardwaj’s background score, quirky dialogues, and stylistic flourishes shine, but the narrative meanders and leans too heavily on Shahid’s charisma to mask thinner substance. If you’re in Delhi and craving a gritty gangster romance with strong leads, intense action, and solid chemistry, head to the theaters this weekend it’s Shahid’s show all the way. Fans of Bhardwaj’s poetic underworld tales will find moments to love, even if it doesn’t fully hit the highs of his classics. Catch it before the buzz fades! What drew you to this one Shahid’s return to form or the underworld vibe?
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