Vikrant Massey and Tamannaah Bhatia Work Without Fees for Vishal Bhardwaj's 'O’ Romeo'
In a remarkable display of commitment to art over commerce, acclaimed director Vishal Bhardwaj has revealed that actors Vikrant Massey and Tamannaah Bhatia worked on his highly anticipated film 'O’ Romeo' without charging any fee. The film, set to release on February 13, stars Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in lead roles and marks Bhardwaj's third collaboration with Kapoor after 'Kaminey' and 'Haider'.
Vikrant Massey's Heartfelt Tribute to Maqbool
According to Bhardwaj, Vikrant Massey had committed to 'O’ Romeo' several years ago when he was still establishing himself in the industry. Since then, Massey's career has skyrocketed, particularly after the massive success of '12th Fail'. Despite his newfound stardom and packed schedule, when Bhardwaj approached him again, Massey chose to honor his old commitment and declined any remuneration.
"Vikrant told me that watching 'Maqbool' had inspired him to pursue a career in cinema and that the film changed his life. Taking up this role felt like a tribute to that inspiration," Bhardwaj shared. The actor shot for nearly eight to nine days for the film, demonstrating his dedication beyond financial considerations.
Tamannaah Bhatia's Extended Commitment Beyond Expectations
Similarly, Tamannaah Bhatia agreed to be part of 'O’ Romeo' without charging a single penny. While budget constraints played a role, her decision was driven by artistic commitment rather than financial gain. Although her role is brief, it carries significant narrative weight, helping reveal a major plot twist in the story.
"Tamannaah agreed to the part instantly and ended up shooting for nearly 12 days—far more than originally planned," Bhardwaj revealed. She also attended workshops and rehearsals to better understand her layered character, with her dedication and generosity leaving a lasting impact on the film's production.
Film Details and Box Office Clash
'O’ Romeo' follows Hussain Ustara, a hitman caught between love and violence in Mumbai’s underworld, drawing inspiration from 'Mafia Queens of Mumbai'. The film features an ensemble cast including Disha Patani, Avinash Tiwary, Farida Jalal, and Nana Patekar alongside Kapoor and Dimri.
The February 13 release will see 'O’ Romeo' clash with another film, 'Tu Yaa Main', at the box office, setting up an interesting cinematic showdown. The film's production has been marked by these extraordinary gestures from Massey and Bhatia, highlighting the collaborative spirit and artistic passion driving the project forward.
