"Cinema is a mirror which also reflects social hypocrisy-- even abuses have poetry ?", insists Vishal Bharadwaj at trailer launch of 'showman' Sajid Nadiadwala’s O’Romeo starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri !! By Sr. Journalist Chaitanya Padukone

"Despite the underworld action-violence backdrop, and bold shock-value-dialogues and abuses," our movie 'O Romeo' is essentially also an intense unrequited love-story, " insists Nine Times National Film Award Winner director-writer-composer Vishal Bharadwaj. The movie has hero Shahid Kapoor playing gangster Ustara and heroine Triptii Dimri playing Afshaan!

There are lovers, there are aashiqs, and then there are Romeos — whose love stories are intense, dangerous, and impossible to forget. O’Romeo introduces audiences to one such kaafi hatke Romeo: Ustara — raw, untamed, and deeply conflicted — a tough gangster shaped by love and violence, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor in a commanding new avataar.

Amid thunderous buzz and anticipation, the grand trailer of O’Romeo was unveiled in spectacular style, with showman producer Sajid Nadiadwala, iconic director Vishal Bhardwaj, and stars Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, and acclaimed actress Farida Jalal in Daadi-Ammi character ( grandmother)  in attendance. All eyes now turn to its grand Valentine’s Week theatrical release on  Friday, 13 February 2026.!

The trailer offers a gripping glimpse into a world driven by passion, power, and survival, set against the shadowy underbelly of Mumbai. Inspired by true events, this Vishal Bhardwaj directorial weaves together romance, action, and emotional depth with his signature storytelling style. Backed by Sajid Nadiadwala, O’Romeo brings scale, intensity, and narrative ambition to the screen.

The film features a distinguished ensemble cast including Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Farida Jalal, Disha Patani, with Vikrant Massey in a special appearance. O’Romeo is slated for a Pan-India theatrical release on 13th February 2026, during Valentine’s Week. Incidentally, Sajid-bhai's birthday is on (Feb 18th), four days after Valentine's Day ( Feb 14th)

Striking dialogues such as “Hum aapke hain kaun? Madhuri Dixit,” “Jab kahunga, nachna padega,” “Ustara se panga nahi lene ka,” and “Shareer se aatma katke le jaata hai” leave a lasting impact, while the evocative background score heightens the tension and emotional gravity of the narrative !. 

Star- actors Shahid Kapoor ( of superhit 'Kabir Singh' fame)  and Triptii Dimri ( of mega-hit  'Animal' fame) launched the trailer of O'Romeo in Mumbai on Wednesday (Jan 21). While the trailer drew a largely positive response, a section of viewers questioned its heavy use of expletives and violence. Responding to the criticism, frank-natured director Vishal Bhardwaj described the film as “a love story with a violent backdrop” and opposed censoring abusive language. Calling cinema “a mirror”, he said such elements reflect society, adding that “abuses have poetry-- if used properly"--, a trait often seen in his films. We are quite often a hypocritical society. Because when provoked, we openly utter vulgar abuses, while on the road or but when it comes to Cinema, we prefer not to have abusive dialogues on-screen in movies," grouses outspoken Vishal.

Veteran acclaimed actor Nana Patekar seemed peeved yet gracefully walked out of the O’Romeo trailer launch event after a long patientlywait of over 60  minutes for Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri! An incident that soon caught everyone’s attention and has gone viral! Nana made an impactful entry at around 12 noon and was present as the event got underway. However, Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri arrived only around 1:30 pm and went on to unveil the film’s trailer.

Reacting to the event, the director of the film, Vishal Bhardwaj, said, “Nana Patekar apne signature style mein utthe aur kahaa ki mujhe Ek Ghanta ( one hour) wait karwaya-- aur phir chale gaye. Humey bura nahi laga because we know.. That's what makes Nana Patekar the Nana Patekar "!

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Vishal also clarified at the trailer launch, “There is a famous book called Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Author Hussain Zaidi has written that story. I took the official rights of that story and made a film on it. I didn't think because that story is based on that story. The characters are the same, but there is a lot of fiction in it. Author Hussain Zaidi must have taken that permission or should have taken it. I didn't think I needed it because it's based on a story which is part of a book. The film didn't happen before, and it's finally happened now. It has taken me nearly ten years for this film 'O Romeo' to finally materialize," disclosed Bharadwaj.

The trailer also hints at dynamic moments featuring macho actor-dancer Shahid Kapoor and vivacious Disha Patani, also apparently is also performing to sensuous item-dance songs, adding energy and flair to the storytelling.

At its core, O’Romeo is highlighted by the compelling chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri and bold shock-value dialogues, a relationship expressed through silences, restrained emotions, and unspoken longing. Their intense bond brings vulnerability and depth to this gritty tale of love and survival. 

It was really heartening for the media to note how the frank, honest Tripti Dimri acknowledged the acting tips, guidance, and encouragement given by her "Laila Majnu' co-star, helpful hero Avinash Tewary, during her initial acting-career phase, when she was very nervous! This time, Avinash plays the villain-antagonist in 'O Romeo'  ( their third film as co-stars)!

Enhancing the film’s emotional landscape is the powerful collaboration of composer Vishal Bhardwaj with Arijit Singh and Gulzar-saab's lyrical music that resonates with the film’s intense and poetic tone.

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Showman producer Sajid Nadiadwala presents O’Romeo, a film by Vishal Bhardwaj, produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Releasing theatrically on 13th February 2026_

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Despite the strict tight security cordon at the *O' Romeo* movie trailer launch, showman producer Sajid Nadiadwala proved his sentimental humility, after the event was over. As soon as he spotted me from a distance, he stopped and warmly greeted me, and we chatted freely. It was a humbling, emotional moment for me.  Because I was meeting him personally after a gap of over 15 years. Way back, when producer Sajid-bhai started his career in 1992 with the movie Zulm Ki Hukumat, I would often meet him for media interviews, and we shared a warm bonding. Many years later, with heavy security always escorting him, I would never get to meet him. What touched me emotionally that Sajid- bhai is still the same friendly, modest, witty producer whom i knew three decades ago !.