O' Romeo (2026) Review: Vishal Bhardwaj's Stylish, Uneven Mumbai Gangster Tale

This O' Romeo review looks at Vishal Bhardwaj's latest trip into India's criminal underbelly, a Hindi-language action crime drama set in post-independence Mumbai. It has a strong cast, a distinctive look and a romantic streak running through the violence. Whether that is enough to carry nearly three hours is another question.

O' Romeo Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The film opens in the decades after independence, when Mumbai's underworld is taking shape. Shahid Kapoor plays Ustara, a rising figure in that world, and the plot follows him and the people pulled into his orbit. A romantic thread, anchored by Triptii Dimri's Afsha, runs alongside the gang business.

The story is credited to Hussain Zaidi, based on his book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Bhardwaj and Rohan Narula wrote the screenplay. I am keeping this to the setup, because the film's best moments come from watching the relationships tighten.

If you like crime movie reviews, the territory will feel familiar, but the period setting gives it some texture.

What Works in O' Romeo

The film's biggest asset is its visual style. Mumbai's streets, alleys and shadows are staged with care, and the era feels lived in rather than dressed up. Critics broadly praised the look of the film, and it is easy to see why.

The performances are the other draw. Filmfare said the film is held together by its acting, and I agree. The cast gives the material more weight than the script always earns.

• Atmosphere: the post-independence setting feels vivid and moody.

• Genre blend: action, crime and romance sit side by side without cancelling each other out.

• Lead turns: Kapoor in particular carries scenes that might otherwise sag.

O' Romeo Cast and Performances

Shahid Kapoor is the centre of the film as Ustara. Several reviewers singled out his performance, and it is the main reason to stay engaged. He plays menace and vulnerability in the same breath.

Triptii Dimri brings warmth and nerve to Afsha, the film's romantic anchor. Avinash Tiwary plays Jalal, and Nana Patekar plays Ismail Khan, a veteran presence who lends the underworld scenes some gravity. Disha Patani appears as Julie, and Farida Jalal plays Dadi.

The O' Romeo cast is the film's safety net. Even when a scene feels stretched, the actors make it watchable.

Where O' Romeo Stumbles

The problem is the writing. Bollywood Hungama called it uneven, and several other critics said the film loses momentum in the second half. At roughly 178 minutes, the story has room to wander, and it does.

The music also divides opinion. News18 praised it, while Bollywood Hungama found the soundtrack ordinary. I fall closer to the second camp: the songs fit the mood but rarely linger.

Critical reception has been mixed overall. Rotten Tomatoes lists a 46% Tomatometer from 13 reviews, and IMDb users give it 5.8/10. Scores range from enthusiastic to harsh, with Deccan Herald at 1.5 out of 5 and News18 at 4 out of 5.

Is O' Romeo Worth Watching?

Yes, if you go for the performances and the style, but go in expecting a long and uneven film. It is not Bhardwaj at his sharpest. It does have enough atmosphere and acting to reward patient viewers.

The O' Romeo release date was 13 February 2026. It carries India's adults-only "A" certificate from the CBFC, so it is not one for younger viewers. You can check the IMDb page for O' Romeo for full credits and user ratings.

If the romance-meets-gangster mix appeals, it is worth a try. If you want a tight thriller, you may feel the length. For something faster in the same space, try our action movie reviews.

Who Will Enjoy O' Romeo

• Fans of Vishal Bhardwaj's earlier crime dramas who can forgive a loose structure.

• Viewers who like period gangster stories with a romantic edge.

• Anyone who wants to see Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri and Nana Patekar share the screen.