O' Romeo (2026) Review: Swagger And Poetry Collide In Mumbai

This O' Romeo review begins with a simple question: can swagger carry a three-hour gangster romance? Vishal Bhardwaj's Hindi-language crime drama, released on 13 February 2026, puts Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri at the center of a story about love, loyalty and revenge. The ambition is high, and the results are mixed.

O' Romeo Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The O' Romeo plot is set in Mumbai in 1995. Ustara (Shahid Kapoor) lives with his grandmother and his gang members, and he works as a killer for Ismail Khan (Nana Patekar), an Intelligence Bureau officer. Khan gives him protection, and Ustara removes criminals in return. That protection exists because of Ustara's falling out with the fugitive gangster Jalal (Avinash Tiwary).

Then a mysterious woman named Afshan (Triptii Dimri) turns up at his hideout. She comes with a request, and Ustara's choice to take it on sets the story moving. I will keep the details of that request vague, because the film works best when it unfolds on its own.

The setup mixes a romance, a revenge thread and a wider gang war. That is a lot to juggle, and it explains both the film's appeal and its trouble.

What Works in O' Romeo

The film has real style. Bhardwaj knows how to stage a moody crime story, and the 1995 setting gives him smoky hideouts, tight alleys and a world where everyone owes someone a favor. Critics who liked the film praised its energy, and Asian Movie Pulse called it imperfect and over-plotted, yet wildly entertaining.

Music is the other draw. Bhardwaj is also known for his songs, and reviewers such as Filmyfool singled out the music as a strength. Not every critic agreed, but the film clearly wants to be a crime story that sings.

The central idea is also appealing. A stonehearted killer who is undone by love is familiar material, but it gives the leads something to play with.

O' Romeo Cast and Performances

Shahid Kapoor is the film's anchor as Ustara. He plays the character with a mix of menace and charm, and the role suits his screen persona. Reviews generally treat the leads as a highlight, even when they dislike the script.

Triptii Dimri plays Afshan. Scroll described her as a graceful, haunting presence, which fits the mystery around the character. Nana Patekar brings weight as Ismail Khan, and Avinash Tiwary plays the dangerous Jalal.

The supporting O' Romeo cast also includes Hussain Dalal as Chhotu and Farida Jalal as Dadi. Together they give Ustara's world some texture beyond the gunfights.

Where O' Romeo Stumbles

The biggest complaint is substance. The Indian Express gave the film 2.5 out of 5 and said its reliance on style and swagger leaves it skating on thin substance. High On Films went further, calling it a messy misfire where poetic ambition clashes with gangster tropes.

The running time of 178 minutes does not help. Critics pointed to contrivances in the second half and a plot that feels crowded. Scroll's headline called it a same-old yarn about swaggering gangsters and bloody revenge, which sums up the worry about familiarity.

The soundtrack also divides opinion. High On Films found it so forgettable that key phrases from the titular ballad barely register. For a director known for music, that is a notable letdown for some viewers.

Is O' Romeo Worth Watching?

It is worth watching if you are a fan of Vishal Bhardwaj, Shahid Kapoor or stylish Hindi crime dramas, but expect flaws. Reception has been mostly mixed to negative, with praise for the leads and some of the music. The TMDB audience score is 5.6 out of 10 from only 18 votes, so the early verdict is still taking shape.

If you want a tight thriller, this may frustrate you. If you want atmosphere, romance and performances, there is enough here to hold your interest. For similar picks, browse our Action movie reviews and Crime movie reviews.

You can also read more background on the film at O' Romeo on IMDb, but note that this link is only a starting point for cast and crew details.

Who Will Enjoy O' Romeo

• Fans of Vishal Bhardwaj's moody, music-driven crime stories.

• Viewers who like Shahid Kapoor in intense, charismatic roles.

• Anyone who enjoys a gangster romance and can forgive a long, crowded second half. If that sounds like you, our Romance movie reviews are also worth a look.