O Romeo has finally hit theatres, marking the fourth collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor after Kaminey, Haider and Rangoon. Inspired by a chapter from Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the A-certified gangster romance opened on February 13 with strong curiosity, intense social media chatter and early reactions that suggest a film driven more by mood, performance and emotional turbulence than straightforward action spectacle.
Early moviegoer reactions have largely centered on Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Hussain Ustara, a ruthless contract killer navigating obsession, power and vulnerability within Mumbai’s underworld. Several viewers have described the opening stretch as explosive and stylistically mounted, praising Bhardwaj’s ability to create a dark, textured world that feels both poetic and violent. The film reportedly begins on a maximal gangster note, and audiences have pointed out how the tension builds visually before erupting into brutality. A Madhuri Dixit dance sequence has also generated significant buzz online, with fans calling it one of the film’s aesthetic high points.
At the same time, reactions indicate that the film demands patience. With a runtime of 178 minutes — making it one of the lengthiest films of Shahid Kapoor’s career — discussions around pacing have emerged almost immediately. A section of viewers feels the first half is deliberately slow, investing heavily in character arcs, atmosphere and emotional groundwork. Others argue that this slow burn pays off in the second half, where confrontations intensify and the narrative escalates into high-voltage emotional and physical conflict. The general consensus among early audiences seems to be that the film finds its true rhythm post-interval.
Industry insiders who attended special screenings have responded enthusiastically. Filmmaker Homi Adajania described the film as “love and gore galore,” praising Bhardwaj’s storytelling and calling Shahid Kapoor “so good.” He also singled out Triptii Dimri as “so watchable,” reflecting the broader appreciation for the film’s performances. Shahid’s wife, Mira Rajput, shared an emotional note calling Bhardwaj a “genius of finesse” and writing for Shahid, “Your best yet. Not a beat that missed.” While these are not formal critic reviews, they have contributed to the positive early narrative surrounding the film.
Among the first structured reviews to emerge, the tone leans cautiously positive. One early critique describes O Romeo as a dark, performance-driven romantic thriller that balances violence with emotional complexity, particularly in its second half. Shahid Kapoor’s performance is being widely praised for capturing both menace and fragility, with observers noting how he anchors the film’s emotional weight even when the narrative leans into familiar gangster tropes. Triptii Dimri’s portrayal has been appreciated for combining ferocity with vulnerability, while veterans like Nana Patekar are said to leave an impact even in limited screen time.
There are, however, early reservations. Some viewers feel the film revisits well-worn underworld themes without significantly reinventing them. Others question whether the near-three-hour runtime is fully justified. Discussions around the censor board modifications — including trimmed violent visuals and dialogue alterations — have also entered the conversation, adding to the film’s perception as an uncompromisingly intense project.
What is emerging clearly from these first reactions is that O Romeo is not attempting to be universally accessible. It leans into Vishal Bhardwaj’s signature blend of romance and brutality, layering obsession, revenge and emotional turmoil within a stylised crime framework. For admirers of the Shahid-Bhardwaj collaboration, the film appears to deliver the tonal intensity they associate with Haider. For others, the measured pacing and familiar genre beats may prove divisive.
This is still an early snapshot. Major critic reviews from leading national publications and trade analysts are yet to fully arrive, and a broader consensus will become clearer in the coming days. For now, the early pulse suggests a moody, performance-centric gangster romance that excites many, divides some, and firmly places Shahid Kapoor back in the dark emotional territory that has often yielded his most discussed performances. A full review roundup incorporating major critical voices will follow once more reviews are published.
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