O’ Romeo (2026)

O’ Romeo 2026: a gangster romance from Vishal Bhardwaj

O’ Romeo 2026 is a Hindi-language film that sits between a love story and a crime thriller. Its setting is Bombay in 1995, and its central figure is a contract killer nicknamed Ustara, played by Shahid Kapoor. The nickname refers to the straight razor he reportedly uses in his work. Opposite him is Triptii Dimri as a woman whose grief has turned into a plan for revenge.

The title is a clear wink at Shakespeare, and the film's own framing leans on the idea of forbidden attraction between people on opposite sides of a violent world. That is a familiar promise, but the interest lies in how a director with a literary background handles it. Credits list Vishal Bhardwaj as director, co-writer of the screenplay (with Rohan Narula) and composer, with Gulzar writing the lyrics.

The story is described as partly inspired by Hussain Zaidi's non-fiction book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, which explores women who gained influence in the city's underworld. Treat this as an inspiration rather than a documentary account; the characters and events on screen are a fictional treatment.

Release date and where to watch

According to the film's Wikipedia entry, O’ Romeo reached cinemas on 13 February 2026, a Valentine's weekend slot; earlier announcements had pointed to 14 February. Its runtime is listed at 178 minutes, which makes it a long sit, and the CBFC certificate is listed as A, meaning it is for adults only.

For home viewing, the same source lists Amazon Prime Video as the streaming platform, with an OTT date of 10 April 2026. Streaming catalogues and regional availability change, so check the platform's own listing before you plan an evening around it.

Cast and crew worth knowing

Beyond the two leads, the listed cast includes Nana Patekar as DCP Ismail Khan, Avinash Tiwary as Jalaluddin Shah and Farida Jalal as Dadi. Tamannaah Bhatia, Vikrant Massey and Disha Patani are credited with special appearances. Sajid Nadiadwala produces, Ben Bernhard handles cinematography and Aarif Sheikh edits.

The Bhardwaj-Shahid pairing is the obvious talking point, since the two have worked together before on earlier crime-and-conflict dramas. Bhardwaj is also known for adapting classic stories into Indian settings, so the Romeo reference is worth reading as part of his usual method rather than a gimmick.

What to expect and who it suits

We have not watched the film, so this is an overview and not a verdict. Going by the credits, expect a slow-burn mood piece with violence, 1990s Bombay texture and a Gulzar-penned soundtrack, rather than a quick-cut action film. The A certificate and the near three-hour length suggest an intense, unhurried experience.

It should suit viewers who follow Bhardwaj's earlier work, enjoy period crime stories and are comfortable with graphic content. If you prefer lighter Valentine's viewing, this is probably not the film for you.