Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Rating: ***
Reuniting the powerhouse duo of Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor (after Kaminey, Haider, and Rangoon), "O’ Romeo" is a film that bleeds poetry and violence in equal measure. Released today to high anticipation, the film is a operatic gangster drama that adapts a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai.
It is not an easy watch—it is visceral, loud, and unapologetically brutal (rated 'A' for a reason). While the runtime of nearly three hours tests your patience, the sheer audacity of the filmmaking and Shahid Kapoor’s career-defining performance make it a cinematic event.
The Plot: Love in the Time of Gang Wars
Set in the gritty underbelly of Mumbai, the story follows Hussain Ustara (Shahid Kapoor), a stone-hearted contract killer and gang leader known for using a razor (ustara) as his weapon of choice. His life is a cycle of bloodshed until he crosses paths with Afshan (Triptii Dimri), a woman whose innocence pierces through his hardened exterior.
What begins as a transaction—Afshan seeking his help—spirals into a dark, obsessive romance. However, their love is doomed from the start, caught in the crossfire of rival gangs. Standing in their way is the ruthless don Ismail Khan (Nana Patekar) and his erratic henchman Jalal (Avinash Tiwary). The narrative is a Shakespearean tragedy wrapped in the grime of Mumbai’s streets, exploring how far a man will go to protect the one thing that makes him feel human.
Performances
Shahid Kapoor as Ustara:
Shahid is ferocious. He embraces the madness of Ustara with a terrifying intensity. Whether he is slashing throats or gazing longingly at Triptii, he commands every frame. It is a physical performance—his body language shifts from predator to protector seamlessly. This ranks right alongside his work in Haider.
Triptii Dimri as Afshan:
Triptii is the soul of the film. She holds her own against Shahid’s manic energy, delivering a performance that is quiet yet powerful. Her transformation from a vulnerable girl to a woman who understands the cost of loving a monster is heartbreaking.
The Villains (Nana Patekar & Avinash Tiwary):
Nana Patekar returns to his roots, delivering lines with that signature fiery cadence that only he can master. He is menacing without lifting a finger.
Avinash Tiwary is unrecognizable and terrifying as the unhinged rival, proving once again that he is one of the most underrated actors of this generation.
Supporting Cast:
Farida Jalal as the foul-mouthed Dadi provides unexpected comic relief, while Vikrant Massey leaves a mark in a crucial special appearance.
Direction and Writing
Vishal Bhardwaj creates a world that is visually stunning but morally decaying.
The Good: The dialogue is sharp, blending street slang with poetic Urdu. The action sequences are choreographed like a dance—brutal but rhythmic. Bhardwaj explores themes of revenge and redemption with a depth that most commercial potboilers lack.
The Bad: The film suffers from indulgence. At nearly three hours, the second half drags significantly. There are sequences that feel repetitive, and the relentless violence might be exhausting for some viewers.
Technical Aspects
Music: A Vishal Bhardwaj musical is always a treat. The track "Aashiqon Ki Colony" is an instant earworm, while the melancholic "Dil Musafir" haunts you long after the credits roll. The background score is grand and ominous.
Cinematography: The camera captures Mumbai not just as a city, but as a character—claustrophobic, dirty, yet strangely beautiful.
Box Office & Reception
Opening: The film has taken a solid start at the box office, benefitting from the Valentine's Day weekend crowd.
Audience Pulse: It is polarizing. "Class" audiences and critics are lauding the craft, while the "Mass" audience is enjoying the action but complaining about the length.
Final Word
Watch it if: You are a fan of dark, intense cinema and want to witness Shahid Kapoor in top form. It is a visual and auditory treat for those who appreciate filmmaking craft.
Skip it if: You are faint-hearted or prefer breezy, light-hearted romances. This is a heavy, violent tragedy.
Highlights:
Shahid Kapoor’s "Ustara" act.
The chemistry between the leads.
Vishal Bhardwaj’s music and dialogue.
Lowlights:
Excessive runtime.
Graphic violence (not for families).
