Shahid Kapoor shines as Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo opens to mixed reviews

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has said his latest release ‘O’Romeo’ , which hit theatres on February 13 , helped him confront the immense capacity for love and violence that shapes both his life and cinema, describing the film as an intensely personal exploration of rage, compassion and moral conflict.

In a note shared on Instagram ahead of the film’s release, Bhardwaj reflected on his career and identified a recurring theme of revenge across his body of work. He said that only at the age of sixty had he begun to understand how deeply the hatred, brutality and injustice prevalent in society wound him. This emotional helplessness, he explained, builds up as anguish that ultimately finds release through filmmaking. In “O’Romeo”, the protagonist becomes the vessel for this emotional catharsis through violence , striking down the monsters Bhardwaj cannot confront in real life. Standing in contrast, he said, is an equally intense force of love, shaped by encounters with sensitive and compassionate people, which saved him from despair and pulled him back from darkness. He described the film as the manifestation of emotional extremes , blending brutality and tenderness in equal measure.

“O’Romeo”, inspired by a chapter from author Hussain Zaidi’s book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai”, tells the story of Mumbai gangster Hussain Ustara, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, and his intense relationship with Afsha, played by Triptii Dimri, set against the city’s violent underworld. The cast also includes Nana Patekar and Disha Patani, with Vikrant Massey making a special appearance. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film marks Bhardwaj’s fourth collaboration with Kapoor and his return to poetic crime storytelling that blends romance, brutality and tragedy. The project has a long creative history, having begun nearly a decade ago as the shelved biopic “Sapna Didi” starring Deepika Padukone and the late Irrfan Khan, before being extensively rewritten and reshaped into its present form.

Early reviews of “O’Romeo”, released on February 13 , have been mixed. Critics have widely praised Shahid Kapoor’s intense and transformative performance , particularly in emotionally charged and violent sequences. However, several reviews have pointed to uneven storytelling and pacing issues , citing an overlong runtime and moments of narrative excess. While some publications described the film as visually striking and emotionally ambitious, others felt it lacked the narrative precision and emotional depth seen in Bhardwaj’s earlier collaborations such as “Haider” and “Kaminey”. At the same time, a section of critics lauded the film’s second half for its tragic sweep and dramatic power, calling it a gripping cinematic experience despite its flaws.

Ahead of the release, Bhardwaj said he wanted to express his gratitude before critics and audiences delivered their verdict. He thanked his heads of departments and collaborators, calling them the real heroes behind the film , and concluded his note with a couplet by poet Basheer Badr, urging reflection, resilience and readiness for what lies ahead.