‘O Romeo’ Trailer Released: Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri Set the Screen Ablaze with a Dark Love Story

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

Director Vishal Bhardwaj had been trying to make this film for nearly a decade. Initially, the project was titled Sapna Didi and was based on a story from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, published in 2011. This is the same book that inspired Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2022 film Gangubai Kathiawadi. Interestingly, a web series titled Ek Thi Begum, available on MX Player, was also inspired by the same book and storyline.

When Vishal Bhardwaj first conceptualized the film, it was planned with Irrfan Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. However, due to Irrfan Khan’s untimely demise, the project was shelved. Over the years, several actors came and went, and now the film is finally set to release on February 13 under the title O Romeo. The film stars Shahid Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Vikrant Massey.

On January 21, the trailer of O Romeo was launched at PVR ICON multiplex in Mumbai and has been receiving an overwhelming response. During the event, several interesting revelations came to light.

A Story of Love, Obsession, and Violence

O Romeo is a gripping tale where love, passion, and violence collide — a story that both shakes the heart and sends chills down the spine. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the trailer opens with a powerful dialogue:
“Don’t mess with Ustra… he cuts the soul from the body!” Right from the start, it becomes clear that this is not just a love story, but a dangerous battle of love, power, and survival.

Shahid Kapooris seen in the role of Ustra, a gangster torn between love and brutality. His character is raw, volatile, and emotionally broken. This intense new avatar is being considered one of the most impactful performances of Shahid’s career, with anger, pain, and love all reflected in his eyes.
Tripti Dimri stars opposite Shahid Kapoor, and their chemistry is deeply moving even with minimal dialogue. Their relationship unfolds through silence and unspoken emotions — beautiful yet dangerous. The trailer also features glamorous and energetic sequences with Disha Patani, adding visual appeal and momentum.

Nana Patekar’s Powerful Presence

As the trailer progresses, Nana Patekar makes a striking entry. His dialogues leave a lasting impression, including lines like “Hum aapke hain kaun? Madhuri Dixit” and “Jab kahunga, naachna padega.” The background score intensifies the emotional and dramatic tension.
Set in the dark underbelly of Mumbai’s underworld, O Romeo showcases power struggles, bloodshed, and emotional conflicts. The film is inspired by real events, adding realism and gravity to its narrative.

Vishal Bhardwaj on Controversies and Creative Freedom

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Addressing the media, Vishal Bhardwaj clarified that O Romeo is not Sapna Didi. He explained that the story has gone through multiple drafts and transformations over ten years. While inspired by real events, the film includes significant fictional elements.
Speaking about the controversy surrounding Hussain Ustra’s family, Vishal stated that the film is based on the rights legally acquired from Hussain Zaidi’s book. Hence, no additional permission was required.
On the subject of violence and abusive language in the film, Vishal Bhardwaj remarked: “Society is hypocritical, and cinema is a mirror. We accept abuses on the streets but object to them in films. Cinema doesn’t corrupt or reform society — it only reflects what already exists.”

Nana Patekar Leaves the Event Early

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An unusual moment occurred during the trailer launch when Nana Patekar left the venue after waiting for nearly an hour. Commenting on this, Vishal Bhardwaj said affectionately, “That’s Nana being Nana. He has that mischievous child inside him who entertains everyone.”

OTT Has Changed the Game

Vishal Bhardwaj also spoke about how OTT platforms have disrupted the balance of filmmaking, stating that while corporates were once blamed, OTT has changed the ecosystem significantly. He mentioned that making a film like Haider would be nearly impossible today.

Tripti Dimri Credits Avinash Tiwary

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Tripti Dimri, who began her career with Laila Majnu opposite Avinash Tiwary, credited him for motivating her to learn acting seriously. She shared that she learned the basics of acting because of his encouragement. Vishal Bhardwaj revealed that he selected Tripti after watching her performances in Bulbbul, Qala, and Animal.

Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj’s Creative Bond

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Praising Shahid Kapoor, Vishal Bhardwaj said that after four films together, they understand each other deeply. Shahid added humorously,
“Vishal sir praises you privately but strips you down publicly — that’s his sense of humor.”
Both emphasized the creative growth and challenges they experience while working together.

Music That Elevates the Film

The musical trio of Vishal Bhardwaj, Gulzar, and Arijit Singh is set to create magic once again. The music promises to elevate the film’s pain, passion, and poetic depth.

Final Word

O Romeo is not just a film — it is an intense experience where love becomes a weapon and violence becomes an expression of emotion.

Presented by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, O Romeo stars Shahid Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Farida Jalal, and Disha Patani, with Vikrant Massey in a special appearance.