O'Romeo Movie Review: A Cinematic Blend of Romance and Revenge
Vishal Bhardwaj, the acclaimed director known for his mastery of Indian noir cinema with films like Maqbool, Omkara, and Haider, returns with O'Romeo, a gritty crime drama that weaves together themes of love, vengeance, and cinematic brilliance. Released on February 13, 2026, this Hindi film runs for 2 hours and 2 minutes, featuring an ensemble cast led by Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.
Plot and Narrative Structure
Based on a chapter from Hussain Zaidi's book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, O'Romeo draws inspiration from real-life events. The story follows Afsha, portrayed by Triptii Dimri, as she embarks on a mission to avenge her husband Mehboob Qureshi's death, played by Vikrant Massey. The antagonist, Jalal, is brought to life by Avinash Tiwary. Afsha enlists the help of contract killer Ustara, played by Shahid Kapoor, setting the stage for a narrative filled with bloodshed, tragedy, and unexpected romance.
Bhardwaj's direction creates a world that is simultaneously dreamy, chaotic, and dark. While the film plods in the first half, it gains significant momentum after the interval. At nearly three hours, some stretches feel indulgent and test viewer patience, with certain sequences overstretching and causing the narrative to lose steam. However, the story eventually regains its footing, keeping audiences invested through well-executed twists.
Technical Excellence and Cinematic Flair
The action sequences, choreographed by Dani Del Rasario and Vikram Dahiya, are mounted with precision and intensity. Cinematographer Ben Bernhard showcases his finesse early on with an elaborate action sequence set to the iconic track Dhak Dhak from Madhuri Dixit's filmography. Visually arresting scenes include a track unfolding in Nepal, a bullfight in Spain, and a masquerade sequence that highlights the film's atmospheric depth.
Bhardwaj's musical contributions add rich texture to the film. The haunting melody Hum To Tere Hi Liye The reunites Gulzar, Bhardwaj, and Arijit Singh, while Ishq Ka Fever offers a catchy rhythm. Tracks like Aashiqon Ki Colony and Paan Ki Dukaan bring rooted energy, though they may not leave a lasting impression. The background score, however, stands out as a highlight, enhancing the film's emotional and dramatic moments.
Powerhouse Performances
Shahid Kapoor delivers a standout performance as Ustara, reuniting with Bhardwaj after Kaminey and Haider. Kapoor handles emotional scenes with the same ease as slick stunts, showcasing excellent comic timing and balancing menace with vulnerability. Triptii Dimri delivers a competent portrayal of a woman torn between grief, love, and vengeance, bringing depth to her character.
Avinash Tiwary is effective as the menacing Jalal, even in a limited role. Nana Patekar as Inspector Ismail Khan and Tamannaah Bhatia as Rabia leave strong impressions in their brief appearances. Vikrant Massey feels somewhat underutilized, but even minor characters deliver solid performances. The camaraderie between gangsters feels organic, providing some of the film's funniest and most engaging moments.
Final Verdict
Despite frequent pacing issues that demand patience, O'Romeo is worth watching for its powerful performances, atmospheric world-building, and cinematic brilliance. The film successfully blends romance and revenge in a gritty narrative that showcases Bhardwaj's signature flair. With a critic's rating of 3.5 and matching user ratings, O'Romeo stands as a compelling addition to Indian noir cinema, offering viewers a dark yet captivating cinematic experience.
