- Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
- The High Point: The “Dhak Dhak” shootout sequence—a brilliant, bloody homage to 90s Bollywood that only Bhardwaj could pull off.
- The Low Point: A 178-minute runtime that occasionally meanders during the second-half transition to Spain.
- OTT Release: Available for rent on Amazon Prime Video starting March 27, 2026.
A 1990s Underworld Fantasy: The O’ Romeo Experience
Released on February 13, 2026, O’ Romeo marks the third collaboration between Shahid Kapoor and director Vishal Bhardwaj. Based on a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film reimagines the story of Sapna Didi and the legendary hitman Hussain Ustara. Having watched this on a cold February night, I can confirm it feels less like a historical biopic and more like an “Orpheus-like” descent into a poetic, blood-soaked dream.
The Cast: A Dance of Razors and Roses
The film’s strength lies in its unconventional casting and character-driven stakes:
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Shahid Kapoor (Ustara): Playing a hitman who uses a barber’s razor (ustara) as his signature weapon, Shahid is in “unhinged” mode. His performance is a mix of quiet insanity and deep vulnerability—echoing his work in Haider but with a more commercial, “massy” edge.
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Triptii Dimri (Afshan): Dimri is the film’s emotional anchor. As the grieving widow seeking a Kill Bill-style revenge, she moves from fragility to fierce conviction with haunting grace. Her chemistry with Shahid during the “chess game” scenes is electric.
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Nana Patekar (Ismail Khan): Providing the much-needed “nihilistic humor,” Patekar’s portrayal of the Intelligence Bureau officer is a masterclass in deadpan delivery.
Information Gain: A standout technical detail is the character of Inspector Pathare, played by classical singer Rahul Deshpande. Bhardwaj brilliantly uses Deshpande’s real-life vocal prowess to give the character a “musical” villainy that is unique to 2026 cinema.
Technical Craft: The Beauty in the Blood
The film is visually arresting, thanks to cinematographer Ben Bernhard.
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The Atmosphere: The 1994 Bombay setting feels lived-in—from the humid Irani cafés to the unique hideout on a rusted ship.
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The Music: With lyrics by Gulzar and music by Bhardwaj himself, the soundtrack is soulful. The track “Hum To Tere Hi Liye The” is already a chartbuster, blending classical vibes with modern beats.
Parental Guide & Content Warning
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Rating: Certified ‘A’ (Adults Only).
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Content: Excessive graphic violence (razor-slashing), strong language, and mature themes.
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Verdict: While beautiful, the film is intensely gory. It is a “one-time watch” for those who appreciate atmospheric, director-led cinema.
Final Verdict: All Sizzle, Enough Sting
O’ Romeo is a sprawling, operatic revenge saga that celebrates the “heroic” side of darkness. While it tests your patience with its length, the performances and technical brilliance make it a must-watch for fans of the Bhardwaj-Kapoor duo. It may not reach the heights of Haider, but it is far more entertaining than your average action flick.
