O Romeo Review: Shahid Kapoor Shines, But Vishal Bhardwaj’s Film Loses Grip in Second Half

February 14, 2026: When Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj announced their new film, fans were excited. Their past collaborations, like Haider and Kaminey, were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Expectations for O Romeo were high, and the first half delivers with energy and tension. Unfortunately, the second half loses momentum and fails to maintain the same grip.

O Romeo is very much inspired by Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Vishal Bhardwaj adapts the characters freely. Shahid Kapoor plays Ustara, a gangster who becomes a ‘Romeo’ after falling for Triptii Dimri’s Afshan. Afshan’s husband, played by Vikrant Massey, is killed by Jalal (Avinash Tiwary), and the story follows love, revenge, and how Ustara and Afshan navigate their paths.

Bhardwaj’s direction brings his signature poetic style. Romance unfolds slowly, and violence feels almost mystical. Cinematography and visuals are strong, and the first half keeps viewers engaged with tension and action. But the second half stretches scenes unnecessarily. The twists and drama, though present, fail to create the same impact as before.

Performances That Shine

Shahid Kapoor is outstanding as Ustara, balancing intensity with vulnerability. Triptii Dimri’s Afshan is haunting, reminiscent of her performance in Bulbbul. Nana Patekar as Ismail Khan delivers his scenes with sincerity, while Avinash Tiwary’s physical transformation as Jalal makes his presence threatening yet subtly emotional. Rahul Deshpande as Inspector Jayant Pathare is convincingly villainous. Supporting roles from Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal, and Aruna Irani add depth and charm.

Music and Poetry

Love in Bhardwaj films is never simple, and O Romeo follows the same pattern. Arijit Singh’s voice adds a hypnotic depth, blending seamlessly with the narrative. Dialogues carry weight, like Jalal’s line: “Jalal ki mohabbat hi mehengi hain, ranjhish mat kharid lena”, revealing character without exposition. While the songs and poetry enhance the story, attempts to make it a gripping thriller sometimes confuse the narrative.

Where the Film Falters

The cracks appear quietly in the second half. Scenes drag, the screenplay loosens, and emotional arcs lose impact. The balance between love and violence, which works well early, begins to feel uneven. Twists stop surprising, and the promise of layered storytelling doesn’t fully materialize.

Final Verdict

O Romeo has the mood, performances, and poetic touches expected from Vishal Bhardwaj. Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri keep the audience invested, and the music lingers. Yet, the film doesn’t fully hold together, especially in the latter half, where writing and pacing weaken. Beautiful and ambitious, but not completely satisfying.

Rating: 2.5 / 5 stars