O’ Romeo Movie Review: A Dark Symphony of Love and Blood

Storyline: Inspired by a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai, O’ Romeo follows Afsha (Triptii Dimri), who seeks vengeance after her husband Mehboob Qureshi (Vikrant Massey) is murdered by underworld don Jalal (Avinash Tiwary). She hires contract killer Ustara (Shahid Kapoor), but as revenge unfolds in a world ruled by crime, unexpected love complicates their violent mission.

O’ Romeo Movie Review: With O’ Romeo, Vishal Bhardwaj once again returns to the noir-soaked terrain he mastered in Maqbool, Omkara, and Haider. Drawing from Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film blends revenge, romance, and ruthless gang warfare into a sweeping crime drama marked by visual ambition and emotional turbulence.

At its core are Ustara, a sharp-witted gangster navigating loyalty and survival, and Afsha, a grieving widow determined to avenge her husband’s murder at the hands of crime lord Jalal. What begins as a straightforward contract killing gradually spirals into a chaotic tale of bloodshed, betrayal, and conflicted emotions. The film explores how vengeance and love often coexist in morally grey spaces.

The first half moves at a measured, sometimes sluggish pace. Bhardwaj’s cinematic signature—moody frames, layered characters, and poetic violence—is evident, but the narrative takes time to find momentum. Post-interval, the story tightens, delivering gripping confrontations and well-executed action sequences choreographed by Dani Del Rosario and Vikram Dahiya. However, at nearly three hours, the film occasionally overstays its welcome, with indulgent stretches that test patience.

Visually, the film is striking. Cinematographer Ben Bernhard crafts memorable sequences, including a stylised action scene set to “Dhak Dhak,” a visually rich Nepal segment, a dramatic bullfight in Spain, and a haunting masquerade ball. Bhardwaj’s music adds emotional depth—“Hum To Tere Hi Liye The,” bringing together Gulzar, Bhardwaj, and Arijit Singh, lingers long after the credits, while the background score amplifies the film’s brooding mood.

Shahid Kapoor delivers one of his most assured performances, reuniting with Bhardwaj after Kaminey and Haider. He brings intensity and nuance to Ustara, seamlessly balancing menace, vulnerability, and even moments of humour. Triptii Dimri holds her own as Afsha, portraying grief and simmering rage with restraint. Avinash Tiwary makes a strong impact as Jalal despite limited screen time. Nana Patekar (Inspector Ismail Khan) and Tamannaah Bhatia (Rabia) leave lasting impressions in brief roles, while Vikrant Massey feels underutilised. The supporting cast adds authenticity, especially in the camaraderie-filled gangster scenes.

Verdict: Despite pacing issues that demand patience, O’ Romeo stands out for its performances, atmospheric depth, and Bhardwaj’s distinctive storytelling. It is an ambitious, visually rich crime drama that rewards viewers willing to immerse themselves in its dark, operatic world.