Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Vishal Bhardwaj Films LLP’s O’Romeo (A) is a violent love story.
Ustara (Shahid Kapoor), a womaniser, works as a contract killer for IB officer Ismail Khan (Nana Patekar). One day, Afshan (Tripti Dimri) approaches him and offers him a contract to kill four persons — Jalal (Avinash Tiwari), police inspector Pathare (Rahul Deshpande), underworld don Shankar (Rohit Pathak) and lawyer Ansari (Resh Lamba). At first, Ustara declines her offer but he gradually gets drawn to her and her cause. Why does Afshan want the four guys murdered? Does she succeed in her mission? Does Ustara help her?
Inspired by true events, the story is written by Hussain Zaidi. The story has a lot of masala and it has been written in a very engaging and interesting style. Rohan Narula and Vishal Bhardwaj have penned a screenplay which is not just fast-paced but which also has plenty of twists and turns. There’s so much happening that the viewers feel invested in the drama as if it is unfolding in front of their eyes in real life. The drama has a number of light moments, romance, lot of action, and a dash of emotions too. The comedy is beautifully integrated in the tension-ridden drama too, besides being a part of the tension-free portions. Climax should’ve been better. Vishal Bhardwaj’s dialogues are outstanding. The liberal use of four-letter words and obscene dialogues will go down well with the masses.
Shahid Kapoor is outstanding in the role of Ustara and lives the character. This will rate as one of his best performances so far. He is equally at ease in serious, dramatic, melodramatic, action and romantic scenes. His dances are to die for. Undoubtedly, he is one of the best dancers of Bollywood. Tripti Dimri delivers a first-rate performance as Afshan. She has done full justice to her complex character. She looks beautiful too and has danced gracefully. Nana Patekar gives an uninhibited and spirited performance as IB officer Ismail Khan. Avinash Tiwari makes a lovely mark as Jalal. His physique is well exploited. Rahul Deshpande is terrific as police inspector Pathare. His classical singing track is entertaining. Rohit Pathak is suitably menacing as Shankar. Resh Lamba leaves a mark as lawyer Ansari. Hussain Dalal is extraordinary as Ustara’s closest pal, Chhotu. Farida Jalal makes her mark as Dadi. Vikrant Massey is superb in a special appearance as Mehboob. Tamannaah shines in a special appearance as Rabia. Disha Patani exudes oomph in a dance number in a special appearance. Aroona Irani makes her presence felt in a special appearance. Anubha Fatehpuria is terrific as Shilpa Chachi. Sarthak Khurana is impactful as Anwar Ali. Chahat Tejwani (as young Afshan), Arrian Sawant (as young Mehboob), Shaurya Shah (as Meerasi), Karunakar Dubey (as Lamb Chop), Allauddin Khan (as Bhagheera), Gourav Sharma (as Ram), Goutam Sharma (as Shyam), Shiv Kanungo (as Kaka Machchi), Alok Jain (as Jayesh Duggal), Natasha Bharadwaj (as Nargis), and the others provide lovely support.
Vishal Bhardwaj’s direction is brilliant. He has narrated the drama in a very engaging manner. His brilliance is evident in a number of scenes. Vishal Bhardwaj’s music is lovely. The Oopar paan ki dukaan and Ishq hua songs are the best, the first being a lovely dance number, and the other being very melodious. The other songs are tuneful. Gulzar’s lyrics are fantastic. Song picturisatonis (by Jani Master, Sumeet Nagdev and Kunal Omprakash Tavri) are truly terrific. Vishal Bhardwaj’s background music is fantastic. Ben Bernhard’s cinematography is outstanding. Action and stunt scenes (by Dani Del Rosario and Vikram Dahiya) may be gruesome but they will appeal to the masses. Mustafa Stationwala’s production designing is good. Aarif Sheikh’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, O’Romeo is an entertaining fare and will do well in spite of the start being less than expected.
Released on 13-2-’26 at Inox (daily 9 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity: good. Opening: fair. …….Also released all over. Opening was fairly good at most of the places.
