O’Romeo reunites Shahid Kapoor with auteur Vishal Bhardwaj in what’s been one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases of February 2026. After delivering powerful films like Kaminey, Haider, and Rangoon, Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj raised expectations sky-high for this gritty action-romance set against a stylised underworld backdrop.
At its core, the film charts a torrid tale of love, violence and revenge, where Shahid portrays a relentless, sometimes unpredictable anti-hero wrapped in romantic turmoil. The narrative blends poetic severity with brutal action a hallmark of Bhardwaj’s cinematic language but this very blend is also where O’Romeo simultaneously wins and falters.
Performance-wise, Shahid Kapoor is easily the film’s biggest asset. His screen presence commands attention in nearly every frame, anchoring the emotional and action sequences with surprising depth. He deftly balances menace with vulnerability roaring in intense confrontations and quiet in introspective instances. His commitment lifts many of the film’s more indulgent stretches.
Opposite him, Triptii Dimri holds her own as the female lead, infusing her role with both strength and fragility. Their chemistry is palpable and often carries scenes that the screenplay itself doesn’t fully justify. Nana Patekar makes an unmistakable mark with his signature intensity, while the supporting cast including Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia and Vikrant Massey enrich the world with layered performances, even if given limited space.
Visually, O’Romeo excels. The cinematography conjures a vivid underworld atmosphere; its vintage palette and gritty texture feel immersive, evoking a stylised ’90s milieu. The action sequences are well-crafted and kinetic, though their excess occasionally overshadows the emotional beats. The music, too, deserves mention: stylised songs and background score enhance tension and drama when used judiciously.
However, the biggest critique against O’Romeo is its screenplay and pacing. At a sprawling 178 minutes, the movie often feels overlong and uneven. The first half is slow and laden with repetitive scenes, while the second half, though more gripping, leans heavily on violence to maintain momentum. The narrative’s emotional stakes can feel diluted because character motivations aren’t always convincingly developed. Critics have pointed out that despite high ambition, the story doesn’t leave a lasting emotional impact.
Critics across the board reflect this sentiment, praising the performances and cinematic flair while criticizing the storytelling and pacing. Many viewers hail O’Romeo as a compelling experience filled with memorable moments, whereas others label it underwhelming and structurally flawed. This sharp divide has sparked lively conversations online.
Ultimately, O’Romeo is a bold, stylistic film anchored by Shahid Kapoor’s powerhouse turn and a committed ensemble cast. Yet the film struggles to balance its poetic brutality with cohesive storytelling, making it fascinating to dissect even if it doesn’t fully satisfy. For fans of performance-driven cinema and Bhardwaj’s unique vision, there’s much to admire; but for those seeking a tighter narrative, its flaws might be hard to overlook.
